Springsteen brings out 80,000 to cheer Kerry

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20041028/ts_alt_afp/us_vote_kerry_041028194311


~snip~

Thousands of spectators packed balconies on neat wooden houses along a mile-long stretch of road climbing up the Midwest state's white Capitol, packed with what fire chiefs said was at least 80,000 people.


~snip~

"I believe Senator Kerry honours these ideas, he has lived our history for the last 50 years. He has formed an adult view of America and its people," the rocker said, as golden leaves floated from the trees onto his stage.


"The future is now, and it's time to let our passions loose," said Springsteen, clad in a simple dark jacket and blue pants, strumming his black acoustic guitar.


"I am here today to stand alongside Senator Kerry and say that the country we carry in our hearts is waiting, and together we can move America towards its deepest ideas," Springsteen after playing his song "Promised Land."

[Trajan]

1. Madison, Wisconsin ....

Im sure others will wonder too....

LOVE the Boss now .....

I was lukewarm, but always respected his seminal artistry ....

Now ? ... The Boss RAWKS ! .....

Same goes for John Mellencamp ....

[leftchick]

5. and this fella too....

:loveya:

[freetobegay]

2. Well he is the BOSS!

[JoFerret]

86. A working class hero called The Boss

- always had a problem with that.

Anyway: Kerry in a landslide.

[alittlelark]

3. The headline should have said "Kerry brings out 80,000

to see Springsteen" They MSM hate the fact that Kerry is getting huge crowds - with or without celebrities, whereas the sh*rub has small selected audiences that the cameras have 'spin' to make look significant in any way.:puke:

[rabbit2484]

I would say 80-90%

of the people had either Kerry shirts or signs. Awesome event, glad it was here. I didn't hear anyone say they were pissed the Boss only played two songs. If they were there for him, I thought they would have been pissed and left. I saw no one leave until Kerry was done.

[jugami]

17. Agreed

I was there and it was spectacular. The fact that Bruce only played two songs and nobody complained shows what the crowd wanted, a great eprfprmance by John Kerry. That is exactly what we got (plus a real nice speech by Feingold). I have never been involved with a crowd that big. Estimates here put the overall crowd at 100,000+ citing that on 80,000 were actually on W. Wash with 20,000 on the side streets. It was truly an awesome event.

[JerseygirlCT]

67. Be realistic

Springsteen can go anywhere and attract that number of people. This is the guy who sold out 10 performances in Giant Stadium.

That takes nothing away from Kerry, or from the crowds (huge) that he is drawing. Just like having Clinton with him the other day takes nothing away from him.

Don't try to turn it into some weird popularity contest. Kerry sure doesn't seem to see it that way. Most likely Bruce did pull a great many people in. But they stayed to listen, and that's the really important thing.

[Sugarbleus]

4. Frankly, I'm Thunderstruck by all the great people coming

out to support Kerry. I saw this rally at the beginning..when Bruce did his first song. IT WAS MAGNIFICENT!!

I'm encouraged beyond beyond..:bounce:

[Tuttle]

6. kick n/t

Tut-tut

[dArKeR]

7. We can be heros forever

[onehandle]

8. I sure hope all these folks signed their Loyalty Oaths. nt

[cubsfan forever]

9. LOL n/t

Professor 2

[Kellis]

10. Dave Ghrol

of the Foo Fighters was there too!"Times Like These"-amazing song!!!!

I got chills watching Kerry bound up on stage and listening to him talk.

Go Kerry GOOOOO!!!!!!

[gristy]

16. Welcome to DU, Kellis!

:hi:
I'm going to see Kerry in Manchester, NH on Sunday.

[hippiechick]

80. Lordy I LOVES Dave Grohl !!!

:loveya: Wish I could have been there !!! :loveya:


:hippie:

[progressivebydesign]

11. Gawd.. we've all become ZOMBIES, haven't we?????????

I read that article earlier, and its snide headline. Oh, and actually, 80k showed up, 20k MORE were trying to get in. That's 100k.

