Joe Biden Hugged Me, and He Kissed My Mom! (Now with EVENT PIX!!!!)

[VolcanoJen]

At the rally Friday (Halloween!) afternoon in Kettering (Dayton), Ohio.

It was just too much fun. Got right up close, watched the gorgeous Jill Biden give her speech, out came Joe, he rocked the house! Best line of the speech? "I know it's Halloween, folks, but John McCain dressed up as an Agent of Change is a costume that just doesn't work!"

At the end of the speech, he urged all of us here in Ohio who feel knocked down by this economy, by this war, by these wretched eight years, to just GET UP. Get Up, Ohio!! Get Up!!!!

The crowd roared.

After his address, he and Jill worked the rope line and I was fortunate enough to be right in front. When he got to me, I was sure I'd have something perfect to say, but just couldn't muster it. "Senator Biden! Four more days! Good luck, Ohio loves you!" is all I could sputter out. And he just reached across that line and gave me the biggest hug.

My mom was right behind me, and she said to him (she was able to keep her shit together), "Joe, I was with you from the beginning. From day one!!" He smiled that smile and said, "C'mere!" and he reached out, pulled her in and gave her a big kiss right on the cheek.

I'm pretty sure my mom hasn't come off her cloud yet.

YES WE CAN, OHIO!!! YES WE CAN, AMERICA!!!!

Wow, what a day, what an election, what a state, what an historic time, what a great event to share with my mom!

(As an aside to political junkies, as we were leaving the rally, we spotted Mark Halperin typing away in the press section. I yelled out, "Mark Halperin, The Page!" and he looked up, seemingly shocked at being recognized, smiled hugely, and waved. I wanted very badly to yell out "Drudge doesn't rule my world!" but I had to kind of give him a pass for the nice, semi-redeeming piece he wrote today about Drudge's declining influence. As a poli-junkie, it was kind of fun to see him, at any rate)

Edit: At one point before the main event began, I wandered the arena, and a woman behind a barricade called me over. "Can I talk to you, do you mind?" she said. She was a reporter with McClatchy, she explained, and they weren't allowed to leave the press area to interview us. I gave her a lengthy interview about what it feels like to be in Ohio in October on the eve of this historic moment, and how much fun it is to live here and get all this special electoral attention. She was as sweet as could be, she really was, and wrote down every word I uttered as if I were important, or something. I'll flag the interview if/when it shows up!!

Second Edit! Because grantcart shamed me into it, even though I hate crappy cell phone pix, here you go! First shot is of network news guys... I "terrorist-fist-jabbed" that MSNBC guy on the right after he jumped off the stage, telling him MSNBC is the BEST! He was really cool. Second shot is of the lovely Jill Biden, on the rope line leaving the event, with everyone in the stands rushing down for a handshake or a glimpse! Third is the back of Joe Biden's head before I put my camera away and waited for a handshake, and the fourth is of a Sarah Palin impersonator who worked the crowd this Halloween Friday! Photos don't do her justice... she really looked dead on, and had shopping bag accessories! She walked around waving her "Ohio For Biden!" sign while the crowd went wild, waiting for Joe and Jill to show up.

[PBS Poll-435]

1. A great experience!

And thanks for your work in the Buckeye State!

[PretzelWarrior]

2. kudos to you and your mom. meeting these folks in person is

a huge electric charge to the system.

[VolcanoJen]

4. At the risk of sounding weird....

.... Joe Biden has unusually soft skin for a man.

That is all.

[PretzelWarrior]

10. that's weird. when I shook Obama's hand in Beaverton, Oregon...

I noticed his hands were extremely soft but firm. Weird.

[VolcanoJen]

11. Really???!???

What is up with that, seriously? They must moisturize constantly, what with all that awful aircraft cabin air!!

