50,000+ Positive in Portland for John Kerry

[depakid]

according to the official figures from the Portland Fire Marshall. It was the largest political crowd ever asembled in this state- and fully 1/2 of the Portland Fire Bureau was assigned to the event (not including the firefighters for Kerry in their yellow t-shirts). The usual dozen or two freepers were on hand- although I didn't see any more than about 20 in any one place.

The crowd was remarkably cool all the way, considering the numbers, the lines and the heat- the atmosphere was positively charged. Leorado DiCaprio was very well spoken- his theme of environmental awareness resonated as well as Bon Jovi's and Richie Sambora's duet of "Livin on a Prayer" and "Wanted dead or Alive."

Then of course, there was Rassmann, who spent some "difficult times" with a much younger John Kerry. He spoke well too, although he's not really an Oregonian- he's a retired LA County deputy sheriff and registered Republican (who happens to like orchids). The thoughts he shared and the stage on which he shared them really made me think. It made me reconsider. It helped me look both back and forward.

Next, Teresa spoke and (being sensible enough to scope a nice spot to kick it in the shade under some trees by River Place) I wrote down a couple of quotes to pass along:

"When a woman uses her voice, it doesn't mean she's opinionated, it may mean she's smart and well informed."

"Making friends <among nations> is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength."

My personal favorite:

It is imperative that we dream. We can't have everything that we dream about, but if we don't dream at all, then we'll have nothing." :emoticon-for-tears-in-eyes:

JK basically gave his stump speech, with some local salutations.

One of them "Portland could have been Boston" went over a few people's heads, so here's a little fill in:

Two of the prominant early settlers of Portland- a guy named Lovejoy and guy named Pettygrove, couldn't decide on a name for the township they envisioned. Lovejoy was determined to name the site after his hometown of Boston, while Pettygrove was equally adamant about his native Portland, Maine. They decided to flip a coin, now known as the "Portland Penny," to settle the argument. Pettygrove won on two tosses out of three.

That's what Kerry was referring to.

Kerry was also pleased about having a day off to head up the Columbia River Gorge (a fine choice) to go wind or kite surfing- and he got out on his bike for an impromptu ride this afternoon- which was also a good choice, even if it might be used as a photo-op. My thought of course are- have a little fun and enjoy Oregon- there's a lot of work for us all to do

Some of the local papers here had been speculating that Kerry might discuss policy issues like the NorthWest Forests, as Clinton did- but he stayed away from wonking- which in this context was wise, I think. He did refer to his 250 some odd page plan- and had a copy ready to wave on cue- and if I recall right, he tossed it to someone in the audience. Nice. This was a very diverse, hot and ready to be insired crowd. He played it well, if a bit too safely.

I'm tempted to discuss Bush- but maybe others can do that. He did get deceptive media play once again- and the local "news" channels (KATU in particular) trotted out charlitans that they call "analysts" who- and I really wish there were a better way to put this- really do bend over backwards to whore for Bush.

So, whatever we can all do to help Kerry, I hope we will do. I know I will, but I also know that it's not smart to rely on the 4th Estate to help even a little in making our case.

[Poiuyt]

1. Kerry is drawing crowds like a rock star!

50,000! That's amazing! There certainly is a lot of energy on the Democratic side. Normally, I'd be pretty satisfied by Kerry's numbers, but I'm still afraid of Bush doing something underhanded. This election could change directions on a dime.

[depakid]

2. It was at least 50,000

Kerry himself said 50 to 60 thousand. I don't know- my observations were from the ground, but I can say this- the rally today was the biggest one I've ever seen- and it played really well all throughout the city....

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. Where was it held?

50,000? WOW!

And I thought the 30,000 march for schools back in 1997 or so was big.

[depakid]

4. It was at the at the "south stage" of the Blues Festival

and there were easily 50,000 there- for Kerry and not angry. MAX had a very hard time getting everyone home and had to re-rout trains. I've never seen anything like this in Portland-

And you know what? No one, not the cops on bikes or the cops on horses or the Tri-met folks had a scowl on their faces!

You'd have liked this day, very much, I think.

[Proud liberal Kat]

5. Hope is on the Way!!!! And it's contagious!

[depakid]

6. Hope may be on the way

and I admit, I'm cautiously infected. I've been through too much to embrace blind faith.

[Proud liberal Kat]

7. Oh I don't have blind faith....

But I will be infectious...all the way to the WH and will not act as a disinfectant.

If I lower my expectations it will not make November 3rd any less painful if it comes out wrong. If I look at facts like 50,000+ and get excited and have the audacity of HOPE I am infectious...and it is a disease worth catching!
Kathy