Just got back from the Kerry rally in Appleton, WI

[Tweed]

It was packed! They had to move back the metal grids to make more room for people. Appleton is in the heart of the Fox Cities, which tend to be more Republicans. The turn out was great for the area. Mt parents live in Appleton, but I go to school in Chicago. I drove three hours to get the chance to see him. It was worth it because of the large amount of people there and because Kerry certainly won't be coming to Illinois any time soon. His bus was ten feet away from me when he arrived My position in the crowd was decent and I got a clear image. Some good/funny comments from the rally:

"Kerry: Now we are here in Wisconsin and we've got brats.
(applause from crowd)

Kerry: We've got cheese.
(louder applause from the crowd)

Kerry: We've got beer.
(even louder applause from the crowd)

Kerry: Now let's talk about health care.
(huge laughter)"

In regards to energy:
"When you are talking about oil, you are talking about a finite resource. China's demand is going up. India's demand is going up. We are going to run out of oil eventually. We aren't going to drill out way out of this, we have to invent our way out of this."

"I want a President who believes in science."

He also spoke eloquently about when John Kennedy was President, the country made plans to go to the moon and drew the comparison to inventing new technology. Great stuff I hadn't heard him talk about before. It definitely was worth the three hour car ride. Back to the Democratic haven that is Illinois and Chicago tomorrow! At least I won't leave this most important election without having seen the most important candidate.

[My Pet Goat]

1. Exciting report....

that was a funny line...

We've got cheese...We've got beer...Now let's talk about health care.
(huge laughter)

[Robbien]

2. People who get to see Kerry are always so enthused

It is no wonder the media doesn't give Kerry much time. If they did, this election wouldn't even be a race at all.

And yes, I also dearly want my country to believe in scientists again.

[BeatleBoot]

3. Very Cool!

:yourock:

And...

Rock On Brother John

[snacker]

4. I was there too....

The crowd was huge...so huge, in fact, we didn't even get in. Ended up watching from across the street near the protesters who were totally obnoxious. We could barely hear the Kerry speech, but they quieted down after one of them was arrested after a fight broke out with a Kerry supporter (who was also arrested).
It was still a fun and inspiring evening!

[Mizmoon]

6. Too bad about the fight

but the rally sounds very exciting! Wish I could have been there, but I'm in a dem locked state so he won't be around here anytime soon.

Maybe when he's president he'll come visit us.

[newyawker99]

11. Hi snacker!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[KC21304]

5. I was there too, and I have one thing to say to Dana Milbank

If you think Kerry supporters don't love him you are deaf,dumb and blind. Or you have never been to a Kerry rally. More tomorrow.

[faithnotgreed]

8. exactly what weve been saying here.... you dont want to know the

truth if you write or report that people have a lukewarm response to john kerry. or that the only support hes getting is abb. they dont want to report that the more people have gotten to know him (no thanks to you the so called media), the more they love him

i enthusiastically, with pride, will cast my vote FOR john kerry! hes the right man at the right time

[choicevoice]

7. Color me JEALOUS!!!

[Kenergy]

9. Thanks Tweed and Snacker!

I like these first person accounts of Kerry in action.
It lifts my spirits! Hope is on the way :-)

[ever_green]

10. I wanted to go!!

I had to work :( I really wanted to be there, I'm in Green Bay. How exciting it must have been :) Go Kerry!

[bushwakker]

12. great report thanks