[Jennicut]

27. LOL! I think its the hand sanitizer, they use alot of it to not get sick, shaking all those hands.

Great story! You and your Mom were very lucky and Joe is such sweetie and a great guy. The Mark Halperin part was very funny, he must have been surprised he was recognized.

[JanusAscending]

34. Looks like Joe needs to take some time out..

for a haircut before the election night celebration! (although I like longer hair on a guy! Great photos, lucky you!!

[NotThisTime]

3. That's the sweetest story it brought tears to my eyes for some reason.... I really want these two to

win....

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. My dear VolcanoJen!

How exciting for you both!

She should NEVER wash her cheek again, truly!

And BTW, I want to tell you that I've taken your YouTube from your sigline, and put it into my favorites files on YouTube...

I've watched it many times, and it gives me goosebumps every damn time!

[VolcanoJen]

7. Trust me, she won't wash her cheek.

I can't remember the last time I saw her that giddy.

Obama/Biden, Bringing Moms and Daughters Together in Happiness!!!!

Glad you still love the video, CalPeg! Nothin' like Ohio in October in an election year!!

[Kukesa]

43. And, my photo is in this morning's newspaper.

OK, you have to really stretch to realize that person in the crowd is me, but it is!

I'm so happy.

And, BTW, it was wonderful to spend the afternoon with VolcanoJen.

We were politely sitting in the bleacher seats when Jen decided she was going to stand right near the podium before it got too crowded. She wasn't missing this for the world. She saved me a spot and that's how I got my big kiss!

[Kukesa]

42. I'm still floating on air after Vice President Biden's KISS! nt

[MountainMamma]

65. Oh my gosh! Lucky girlfriend.

[babylonsister]

6. Darn, and I heard we were losing Ohio tonight. Do tell! And

thanks!

[VolcanoJen]

8. Ohio for Obama/Biden

I feel it in my bones. I did not feel this way in 2004. This year feels just extraordinary here. It's difficult to describe, but I'm confident. And of course I'll be pounding pavement and knocking on doors all weekend!

I really think we're gonna do this, this time, everyone. O-H-I-O and all of our 20 Electoral Votes!!!!

[babylonsister]

17. YOU are a dear, and thank you for your enthusiasm! nt

[grantcart]

9. great but this thread needs pictures lol

[VolcanoJen]

12. My cell phone pix are crappy.

And I can't figure out how to get them off my phone, and onto my computer. Any hints? Give 'em up, and I'll post 'em!!!

[VolcanoJen]

21. You win!!!!

Figured it out. Thanks for shaming me, and I mean that in a good way!

grantcart

[Kukesa]

45. Every once in a while, my kid needs a little "encouragement." nt

[senseandsensibility]

13. Thanks for the report

and I'm officially jealous. That is all.

[mopinko]

14. hello there dear

sounds like fun. it just seems like we can't lose, doesn't it? the best part is knowing that when we do, we are going to be doing the right, the smart, the complicated, the good things that have been impossible in this country for so long.
will have to get back to cinci one of these days.

[VolcanoJen]

16. mopinko!!!

Was hoping to see you this weekend for the Biggest GOTV The World Has Ever Known!!!

It does feel so great, doesn't it? Nobody should be prouder than you guys... you catapulted Obama to the Senate and gave us this moment.

[mopinko]

59. it does feel great. i am still working on a ticket to grant park.

i got the email, replied, and heard nothing. but the guy that organized the bus trips says he will try to get me one. i will be so disappointed if i don't get to go.

i am not doing anything for this final push, as i am too busy. plus i am a judge on tuesday. but i did my best to "pay it forward"
and you know, your comment reminds me of how i got on this bus. it was his colleagues from the illinois senate that are due the most thanks. so many of them have worked just tirelessly for him, in '04 and now. just takin' the bus, and knockin' on doors like us little people. and giving speeches like they wouldn't give at their own mother's funeral.

so, woman, don't you dare come to chicago without letting me buy you a drink.

[mopinko]

63. I GOT MY TICKET!!!!!!!!!

now all i have to do is get my ass there in time to get in.

[VolcanoJen]

74. Oh HELL TO THE YES!!!!!!!

That is the best news I have ever heard!!! Our own mopinko at ObamaPalooza!!!!!

I'll be anxiously awaiting your full report, girlfriend. Just write down EVERYTHING and then come here and tell us, you know, EVERYTHING!!!

GOTV today in Ohio was amazing! Back at it tomorrow afternoon, and then Monday is Door Hanger Day. GET OUT THE VOTE, AMERICA!!!

Damn I am just so happy for you!!!!!!!

[mopinko]

84. ok, i promise

i am so happy. i was a little worried about getting in, knowing that i would be late. but i think that a lot of people will be in the same boat. the guy that got me the ticket says that they have promised that everyone who had a ticket would eventually get in.
the weather the last few days has been just plain glorious. it is supposed to hold out till wednesday. fingers crossed.
i think it is going to be the party of the century.

[KT2000]

15. You and your mom did great!

Bet you gave him more energy to get through these last days of the campaign!

[givemebackmycountry]

18. KIck - KIck - Kick

I know a winner when I see it and this is one!

"My mom was right behind me, and she said to him (she was able to keep her shit together), "Joe, I was with you from the beginning. From day one!!" He smiled that smile and said, "C'mere!" and he reached out, pulled her in and gave her a big kiss right on the cheek".

It's about time we had some REAL people in the White House and Joe (the REAL Joe) is about to get a new address.

Thank you for this heartfelt post!

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[FrenchieCat]

20. Sounds like a great event!

[struggle4progress]

22. Cool. But I was expectin pictures of yew & yer Ma gettin squeezed & bussed

[VolcanoJen]

23. Sorry

You should've attended, and taken 'em. One can only do so much with a cell phone cam... and the Secret Service yelling at me to put DOWN my little American Flag I was waving throughout the event as the Senator approached!

Secret Service Does Not Play. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for keeping all of our candidates safe!

[struggle4progress]

31. I would have attended, but you Ohioans located your state so inconveniently far from North Carolina

Come to think of it, a lot of people did that with their states. Hawaiians were especially inconsiderate

[VolcanoJen]

33. C'mon now

As if North Carolina hasn't gotten MUCH love this campaign season.

[struggle4progress]

40. Well, we deserve it!

[VolcanoJen]

41. Yes, you do!

Bring that shit home, Tarheels!!!!!!! We're watching, and we're excited!!!

[PatSeg]

24. You and your mom are SO lucky!

Thanks for sharing!

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

25. Ohio's been a fun place to be a Dem lately

I saw Obama in Portsmouth a few weeks ago and caught Hillary in Ironton this morning.

[VolcanoJen]

26. And Obama's back in Ohio Sunday!! Two huge events in Columbus and Cincy

Look for that Columbus event, outdoors at the Statehouse, to be another "100,000" event!

All DUers should know what a good sign it is, that Obama's fighting for Columbus and Cincinnati the Sunday before the election. It's unprecedented here, for a Dem to fight for us, since 1992.

[Kukesa]

48. Do you think we can get that part of our state to vote Dem? nt

[renate]

28. LOVE that "C'mere"!

What a guy!

Thanks so much for this great report, and I'm super happy for you and your mom!

[Kukesa]

47. I loved the "c'mere" more than you can imagine! n/t

[dmr]

29. Hey! I'm jealous & feel left out up here in Michigan

What an experience for you and your mom.

I enjoyed reading your story, and I'm glad you shared it.

I'm not really jealous - or am I?

Just think, in the future, when you see him on C-SPAN or on the news doing important things for our country, your mind will wander to the day back in October Oh-Eight - of you, your mom, Joe, feeling giddy, of hope and a wonderful memory. How awesome is that?

I don't understand the SS and waving small flags. People have posters with no concern. Is it the stick the flag is attached to that is a problem?

[VolcanoJen]

30. Wow

You're so right. I don't think I'll ever be able to look at our VICE PRESIDENT in the same way again. I treasure these memories... BEST ELECTION EVER!!!!

Imagine being hugged by Cheney, ya know?

As far as that flag goes, Secret Service just does not play. I don't know or understand their means and they seem really silly when you're on a rope line, full of love wanting to meet a candidate. I just trust they know what they're doing, and when some big strong man with a wire in his ear, protecting Joe Biden, tells me to put my flag down, I just basically do it.

I'm curious why other DUers think they made me do that... and also, no pens!!! You absolutely are not allowed to hand a candidate a pen to sign something on a rope line!

[democrat2thecore]

39. What a day, Jen!

Sounds like a great day!!! I think Jill Biden is very beautiful as well, btw. And Joe? What can you say? This ticket just ROCKS. He will make an amazing VEEP and I'll sleep well knowing these two are running the country. I'm being positive and expecting a big win - but I'm still doing some interstate calling in battleground states. I signed up for that a few weeks ago and feel good about staying busy right up until the polls close.

Thanks for a great thread, Jen! I'm happy you experienced this day with your mom - what a great memory.

[Kukesa]

49. Secret Service protection this election is impressive.

Both Jen and I worked for K/E in 2004 and there's no comparison to what we saw yesterday.

Before Biden spoke, there were two agents standing in front of the podium, looking at every face in the crowd. When Joe came on stage, EIGHT agents came with him. I was watching the guy in charge and he told one of the agents to close a small entrance to the stage. He did and stood right in front of it. The others scanned the crowd, looking for something/anything out of the ordinary.

When the Bidens walked to the rope line the agents formed kind of a bubble around each of them; Jill had about four (two women included) and Joe had EIGHT. Two agents proceeded him, two followed, and four surrounded him.

When the agent told Jen to put down her flag, he meant it, and she did.

Impressive, indeed.

[DemReadingDU]

52. Hubby and I were there too!

We were in the bleachers, near the huge American flag. It was great seeing Joe and Jill!

We saw Obama when he came to the Dayton Dragons stadium a few weeks ago. Hope to catch Obama in Columbus tomorrow!

[Kukesa]

54. I wish we had known; it would be great to meet other DUers! nt

[VolcanoJen]

56. Wish we had known!!

That was really a fun rally, wasn't it? Did you know Obama will also be in Cincinnati tomorrow night, at Nippert Stadium? Palin will be in Cincinnati, too.

[DemReadingDU]

53. must be different this year

In July 2004, when Kerry and Edwards came to downtown Dayton, I was able to get both Kerry and Edwards autographs when they walked down the ropes.

Hubby and I were at the Joe/Jill yesterday too! We were in the bleachers, near the huge American flag. It was great seeing Joe and Jill!

We saw Obama when he came to the Dayton Dragons stadium a few weeks ago. Hope to catch Obama in Columbus tomorrow!

[democrat2thecore]

62. I heard they want to keep them moving as much as possible

I guess taking time for autographs makes for a stationary target for too long. Sad we have to worry about this kind of thing, but the SS does a great job.

[Jennicut]

70. Yuck. Hug from Cheney is puke worthy.

I saw him on C-span earlier and I was like who would want a hug from that guy?!?! But a Joe hug is swoon worthy. I think the flag thing is they don't want anything blocking their view of anyone suspicious or maybe they think you are hiding sharp object in it/behind it? I don't know, just glad they protect out guys so well.

[Kukesa]

83. The flags they HANDED OUT had sharp points on top.

I guess if someone wanted to poke someone in the eye with the flag, they could. But why would they pass out flags like that?

[stevedeshazer]

32. I'm SO jealous

[Swamp Rat]

35. Geauxbama!!!

Geauxbiden!!

[VolcanoJen]

36. Ain't it great, darlin'??

my dear friend SwampRat

Whatta country!!! Ya know???!????

[Swamp Rat]

38. Happy Halloween!

VolcanoJen!

[Kukesa]

51. I like that! nt

[democracy1st]

37. great K & R

[Justice]

44. Great story and pictures - thank you!

Was your interview in a published piece - that would be great to see.

[CADEMOCRAT7]

46. Thank you for sharing, how much fun is this ! How exciting !!! n/t

[flpoljunkie]

50. Terrific recounting, VolcanoJen! Thanks for sharing!

[Kukesa]

55. Kick for my Kid! nt

[BlooInBloo]

57. Hah! Nice!

[crazy_vanilla]

58. woo hoo

[Zomby Woof]

60. SWEEEEEET!!!!

for you and VolcanoMom/Kukesa!

[Kukesa]

67. Hello there, Mr. Woof. nt

[Zomby Woof]

77. Hey!

[Eurobabe]

61. Too cool Jen!!

I am so happy it happened to you and Mom, you two deserve it for all your hard work

Maybe someday I'll get to meet Joe Biden.

[MountainMamma]

64. Ho Ho Jen from Obama/Biden HQ in Western NC

What a thrill for you and Kukesa. Our next girls' get together is going to be full of politics as usual. We have worked harder in this campaign than ever before, right????? It feels different too, right???? That's because we are all going to be happy on the night of Nov 4 when the results come in. Thanks for the pic's and for all you have done for this winning campaign. Glad that we're always on the same side! Aunt M

[Kukesa]

68. Hello to my dear friend! Love ya. nt

[VolcanoJen]

72. Ho Ho from OH-IO!!!

If you're feeling it in North Carolina the way we're feeling it in Ohio, then I think it might really be happening this time.

It just feels different.

My sweet MountainMamma and dear friend of Kukesa!!!!

[stillcool]

66. VolcanoJen..you always have ..

the best stories! Because you're always where the action is! Thank you so much for all you've done for the last year. You are the best!!!

[jillan]

69. Tell your mom how jealous I am of her ---and of you!

I would probably faint if Biden kissed me.

Or hugged me.

Or even shook my hand

[VolcanoJen]

73. Oh trust me....

... I'm pretty sure mom hasn't re-entered the atmosphere since that moment.

[Kukesa]

81. No, I haven't. Every time I see Sen. Biden on TV I think:

OMG, that gorgeous soon-to-be Vice President of the USA KISSED ME. He really did.

I'm so happy.

[H2O Man]

71. Great!

Thank you for sharing this. I'm happy for you.

[elleng]

75. THANKS for this, Volcano!

If you've got a chance, would you let us know how things look around Kettering for The Ticket?

Personally, my in-laws, with whom I haven't been in touch, live there, haven't been particularly bi-partisan, and some not particularly kind re: racial matters. So I'd really like to know what you think about the prospects there.

THANKS

[VolcanoJen]

78. I'm just not sure.

Montgomery County has gone Dem for four elections in a row, though, so I don't know why they'd change affiliation now, considering this lame-ass candidate and his joke of a Veep nominee. How anyone could vote for THAT is beyond me!

Kettering is weird, for sure.. we were accosted by a group of high school students as we left the rally, waving their "Vote McCain Not Hussein" signs and being just generally rude. Reading Is Fundamental! Shame their parents didn't teach them about critical thinking. I'm grew up in West Carrollton, and we're not big fans of Fairmont, so maybe I'm a bit biased?

[elleng]

79. Thanks,

and hugs to your mom!

[VolcanoJen]

80. Hugs to you, and your relatives in Kettering!

Biden unfortunately pronounced it as "Kittering," while we all looked around uncomfortably. But, that's our Joe!!!!

[elleng]

82. OH GEE! Sorry!

Sounds like some 'bad' (exhausted) staff work.

[AuntPatsy]

76. I wish they would come here but I guess Texas is out..;-(