What A Rally in Dayton!

[SeanOhio]

I finally found time to write about today's rally in Dayton! I managed to make it!

We got there at 1:30. There were at least 500 people in line ahead of us--and that was in one line out of five! It was packed, but the spirit of the crowd and the free water got everyone through the two hour wait. When we approached the security checkpoint, we saw that the line was still where we were a few hours before! The news said 18,000 to 20,000 people showed up today. There were about a dozen anti-choice demonstrators along the sidewalk--they were instigating. We just ignored them, though others felt compelled to get into heated arguments.

Several people in the crowd, I heard, were Republicans but won't be going that way this year. Apparently the jobs fiasco and Iraq are turning some conservatives away. Others were once-apathetic independents/non-voters who have felt the poor economy or have children in the service. They were holding their Kerry-Edwards signs with pride!

We waited another hour or so to see the local leaders, John Glenn, and then the Kerry and Edwards families. They were a great group of speakers. They didn't appear stiff or patrimonial; they were very down to earth with the crowd and you could tell they were having a great time. It was an awesome event and a historic day. I'm sure they'll be back again.

[Philostopher]

1. Wow!

I had to work today, but would have loved to have made it down for that. They were expecting no more than 7,500 as late as Monday -- impressive crowd! I've seen plenty of Kerry stickers lately in my neighborhood, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Even saw a Kerry yard sign a few blocks from my house, on my way to work today.

[Kukesa]

2. I was a volunteer,

and it was unbelievable. I sold t-shirts and they were gone in an hour.

People with tickets had to be turned away from the gated area, and were directed to the perimeter area.

It was terrific and I am SO pumped!

We're going to win OHIO.

[spooky3]

3. I love these reports. Thanks!

[MsUSA]

6. Yeah, thanks for the details.....

Was getting goosebumps reading it!! Wisconsin Public Radio had a straw poll today, callers got 30 seconds to say who they were going to vote for.....here are the numbers: Kerry/Edwards: 59; Repubs: 18; Greens: 5; and other 3.

[BlondieK143]

4. This is great to hear!

Thanks for posting about your experience!

[Justice]

5. Thanks to Everyone For Sharing

it is great to read about this from someone who was there.