Okay.. here's th ZOMBIE part: Since WHEN do DUers read an article like that and NOT comment on these parts:

<<And the presence of Springsteen, or a desire to pander to young people in the crowd, seemed to bring out a rebellious streak in Kerry.>> Pander? Excuse me?? PANDER???? No ONE here has mentioned that part. Sheesh.

<<Kerry's aides watched the show with huge smiles, no doubt thinking of the saturatation local media coverage the rally will bring, as their candidate battles..>> THIS is journalism? "no doubt thinking of the satuaration..." Sheesh.

So.. are we all SOOO used to being shit on like that by the media, that NO ONE noticed Kerry was accused of "PANDERING" to youth? And the other paragraph, well that just is so freakin' unprofessional and WRONG in a "NEWS" article. But we don't notice that anymore.. do we?

The article was a SLASH job on Kerry..

[leftchick]

12. the writer tried for sure....

Absolute shit reporting but I came away from it remembering the Boss and Kerry's quotes and not this hack's opinions.

[Carla in Ca]

46. Read this fabulous article

It is by Tim Grieve of Salon.com
I read it three times and then I emailed him to thank him.
The story will also link you to the video.
It is one of the best articles I have ever read.

<http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2004/10/28/kerry_springsteen/index.html>

[Carolab]

15. And the spelling is atrocious as well, but

"In this quintissentially American political show, Kerry entered, beaming as he bounded up a ramp to the stage, slapping palms and punching the air, before embracing Springsteen, each step greedily recorded by hundreds of television cameras." GREEDILY??
THIS IS REALLY OFFENSIVE.

And so's this:

And the presence of Springsteen, or a desire to pander to young people in the crowd, seemed to bring out a rebellious streak in Kerry.

"I tell, you being on the campaign trail is a bit like being back in college, late nights, a lot of beer and ... cold pizza." REBELLIOUS?

And THIS:

Kerry's aides watched the show with huge smiles, no doubt thinking of the saturatation local media coverage the rally will bring, as their candidate battles Bush for every vote, in a state that could conceivably break the tie in their tantalising race for the White House. Saturatation??? THEIR TANTALISING RACE?

What miserable hack wrote this crap?

[cubsfan forever]

49. A miserable repuke hack

just as you so accurately stated. Can you smell the fear and desperation in the air wafting from the ass*****s on the far right?

Professor 2

[goforit]

13. Gooooooo.....Pennsylvania!!!!!!!!!!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

14. Where are shrubya's rock stars? No fair!

:cry:

Rove: Get me Britney Spears on the line RIGHT NOW!

[lucky777]

18. Kerry = Rude. I waited 3+ hours for Kerry to show in Columbus today!

The ticket said gates open at 4:00. My wife and I showed at 4:20. By 7:20 neither Bruce nor Kerry had showed. Local politicians tooks the stage, then left it empty. Hours passed. Nothing. Bush supporters came by and taunted us, Nothing from the Stage. Nothing, they just keeping people waiting.

This is the second time he's done this. Three weeks ago Kerry's people called the sushi bar where my wife works and requested a table for Friday, two days away. They called to confirm. They called again to move the time from 9:15 to 9:00. The day came -- a bunch of us arrived and took our seats. With fifteen minutes to go, they canceled. Bastards.

If he can't even show up on time, why the fuck should I have any faith he can run the country? It is just rude.

I'm really going to hold my nose when I vote for this arrogant fucker. God he's boring enough as it is without making us wait three hours holding our dicks. So mad at him; and he doesn't really have any good ideas . . . This one is a pure Anybody But Bush Vote on my behalf.

So don't believe the hype about his great shows.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

19. Aren't we "lucky" to have you here on DU! I guess you'll just have to

vote for shrubya as a result, heh. Sorry.

[lucky777]

22. If you want a report from someone who was there, you are 'lucky'

I don't like being made to wait 3 hours to see Kerry. He's boring enough as it is. This isn't fucking Woodstock 3-day festival. He's not a rock star. We're standing in a crowded field looking at an empty stage for hours. Is that good planning?

