We went and stood in line to see Barack Obama at Rhode Island College until about 1:30, then I decided to bring my younger daughter home, but the rest of my family and some friends stayed. Hopefully they are enjoying Obama live and in person right now. I’m enjoying the show via Matt Jerzyk’s live-blogging. Thanks, Matt!
In terms of the size of the crowd — all I can say is, Wow! I was told by one Obama volunteer that the auditorium could hold 8,000 with a standing room crowd. 3,000 more were not able to get in. That means somewhere in the range of 11,000 people turned out on a cold and rainy Saturday afternoon, in order to get a glimpse of Obama, to hear his message of hope, and to be part of moving our nation in a new direction.
Kmareka.com 
great commentary from matt jerzyk, i felt like i was there. i was near, actually, canvassing for obama.
Kiersten, we could not get in!
Barack came out and spoke to us for a few minutes with Patrick Kennedy standing just behind him looking like he was the happiest kid in the toy shop.
The first thing you notice about Barack is his wide smile and very cool demeanor. A tall and lanky figure that instantly captures the appearance of a leader.
We will be canvassing tomorrow afternoon.
Yeah, my family was there to hear Barack’s condensed version of his speech — sounds like he gave the outdoor crowd the basic last five minutes — the summary about RI coming together to fight with him for a better future. That was probably enough for a bunch of tired elementary school students. My daughter was still very impressed and got interviewed by a RI NPR reporter, so that made it all worthwhile.
Good for you, Andre, and Nancy, to be doing all that canvassing. You are making a big difference, maybe the critical difference that will bring an upset to RI in favor of Barack.
My elderly Dad did get in! He got there at 9:00 as a volunteer. He completely surprised me with this news because he has always been cynical about politics.
He has been canvassing in very Portuguese East Providence.
If you know anything about the Portuguese, then you know how hard that hill is to climb.
Andre, You are fortunate to have your father alive and being touched by all of this. I think if my father was alive he would be an Obama supporter.
Please, please, please .. don’t be bamboozled! Obama needs to sit this one out and actually get some work done instead of so much rhetoric. Today’s AP NAFTA story proves this. He is “politics as usual” just like Hillary, only he doesn’t have the experience (yet)!
AP Obtains Memo of Obama Aide’s NAFTA Conversation
By NEDRA PICKLER – Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jrFPkleRZmbmPtPxHBGNAPSzfUtwD8V5OLP00
Is “Nobama” really Rush?
link
Andre, I think it’s possible to support Hillary Clinton and still think that Rush Limbaugh is an abomination to any semblance to rational discussion.
I have no clue as to the identity of Nobama. But to equate him/her with Rush, with no evidence, I think requires an apology.
Rush Limbaugh is an anathema to rational thought. He used to ridicule Ted Kennedy with “funny” skits about Chappaquiddick. Nothing like using a death and family tragedy for a few yucks.
I’m reasonably certain that you meant the reference to “Rush” as a joke. But he is such a vile and despicable person. There’s nothing funny about the “Rusher.”
By the way. I know you’re a strong Obama supporter. I am an equally strong Clinton supporter. I just wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow, for even though I support Clinton I support the process more.
Game on!