The Speech From One Who Was There

[ThomWV]

Its been a long day. Left the house before daylight, got to Shady Grove (METRO) at 9:30. Quick trip down town and then a brisk walk (sunny and in the 30's with a stiff breeze in the morning) over to Constitution Hall. I got there just after 11.

No problem going in, just a couple of people in line, quick flip of the photo ID and the self-printed 'Ticket' and time to find a seat. The early bird gets the worm. The front portion of the floor, which was about 6 rows, was reserved. Mrs. Gore and Senator Boxer were there. That section held about 200 people. I was 7 rows back into the public section and dead center. I was fortunate enough to sit beside two very nice Ladies who visit here - and like a dam fool I did not write down their screen names, so sorry.

The introductions began and then that unexpected blank when Barr was unable to link up.

The speech itself was what you saw on C-Span. I just watched the replay and all I would add was that it felt a lot more personal if you were there. Gore's delivery is so much improved over the pre-2000 appearances. At times he voice was soft and calm as a quite conversation. You could hear a pin drop in the room of 4,000 souls. At times the oration and applause was almost as good as a Dead concert.

Wonderful. That's all I can say, Wonderful.

I so wish you all could have been there.

[hang a left]

1. Thanks for sharing.

I wish I could have gone.

[ananda]

2. Thank you!

Did you just feel inspired to go out and do something to get our Constitution back?

I did, and I only saw it on C-SPAN.

Sue

[sendero]

3. I just watched the replay..

.... and recorded it as well.

Words fail me. I think "historic" is not an overstatement. A rallying cry such as we've been yearning in vain to hear for years.

[ladjf]

15. Perhaps the most important political speech ever given in

America.

[G_j]

4. Boxer was there?

I hadn't heard that.

[ThomWV]

6. No

I'm sorry, I meant to say Diane Fienstein (sp?). President Gore introduced both Tipper and the Senator when he first came on stage.

[G_j]

9. thanks

I hope she listened well, but from what somebody posted about her appearance on Larry King, it appears she didn't.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

5. BOXER WAS THERE!!!!

:bounce:


Gore/Boxer 2008!

[patrice]

7. Yes, indeed! Much improved in tempo and tone!

Artful use of slight pauses. Very effective modulation of tenor.

Content - 10+
Presentation - 9 (1 point off for that little quick rocking side-to-side thing at a few, somewhat louder, points of emphasis that is perceived by some others ((such as my Libertarian husband)) as self-righteous and preachy, kind of like wagging your finger at someone).

[boobooday]

8. We need some FIRE!

We need his passion right now. Good to see it!

[madokie]

11. he gave us the fire now it is up to us to fan it.

as a newborn it needs nurturing

[boobooday]

12. Okay, that probably sounded wrong -- EDIT

My original post probably gave the wrong impression.

Ahem.

Fanning the flames . . .

[Missy Vixen]

10. Lucky you!

I'll bet you had the time of your life today!

We were lucky enough to attend an Al Gore speech at the Washington State Democratic Convention last year. It was amazing. I haven't stood up and sat down that many times during a speech since the last time I was in church ;-)!

Julie

[GrumpyGreg]

13. Lucky you !

[ladjf]

14. I've only been able to read the text. I believe the speech to be

the most profound and important political speech every given in America. It should serve as the blueprint for how to extricate America for the sordid mess we find ourselves in.

We should draft Mr. Gore early. Such a move would save millions of dollars and allow is the focus needed to overcome the criminal enterprise that has taken over the Republican Party and the United States.

[Hardrada]

16. It will go into the history books

and be translated into many languages. As an historian, I am quite sure of that.

[ladjf]

17. Yes. And it could be the blueprint to a successful political

future for ALL Americans, Republicans included.

[countingbluecars]

18. The speech was indeed wonderful.

You described the mood in the room very well. It was a powerful speech. I was one of the DUers sitting next to you-the other, my friend vard28. I enjoyed talking with you.

As we were leaving the hall, we saw a small group around Gore's limo. His security told us that he might speak with us, so we hung out till he and Tipper came out. Unfortunately, he indicated that he had a tight schedule, waved and got in the car. I tried to post some pictures last night, but wasn't successful. I will try again after work today.

[ScreamingMeemie]

19. Thanks for sharing this ThomWV. Excellent !

While I utterly believe your story...I have a feeling that this day will become somewhat like the Ice Bowl at Lambeau Field...with many "claiming" to have been there on that fateful day. :hi: