An Atypical Sunday in Cleveland
November 2, 2008
Due to an unfortunate injury I experienced a few weeks ago, I haven't gotten to get out much this campaign season. Today, however, I got the opportunity to attend a rally for Barack Obama in downtown Cleveland, OH. The rally was scheduled to begin just as the Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens game was ending, and it featured a free show by "the boss" Bruce Springsteen. Below is the recap of my atypical Sunday in Cleveland.
12:15 PM - A friend, who we will call Mr. Hip, arrives at my house and we board an RTA bus destined for downtown.
1:15 PM - With a few hour to spare before the rally, Mr. Hip and I stop for lunch and watch the Browns game at the Winking Lizard.
The bar hosts quite a few Browns fans. We meet up with another friend, Nick, after lunch.
3:17 PM - The three of us enter the line at East 9th and Euclid Ave; quite a distance from the location of the rally.
4:21 PM - While in line we spot a few people selling Obama merchandise and someone hands out "sample ballots" with a list of Democratic candidates running for office in the area.
4:31 PM - Transportation Security Administration officers have been called in to operate the metal detectors at the rally.
A TSA officer later snaps a picture of Nick with a digital camera, saying "since you got a picture of me, now I've got a picture of you."
4:45 PM - Crowds are already filling Malls A, B, and C in Cleveland.
4:59 PM - We notice Secret Service officers (possibly snipers?) keeping an eye on the crowd from the top of two nearby buildings.
5:28 PM - "The boss" takes the stage for a short set.
6:03 PM - Springsteen introduces Obama, who begins his campaign speech.
6:10 PM - A few minutes into the speech rain begins pouring on the crowd. Some decide to flee for cover, but most stay to hear Obama.
6:30 PM - Obama finishes his speech, greets some people, and moves on to his next campaign destination. We stick around to capture a few final shots.
The three of us grab dinner as we wait for crowds to dissipate. After returning home I hear Rachel Madddow mention that the Cleveland rally attracted about 80,000 individuals. Based on my own anecdotes, I would guess the number to be fairly accurate. Overall an exciting and exhausting day. I can only imagine what the campaigns must be going through.
12:15 PM - A friend, who we will call Mr. Hip, arrives at my house and we board an RTA bus destined for downtown.
1:15 PM - With a few hour to spare before the rally, Mr. Hip and I stop for lunch and watch the Browns game at the Winking Lizard.
The bar hosts quite a few Browns fans. We meet up with another friend, Nick, after lunch.
3:17 PM - The three of us enter the line at East 9th and Euclid Ave; quite a distance from the location of the rally.
4:21 PM - While in line we spot a few people selling Obama merchandise and someone hands out "sample ballots" with a list of Democratic candidates running for office in the area.
4:31 PM - Transportation Security Administration officers have been called in to operate the metal detectors at the rally.
A TSA officer later snaps a picture of Nick with a digital camera, saying "since you got a picture of me, now I've got a picture of you."
4:45 PM - Crowds are already filling Malls A, B, and C in Cleveland.
4:59 PM - We notice Secret Service officers (possibly snipers?) keeping an eye on the crowd from the top of two nearby buildings.
5:28 PM - "The boss" takes the stage for a short set.
6:03 PM - Springsteen introduces Obama, who begins his campaign speech.
6:10 PM - A few minutes into the speech rain begins pouring on the crowd. Some decide to flee for cover, but most stay to hear Obama.
6:30 PM - Obama finishes his speech, greets some people, and moves on to his next campaign destination. We stick around to capture a few final shots.
The three of us grab dinner as we wait for crowds to dissipate. After returning home I hear Rachel Madddow mention that the Cleveland rally attracted about 80,000 individuals. Based on my own anecdotes, I would guess the number to be fairly accurate. Overall an exciting and exhausting day. I can only imagine what the campaigns must be going through.
I was there and it was awesome to see such a great turnout and everyone in a good mood!
OMG I was looking at your pics and I see the lady with the crazy hair that cut in front of us after we were in line for 2 hours! I can't find myself or my friend in your pics though, but it looks like you were standing right near where we were standing!
Jenni, thanks for your anecdote. We moved a few times in order to try to get a better view.