I saw John Kerry in Grand Rapids today....

[Jokinomx]

Over 20,000 strong came out to support John Kerry and his wife Teresa H. Kerry....

I was so impressed to see him up close. I know this sounds hokey... but... he seems more real now that I have seen him in person. He seemed down to earth and came across as a sincere and honest person.

[jean]

1. that's so interesting...I wonder if it ever occurred to the Bush people

that if they let the unwashed masses view Bush at rally's, without undecided people might see Bush as sincere and honest? (I know, it's impossible) As it stands, they require written fealty to Bush before letting people in to hear him speak.

[leeman67]

2. 20,000 is major for Grand Rapids, MI

Isn't Grand Rapids a total wingnut haven?

[City Lights]

8. Yeah, and bush's crowd there last week was reported to be 5,000.

Kerry drawing a larger crowd than bush in Grand Rapids speaks volumes. I don't need any polling outfit to tell me what that means.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

3. Check out that crowd!

[DODI]

6. How thrilling!!

In 1996 Clinton/Gore came to Springfield, MA for a rally. It would ahve been great to see just them, but of course the 2 MA senators where there -- Kennedy and Kerry -- it was great!

[Jokinomx]

10. Several Democratic dignitaries were there...

Governor Granholm...Lt. Gov.. Cherry.. Sen. Levin.. and Sen.. Stabenow.. Former Gov. Blanchard....War Vets...and a slew of others that spoke for generally less than 5 minutes.

I didn't hear the name of the band that played for the hour or so before the rally.. but they were from Traverse City.. and were AWESOME... they really set the stage for the speakers...:-)

[DODI]

12. I love Senator Levin!

We were heartbroken here in CT. Kerry had planned a stop here last Friday, but had to move on to swing states, so we were cancelled(he leads here by something like 64/40). I am very jealous of your opportunity to him and all those other great Dems!

[Jokinomx]

7. I think I see me....hehehehe

I was standing about a hundred feet in front of John Kerry as he stood in that spot...:-)

[in_cog_ni_to]

21. Holy Crap!

20,000 people! Impressive! That will be whittled down to a couple of hundred people by the media, no doubt.

[SudieJD]

4. Actors...

Actors will be at the shurbs rallys. He can't get everyday people even in his TV spots. He has to hire them.

Sudie in MN

[leeman67]

5. the same way right wing talk show hosts

have to hire audience members (ala Dennis Miller). :)

[Obamarama]

9. WOO HOOOO! 20,000 in GR?!!!! Repubs there must be goin' NUTS.

This does my heart good! I'm about 50 miles south and was not able to make it up for his appearance. I am so PSYCHED that this many came out in the Repug stronghold of GR.

Betsy DeVos' panties must be in quite a bunch today!

[MI Cherie]

11. This is great for Grand Rapids!

I don't feel quite so all alone in this city anymore!

[knitter4democracy]

13. I couldn't make it either :(

I wanted to go so badly, but I couldn't work out the childcare (and my kids would take a week to recover from a rally like that). From what I heard, many K'Zoo Dems were there. I wish I'd gone too. :(

[Wapsie B]

14. That's right.

Isn't that the hq of Amway/Quixstar/Alitcor? Great news!

[Jokinomx]

15. Yes...a very conservative area...

I didn't see much mention of the rally and the size on the national news... since the "terra alert" in New York. I am still fired up from yesterday... I am going to start having houseparties trying to get those not registered to do so. I have a buddy that is putting together a DVD of some of the speeches during the DNC and of the rally yesterday, to show those that haven't seen them yet.

One person at a time... each day in every way... support Kerry.

[Wapsie B]

16. I've got a co-worker from that area

who'll probably vote for chimpy no matter what. Definitely one of the repug core voters.

Edit: A belated welcome to DU!

[UrbScotty]

17. Sorry I couldn't make it. BUT, I did see Gore in 2000 at Calder.

And he signed my family's copy of Earth in the Balance

[Jokinomx]

18. Awesome...

Kerry revealed his new book on what his plans are and how to achieve them.... He threw a copy that Gov. Granholm had out to an audience member... I wish it had been me.... I would love to have a signed copy of his book...

I did drive to Traverse City on April fools day 2003 to have Micheal Moore sign my copy of "Stupid White Men".... I had him write .. Happy April Fools... Micheal Moore...Now as I lend it out to others to read ... I have them sign it also...:-)...

[Jokinomx]

19. Awesome!!

Kerry revealed his new book on what his plans are and how to achieve them.... He threw a copy that Gov. Granholm had out to an audience member... I wish it had been me.... I would love to have a signed copy of his book...

I did drive to Traverse City on April fools day 2003 to have Micheal Moore sign my copy of "Stupid White Men".... I had him write .. Happy April Fools... Micheal Moore...Now as I lend it out to others to read ... I have them sign it also...:-)...

[Jokinomx]

20. Awesome

Kerry revealed his new book on what his plans are and how to achieve them.... He threw a copy that Gov. Granholm had out to an audience member... I wish it had been me.... I would love to have a signed copy of his book...

I did drive to Traverse City on April fools day 2003 to have Micheal Moore sign my copy of "Stupid White Men".... I had him write .. Happy April Fools... Micheal Moore...Now as I lend it out to others to read ... I have them sign it also...:-)...

[Jokinomx]

22. Sorry.. it kept saying I couldn't post... then it wouldn't let me edit...