[maddezmom]

40. then fucking leave...sorry for the language, but for god sakes

no one made you stay there!

[ewagner]

52. Obviously you don't know

much about national campaigns..............

the logistics of these campaigns is staggering. You can plan on a long wait past the published start time ALWAYS....

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

21. Gee. I feel sorry for you.

Having to wait for THREE hours.
:eyes:
Something here stinks, and it's not the sushi.

[lucky777]

23. If you have something to say, then say it.

[Pharlo]

27. "Gates Open"

is not synonymous with "Event Start Time". If you are concerned about how much time you will need to "waste" waiting for Senator Kerry to appear, it would be advisable to contact the campaign in advance and inquire as to the scheduled "Start Time". As a general rule, add half an hour to the expected "Start Time" for the assorted vagaries of travel. (Senator Kerry logged well over 1000 miles with frequent stops today - some time discrepancies are to be expected.)

On Monday evening, he appeared in Green Bay, WI (an event I was fortunate enough to attend). "Gates Open" was set for 7:00 pm. "Event Start Time" was scheduled for 9:45 pm. Actual start time was 10:15 pm. There was a 30 minute discrepancy.

I really do not understand how you can justifiably blame Senator Kerry for your misunderstanding of the difference between "Gates open" and "Start Time".

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

29. Can't say what I want to say.

But I will say this. I was at Kerry's last Minnesota rally, (the one outside the Metrodome) and I was standing for three hours as well. You know what? I dealt with it. Campaings, Presidential Campaigns in particular, are hard to manage, even on a good day. Things can go wrong, even on the best day. Planes can have mechanical problems. Schedules can get screwed up. Cheney can sit his ass on the runway preventing any planes from landing or taking off (This happened at the Edwards rally on Labor day in St. Paul. Edwards was an hour and a half late because Crashcart wouldn't get his damn plane in the air).
These things happen. Deal with it.

[maddezmom]

42. why the hell did you wait around? and now complain about it?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

24. Not to point fingers at anyone, or anything...

[lucky777]

25. Don't stutter -- make your point in English.

Here's my message: making people wait three hours while an irate crowd circles the venue is BAD PLANNING. It reflected poorly on Kerry. It made the crowd look stupid and left us vulnerable to the huge crowd of Bush supporters. At one point a guy asked me to help him hold up a huge "BRING IT ON" sign toward the Bush protesters, but a Kerry Rep said that we had to take it down b/c it wasn't an authorized sign. So we had no outside signs, just standing there packed in waiting for Jesus Christ, sorry, John Kerry to arrive.

Do you want the truth or do you want me to say it was wonderful, great, Kerry was such a wonderful guy to arrive three hours after the gates open, what a sweetheart!

[madozone]

31. Relax

3 hours from gates open is typical. Usually the gates open two hours before the candidate is scheduled to get there. In the case of Madison today, Kerry and Bruce were 30 minutes late. From what you've said, Springsteen was to perform at 6:30 or so, and it looks like Kerry started speaking no later than 7:30 based on when photos from the Columbus rally started showing up on the net.

It isn't worth getting worked up about. He was in Toledo, Madison, and then Columbus. What should have happened was that the local party should have done a better job filling the time. It is certainly something that WisDems should have done.

You seem hell bent on making this a personal flaw of Kerry's. If he has a flaw here it is that he spent too much time talking to people and shaking hands after the Toledo and Madison rallies.

[maddezmom]

39. welcome to DU madozone!!!l

I agree with everything you said :)

[maddezmom]

37. yes, poor planning, being vulnerable

thank god your not in Iraq. :(

[lucky777]

56. Thank God "your" not running the spelling department

[maddezmom]

57. oh dear...sorry about that egregious spelling blunder

:eyes:

[Mortos]

69. I think the tone of your post

and your vitriolic attack on Kerry are what people don't like. You will win no friends here by sarcastically referring to him as a rock star, Jesus Christ and calling him arrogant, boring and whatever else you said.

This place supports Kerry wholeheartedly against Bush. If you want to bitch and throw a hissy fit because you were forced to wait for the next President of the United states, go somewhere else. We don't need whiners and crybabies here.

[lucky777]

70. I'm voting for him, what more do you want?

"Wholehearted support" does not mean BLIND support. I don't like his Iraq policy (good luck figuring it out), I can't figure out his health care policy (try reading it on his web page), I think he's a wimp for not supporting gay marriage, I don't like his support of free trade treaties that lead to sweatshops, I don't like his appeals to people that drive SUVs since I think we should tax the hell out of them, and frankly I don't trust Skull & Bones people who are sitting on lots of money. But, ok, I will vote for him. That doesn't mean that everything he does is fine. I'm entitled to my opinion, right?

[Judi Lynn]

72. If you view Kerry and his plans for his Presidency with such rancor

why did you venture out to stand in a crowd to hear him?

I wouldn't consider going to a _Bush speech, as I'm neither interested in seeing him, not remotely, nor would I want to be around any of the mentally unbalanced, overstimulated, confused people who would go out to support him.

What's in it for ya? Too much time on your hands?

[lucky777]

74. No, I'm a law professor with a civil rights practice on the side, and

I'm very active in scholarship, so it's not like I have too much time on my hands. That's precisely the point, I don't like having my time wasted.

[Judi Lynn]

77. Are you sure you have enough time available

to post anti-Kerry harrangues at a Democratic site just before the election?



Either you're with us, or you're against............

[Mortos]

83. You didn't answer the question, Professor.

Why would someone who obviously can't stand Kerry go to see him give a speech. You have stated that you dislike him and his policies, find him boring and arrogant. Why would you waste your time to hear him speak?

Just for my interest, who did you support in this election prior to Kerry winning the nomination. I supported Dean but will now proudly cast my vote for John Kerry, not because he is not Bush, but because he is an outstanding human being and will make an excellent leader.

[RetroLounge]

84. But you are a dumb ass disruptor

with a tombstone now, so I guess you are not too smart...

Asshat...

RL

[Lady President]

26. I was there too and felt damn lucky!

Here's my experience at the Columbus rally which was completely different.

The crowd was electric! 80,000 Kerry supports standing for hours is inspirational to me. I've been a Kerry supporter since May 2003 and I remember when I there were only a handful of supporters in the city. Kerry gave an enthusiastic and thoughtful speech. Springsteen is Springsteen-- amazing. And, the "local politicians" included American hero, John Glenn. There were a some protesters, but they couldn't hold a candle to our numbers or excitement. One of the best moments for me was when the protesters yelled, "Four more years" and 80,000 people responded by chanting, "Five more days." We instantly drowned them out.

Yes, there were delays. Obviously, with that many people it takes a couple hours to get everyone inside. This is true of any rally. There was a problem with the sound system. The campaign changed the venue a few days ago so more people could attend and sound problems resulted. It was unfortunate, but the advance staffer came on stage and explained the problem. It was worth the wait.

All in all, it was exactly as most here would image.... a great night!

[carolinalady]

32. were there that many in OH? I haven't seen much on TV about it.

[0rganism]

35. Please tell the dumbass reporter that you haven't seen it much on TV

According to the author (editor?) of this extremely crappy article, "Kerry's aides watched the show with huge smiles, no doubt thinking of the saturatation local media coverage the rally will bring..."

I guess the AP is hiring telepathic reporters these days.

[Maeve]

36. Interesting...Eldest Son was on campus today

And heard music beginning at 4 pm. He had a test, so couldn't attend, but according to WBNS, a local affiliate:

Thousands of Democrats filled the South Oval at The Ohio State University Thursday night. They came to hear a Senator speak and a superstar perform.

Bruce Springsteen was singing the Democratic candidate’s praises to the packed crowd, just five days before the November 2nd election.

The raucous rally began with “The Boss.” Springsteen mixed his music with his politics, lecturing the partisan crowd on why they should vote for John Kerry.

After a few songs, the stage was set for the Senator from Massachusetts.

Kerry arrived just after 8 o’clock, and immediately slammed the Bush administration, starting with fiscal policy.
http://www.10tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2496357&nav=LUERSXDj

From nbc4, another local station we see:

Their appearance was delayed about an hour because of a power failure. The crowd, which police estimated at 25,000 and Kerry's campaign pegged at 40,000, patiently endured

http://www.nbc4i.com/politics/3871450/detail.html

[alittlelark]

41. WOW...you made it to almost 300 posts!!!

Congratulations!!!!

I'll bet your mentors are proud!!! They won't be after this post.

[Carla in Ca]

47. LOL...I'd like to see our unhappy poster

attempt even half of the schedule Kerry has endured!

[cubsfan forever]

48. We have waited 4 years for someone like Kerry

to help us take back our country, and you are complaining about waiting for three hours to see him? Relax, it's because Kerry has the voice of the people and his rallies are open to all. Contrast this with Chicken George's carefully screened loyalty oath Nazi propaganda rallies and I say one should be ecstatic to wait three hours. Unless one is...

Professor 2

[Bridget Burke]

59. As authentic as Midwestern sushi...

Extra wasabi is recommended for the muskellunge sashimi!

[demokatgurrl]

61. ASSHOLE I've BEEN at his "great shows" and it ain't hype.

Go crawl back under your rock. YOU are rude. And you smell bad too.

[lucky777]

71. Explain exactly how I am rude? You're the one using an epithet.

[geniph]

78. Kerry is NOT the one displaying arrogance here

his appearances don't have to revolve around YOUR schedule.

:eyes:

[JoFerret]

85. You were late. Missed him. Sorry

Go vote anyway.

[ace2u_in_MD]

88. Please...

So don't believe the hype about his great shows

Well, everyone who watched the Vote for Change Tour broadcast would disagree with you.

After seeing 18 shows in my lifetime, you sir are wrong. Bruce's shows are among the very best, if not THE very best.

[jugami]

20. Springsteen drank with fans

According to 92.1, our AirAmerica affiliate:

After Springsteen finished he responded to an offer posted by a college house on the street of the rally to come and get some beer. He listened to Kerry's speech with his legs up on the porch rail sitting on the deck of a college house drinking their beer. That would've been awesome, a college story that will last a lifetime.

[oldlady]

28. was at a meeting on this street

at lunch, they gave us lunch & sent us out-- yep, even the Bush voters were standing outside staring-- huge crowd, great energy. Must've been uncomfortable for them-- the one I talked to was not happy-- but, then, she was only one of two who didn't return with Kerry/Edwards buttons or signs *heehee*

peace

[RevolutionStartsNow]

30. Damn that is so cool! 80,000!

Kerry is drawing some seriously large crowds. Anyone think these people won't get out and vote? Smells like victory.

[0rganism]

33. Another poorly-written hit piece on Kerry

Gawd, can't we get any reporting where the writers don't insert their worthless opinions and baseless speculations into every goddam event? Come on, reporters, all you have to do is tell us what happened, without tacking on crap like "pandering to the youth". Fuck the media. Fuck them.

[maddezmom]

34. great photo in NYT

but of course I have no idea how to post...so here is the link

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/politics/campaign/index.html

[saigon68]

38. Here you go

[loudsue]

43. Holy shit!! Now THAT's a CROWD!!!

:yourock: Kerry rocks!! :yourock:

[maddezmom]

45. thanks saigon68

one day I'll learn how to do it myself, but for now... thanks to pals like you. :)

[cubsfan forever]

50. Thanks for the pic!

And bless you saigon68, you are a true American hero!

Professor 2

[Judi Lynn]

75. Probably no DUPLICATES in that crowd, either!

Those photos are a feast for the eyes, saigon68. Thank you.

[saigon68]

82. Didn't see any duplicates

Only the Chimp's handlers can accomplish that feat.

[realcountrymusic]

44. 3 hours ain't nothin'

I once waited almost 10 hours for Springsteen tickets, back in my own "glory days."

