http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/10/163559/155/499/454094Maine Caucus Report from Portland: Organized Madness!
by TomT
Sun Feb 10, 2008 at 01:57:54 PM PST
I just got back from Portland High School, the site of Portland's Democratic caucus. The turnout was unbelieveable. We got there at 1:30 for the 2:00 opening of the doors. There was a large crowd on the steps and a long line down the sidewalk. We just got home and there was still a long line down the sidewalk as we left at 4:15! The local Democratic Party was well organized but simply oeverwhelmed by the numbers. It probably won't be over for another 2-3 hours so we might not be getting results anytime soon.
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Anyway, to my eyes it seemed like there were far more Obama supporters there than Clinton. My rough estimate to the overall turnout in Portland would be in the 1,000 to 2,000 range---who knows, maybe more, people were spread out all over the place so I could be wildly off. Let's put it this way, the school was packed to the gills and people were still waiting outside at 4:15!
The energy levels for Obama were magical. The Clinton people seemed a little subdued and quiet. It was great to see lots of young people there, most of them holding Obama signs. And despite the crowded conditions and long wait most people were calm, positive and determined to stay as long as it took. I came away feeling that people are so energized by our Democratic candidates that we will be hard to beat in November.
Oh yeah, I voted for Obama. I'll make the prediction that he'll carry Maine 55-45 based on what I saw in Portland. His momentum might be hard to stop after Tuesday---but we will see. What a hell of a ride this is going to be!
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