Obama: Electric in Las Vegas

[illinoisprogressive]

This was written by a big Hillary fan who loves to trash Obama on her blog on an almost daily basis. To say this made my jaw drop to the floor is an understatement.

"The people in the audience definitely got it. When I asked one middle aged man if he was for Obama his response says it all. "I wasn't when I went in, but I am now. He's charismatic." Will you be voting for him? "I guess I will now," he said with a smile. I also talked to die hard fans, who left with broad smiles on their faces. One man said, "I don't need to be converted. He touched all the right bases."

I've been very critical of Obama, from his Nevada flyover to his abysmal performance at the health care forum. I also thought he was less than stellar in the MSNBC debate. His answer on a possible attack on this country not rising to what it should be. But in a stump situation I've never seen anyone better, except maybe Bill; that would be former President Clinton. Of course, going back to when politics took hold of me, there was my big brother, who was as good as any of them. He was also a pro choice Republican in Missouri, so you can imagine how long that lasted, especially once Reagan came around. But in his first race he beat a 28-year incumbent Democrat. Not too shabby.

Coming off the Clinton event on Wednesday, comparing the two event atmospheres as well as the candidates, they could not have been more different. Buttoned down, proper, well mannered, yet incredibly enthusiastic, the Clinton crowd sat in chairs on on the risers. Cheers erupted, for sure, fans adored their candidate, ecstatic to be with Clinton. Thrilling for the audience.

Then there was today. People standing everywhere in front of a riser, where Obama would speak. No chairs arranged, because there just wasn't any room; a gigantic American flag at the entrance where Obama would walk down a pathway, shaking hands as he went. When he was introduced, the crowd went berserk. Deafening. About the same number of people, though a tighter fit the way it was arranged. But there was something different today. It was pure theater as Candidate Obama walked the short path to the riser, shaking hands as he went, a huge smile on his face. This man was having a blast. Then he bounded to the stage. Athleticism. Excitement. Something new."

the ending was even more surprising for me and I just have to post it. the link will carry you to the full story:

"So bring on Rudy.

Bring on Fred. Newt? Don't make me laugh.

It won't matter.

If Obama gets to the general no one can beat him. Yes. He is that good. "

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/taylor-marsh/obama-electric-in-las-ve_b_50390.html

[msongs]

1. vote for me because I'm "charismatic" nt

[illinoisprogressive]

2. better than Vote for me because I'm programed.

[pnwmom]

6. Or vote for him because he's a brainiac who can ALSO unite people

in a positive way -- with that wonderful charisma.

Like Clinton and JFK.

[Colobo]

12. Vote for Obama because he is the best candidate our party has.

[Ethelk2044]

3. No Vote for Obama because he is a born leader and he

is what this country needs. We have been through enough negativism and lies. We need to have someone who will bring this country together while providing for the middle class.

[illinoisprogressive]

4. How true! Vote for him because he is a leader and he has vision.

[Tellurian]

5. If you want a Party vote Obama. If you want to SAVE the country Vote for Clinton!

It's that Simple!

9Taylor should get out more!)

[Ethelk2044]

7. Clinton will not make it through the General Election

Repugs will come out in force to make sure she does not win. The Best Chance we have of winning and turning this country around is Obama

[Egnever]

11. I am not so sure about that

Obama has a lot going against him also, mostly racist garbage but if the whole gay marriage thing teaches us anything it is that biggotry is alive and well in this country, and yes tweety you are a biggot!

[Ethelk2044]

17. I do not feel race will be an issue.

I have talked to whites as well as blacks. When we talk about him race does not come up. The only problem some 60 years and above have is they do not want him to get killed. Other than that, they want him to get elected.

[Colobo]

18. People like Obama... his race won't matter much except to a few

[DemDem07]

15. How will Hillary getting stomped in the general save the country?

[freesqueeze]

8. Vote for who you like...

But I like the fact that Obama still has his short-term memory.



I am still undecided...if someone could explain how HC will save the country...I'm all ears.

[Egnever]

10. I don't know that any of them can save the country

But I will say I left Hillary's event with a very strong sense that the woman knows the system well and plays the game like a master. The one thing that struck me was exactly the thing that worries me the most. She is a juggernaut the powers that be are clearly linked to her in myriad ways. If she is willing to wield power to fight the good fight once in office it might be exactly that,that saves the country. If however she uses it to further her corporate masters will we are in a world of trouble.

Its difficult to judge which way she she will go in the end and that is exactly what worries me most about her. Well difficult for me at least.

[Colobo]

13. Don't worry, Obama will take care of everything.

[Egnever]

14. I hope you are right but ....

Blind faith is not my thing. I will keep listening to all of them for now and try to make the best decision I can when the time comes to cast that vote.

[Colobo]

16. Blind faith is not my thing either; it's just that Obama has convinced me

he has what it takes to unite and lead this country to prosperity and peace.

[Egnever]

9. Funny

I actually went to both events here in Vegas also and had almost the opposite reaction.

I went to see Hillary leaning toward Obama and leary of the Clinton Machine. But I found Hillary to be engaging and with a clear sense that she knew the game well and was willing and ready to work it to your and my advantage, with a nice spattering of specific directions. I wasn't a big fan when I walked in but when I walked out I left with a much higher opinion of her.

Obama on the other hand left me flat, His campaign clearly was not as organized, which is to be expected but when up against the juggernaut that is Hilary you need to put a good foot forward.

I would say the crowds were of equal size for both of them but as the article listed above says Hillary's crowd all had seats, A large portion of obamas was forced to stand, more because seats were not provided than because there wasn't room. This isn't really a good thing when you expect people to show at 10:30 and don't hit the stage till 12:10

After he did hit the stage the first 20 or so minns of his speech he spent a lot of time giving his background and hitting all the hot button issues health care/global warming/wages etc. But it sounded to my ear more like a generic stump speech designed to preach to the choir more than the thoughtful discussion of the problems I expected from him going in.

Its very early in the process and I suppose at this point his main objective really does need to be to introduce himself and his record to people. Something Hillary was not forced to do so she was immediately able to go right to the issues. So in a way I suppose he is handicapped there and as time goes on and his story is more well known he will be able to cut a lot of that out.

Anyway it is interesting that people can see the same two events and leave with different impressions. I am lucky enough to be in one of the early states this time around so I expect to see all of them several times before I cast my vote in the primaries. Time enough for both of them to flesh themselves out some more.

But for me today Hillary moved forward a notch and Obama slipped back some. Theres lots of time left though and Hillaries machine both scares me and impresses me. Ya for getting a chance to see them both in person though! Also a big plus that both had such decent turn outs in what is a pretty republican state over all.

[geek tragedy]

19. Taylor Marsh is a huge Edwards supporter,

not a Hillarybot.

[19jet54]

20. We have a long way to go - Tortoise & Hair come to mind

All over the local news here in Vegas...

I need more specifics on a lot more issues before I decide who gets my vote