Barack Obama in Seattle Feb 8th, 2008

A group of us boarded the Monorail en route to the Seattle Center to hear and hopefully see Barack Obama. By the time we arrived at Key Arena around 12:30 there were large crowds gathered outside, an obvious sign that the event was at capacity. In fact, they had started turning people away by 10:30 AM. We originally gathered around the entrance, where we could hear the music playing inside and see the small TVs, but soon realized there was something going on to our left. Police and 'suits' were mingling and talking on their radios and blackberries, police were moving barricades and blocking off areas, and a green Suburban was conspicuously parked in the middle of it all. We moved over in that direction, as close as we could get to the barricades. Within minutes the secret service and police officers began to scramble and cheers rang out as Obama came down and greeted the crowd. He was handed a bullhorn and gave an electrifying 3 minute speech that had the crowd in a frenzy. He touched upon battling global warming, ending the Iraq war, and improving our educational system and how his success so far stems from the power of "bottoms-up" political organizing. His presence, manner, leadership and the response of the huge crowd was truly inspiring.




The focus then turned indoors as the Mayor of Seattle Greg Nickels, Congressman Adam Smith and Governor Chris Gregoire, who earlier in the day endorsed Barack, introduced him. Thankfully, the sound was projected outside through speakers and we began to listen and watch the small 20" TV monitors through the windows. Barack gave an extended version of the 3 minute speech we had just heard outside. He said that his campaign had brought in not only Democrats, but also Independents and Republicans, which he knew because he has had several people shake his hand at rallies and whisper to him- "I am a Republican." He talked about all of the major issues and the crowd, indoors and out, was cheering throughout. It was inspirational to see so many people come out and in many cases stand outside on a cold February day to see this. As we walked back to the Monorail we saw that the food court of the Seattle Center was also full of people crowded around a TV to watch the speech. 20,000 people attended.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Barack
• Obama
• Seattle
• Presidential
• Election
• Primary

[renandalce]

Obama08

[MaryAtoZ]

I was among those 3,000+ stuck outside. I had taken the day off work and was just crushed not to be able to get in. So what a surprise when he actually came out and addressed us! It was so thoughtful.

And I'm thrilled that today in Washington state we gave him 68% of the caucus delegates. Washington, yes we can and yes we did.

[spencer82rocks]

Chiman1000 ur a fucking racist die now....

[TheAngelolivi1]

Loks kinda like Tacoma

[chiman1000]

Praise the Anti crist look at how everyone falls at his feet!!!

[MamaKim4]

IM READY FOR CHANGE!

[FalconX2000]

What a great double whammy. Obama's record turnout means that the places he goes to give speeches are frequently crowded beyond capacity. This in itself is a triumph.

Obama's genius shows when he follows up, going outside to show his appreciation to those who came to hear him speak but couldn't get in. Excellent way to secure their votes and excellent way to show he cares. This is the kind of judgement a great leader possesses.

[BoxedxxFreak]

Absolutely inspiring!!!!!

[knudifruiti]

I decided not to go because I assumed it would be completely overcrowded. I so wish I had gone anyway. I had no idea he was going to come outside to speak. I have such a good feeling about this man.

[gibson66666]

I was one of the 3,000 that sat outside because I was late to get to the Obama ralley. Even though I didn't get in it was amazing just to see the amount of people that care about this election. When I got to the arena the line started at about memorial stadium, and I soon found out that 21,000 filled the arena. Sadly I did stand outside thinking more would be let in, but we couldn't stay long and had to leave before his speach. Thanks for posting this video and I can't wait so see Obama again.

[kaylamei]

My mom and I were part of the huge crowd standing outside...I sadly had to leave right before this, though, so I just wanted to say thanks. =]