*You* try managing an event with 100K people in the main street of a town of maybe twice that total.

You were all there to participate in a giant photo op, not just for your own experience. I'm watching CNN now and I see Bruce rocking out and people streching off to the horizon. Every person there who waited and shouted deserves credit for more than showing up. The message was amplified a thousand fold by the size of that crowd. Madison, you done yourself proud. Even the gripers!

RCM

[lebkuchen]

51. Springsteen writes songs about social issues; Schwartzenegger flexes

The US has had quite enough of muscle-flexing, whether foreign or domestic, to last a lifetime.

[carolinalady]

53. per msnbc: Springsteen going to FL today!

[maddezmom]

54. CNN just said the same, Bruce wants to go to Miami

[carolinalady]

55. one of the things reported was that they are going to

work the crowd during the rally and encourage the attendees to go vote early! I hope it works.

[Divine Discontent]

60. just wonderful !!!!!!!!

what a CROWD, and about a certain someone who won't be posting after today I assume (heh heh), I'd like to tell them, the disgust we have with this president and his sickening policies that kill our youth, take our families member away, spoil our leadership in the world, wastes our money and then, on top of that - ALL the social issues he's f'ing up, would make ANYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY of us stand and wait for THREE BIG OL HOURS on JOHN~!! He is NOT boring, I thought he was boring in March, then I went and waited to see him 3hrs, was amazed, and went back to see him the same night in another city and waited 2 hrs, then saw him again and waited 2 hrs, and last night waited 2 hrs to see John Edwards here on the coast. You truly are a freeper, no doubt about it, or just the most impatient person known to man? If I were a bettin man, I'd go with the first.

GO KERRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[The Zug]

58. Bruce for Poet Laureate! (n/t)

[carolinalady]

62. schilling "unable" to appear with Bush today d/t doctor order

per cnbc

[maddezmom]

63. hehe

[Divine Discontent]

64. CBSNEWS.com

tune in to the website for the "delayed" of course live kerry speech, they're chanting "we want kerry" right now, and now... it's quiet again... yes, they're always behind, I don't know why, but hey, if you're there you'll be pumped after he speaks ya know? they're starting! 11:15 am

[Divine Discontent]

65. OK

if you're at work and can't see it on TV you can look online

[Divine Discontent]

73. Schilling

PLEASE!!!!!!!!

ya know, when he got his MULTI MILLION DOLLAR BONUS AFTER THE LAST OUT (yes, multi million) for winning the series - I think the thought that Bush will better protect his millions was on his mind more than winning the world series, what else could be the reason for saying what he did immediately after the game on TV

[realcountrymusic]

66. Bruce to perform at Bush rally

and sing "I'm going down!"

RCM

[L.A.dweller]

68. Too bad CA isn't swinging

[progressivebydesign]

76. I like how the Secret Service has hold of his pants!!! cute! n/t

[Sinnerman]

79. I heard it was over 100,000 Fans

[Judi Lynn]

81. Together again tonight!

From the Miami Herald:

Posted on Fri, Oct. 29, 2004
Kerry campaigns in Orlando, coming to Miami tonight with Springsteen

BY LESLEY CLARK

[e-mail]


Rocker Bruce Springsteen was a last-minute addition to John Kerry's stop in Miami tonight.

Kerry strategists said the man who has provided Kerry with his campaign theme song -- No Surrender -- told the Massachusetts senator that he doesn't want ''to wake up Wednesday'' -- the day after the election -- and wish he could have done more.

So one night after his appearance drew a crowd of more than 80,000 in Madison, Wisconsin, the Boss will take to the stage at Miami's Bayfront Park Amphitheater to rally Democrats into turning out at the polls.

The rally is free and open to the public. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and tickets are not required.
(snip/...)

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/breaking_news/10048485.htm
(Free registration is required)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Notice the last line: free, no security check, no "loyalty oath!" Are they trying to show up _Bush? Why, how dare they!

[pinniped]

87. And unlike the sorry preznut, these pics of the crowds don't...

have to be enhanced to make it appear more people were there.