Edwards Rally in Tucson on 9-6-04 (I know this is REALLY late)

[SammyBlue]

I didn't have a way to post these pictures and I didn't want to include a blog without some of the pictures I took. I am sorry.

On 11-6-04, John Edwards had a political rally here in Tucson Arizona. I will start my blog at about 10 AM the day before.

On Sunday, I was asked by the Democratic Party to bring my 1500 QSC Power amp, mixer, wireless microphone system and two 2000 Watt QSC JBL speakers to Democratic HQ in order to make a mobile PA system. I am a professional mobile DJ and, though most of my money is tied up in school and Fraternity dues (I did donate to DU.com and plan to do so as much as I can whenever there is a fundraiser drive), I said I would be MORE than happy to bring my system.

After hooking it up and securing it to a Chevy Tahoe, we in the car were given 300 blue (general admittance) tickets and told to spread the word to the people in South Tucson, a predominately Mexican part of town. Edwards' advance team was there finalizing plans. They had NEVER seen the setup we had, and never heard the crystal clear reception or clarity of my system. Not only were they completely impressed, they swore that NO ONE in the places they had been to had ever done anything like we had set up.

We took to the road and started announcing the event. After spending some time making sure nothing would cause a system crash (like going too fast and the speakers falling off), we began to have our speaker speak. We got some freepers being idiots, including an African-American Mormon Baptist would decided to say "Don't support Kerry, he wants fags to get married" (his words, not mine and isn't that nice. And I know they were mormons because Mormon missionaries all dress the same <white shirt, black slacks, black tie>. Funny that when they come to my door the mezzuzah on my front door doesn't tell them I'm not interested since I am Jewish). I told that guy that "if it weren't for Democrats like Kerry, you would still be sitting in the back of the bus" and he seemed to shut up, scowl and walk into his car. I felt happy I shut him up.

The system produced a clear, LOUD signal. Just for a test, we stopped in a shopping plaza to help out a stranded motorist. We were almost 1500 feet away and could still hear and understand every spoken word. So we got the word out.

As stated, we were given 300 tickets. We handed out almost 220. As we drove past the TCC to finish up, we went inside to talk to the Democratic Party's higher ups and Edwards' Advance team. I scored 5 red tickets (VIP). I got profound thanks and handshakes and was told they would remember what I did.

As we left, Edwards'Assistant Chief of Staff was outside on his cell phone with the Chief of Staff (her name fails me). He shook our hands, said that he appreciated what we did and hoped more communities would do what we did. Then he looked at me asked if I was the DJ. When I responded, he said that Edwards' COS heard the announcements on the cell phone (the road is a good 500 feet away from where the gentleman was standing and he was behind a pillar) and couldn't thank me enough for what I did. Needless to say I was on Cloud 9 the rest of the day.

I went to Fraternity chapter meeting that night (I am a SAMmy in the Beta Gamma chapter) and nothing could bring me down.

Next day, my mother (a history teacher here in Tucson) stayed home from school sick. He was running a 103 fever and had no voice. After 30 seconds of asking, we both took the red tickets I had and drove down to the TCC. When we got there, the line was already 1/2 wrapped around the building.

The venue, when it started, was filled to capacity. We heard from local dignitaries from Arizona. Remember, people in Arizona, get the Phoenix Phuckers our of the Corporate Commission and give us a fighting chance in Tucson to be heard. The Tejano band, Yaqui Pride, kept us busy as the main event was being prepared. Then, Con. Raul Grijava came out (and if anyone votes for Jim Sweeney, they are completely brain dead. The word "wetback" appears in his campaign literature. Good GOP values there) to speak to us. Before him was the greatest Governor in Arizona history, Janet Napolitano (J Nap). Then, then MAN!

According to J Nap, we had OVER 10,000 people and almost 6,000 had to be turned away. As Edward spoke, the started his usual speech. But, with alot of twists as he went along. His biggest thing that struck with me was his "Give us 2 years of public service, we'll give you 4 years of college." I am in college and my brother is a HS Junior. This means ALOT to me.

However, we get Freeped once. First time he mention President Chimpy McFlightsuit's name, some College Republicans took off their white t-shirts and started the yawn inducing "for more years chant." As TPD (those pillars of free speech protection and tolerant public relations <excuse me while I choke>) led them out (which I was against (Edwards should have said let them stay, to show how WE accept differing opinions, unlike them), we began chanting "two more months."

(I mean, Michael Moore is coming to the UA, and I signed the GOP's petition to bring that asshat Sean Hannity to UA. I LOATHE that little prick, but signed their petition because, unlike them, I support ALL free speech, even that which I disagree with. I signed my name with the tag line "Proud liberal Jewish Democrat." They promptly crossed out the liberal democrat part. Typical. And the reason I signed it failed to register with those lads.)

After his speech, Edwards did something Chimpy and Crashcart wouldn't do. . .actually interacted with the crowd and answered every question he was asked.

John Edwards is one of the best vice-presidental candidates I have seen (better than Al Gore). He is confident, jovial, always smiling, always happy and enjoying himself. The man gives a GREAT speech and knows how to work a crowd (my mother with the 103 fever and sore throat was cheering and yelling). I am glad I missed class for it.

Now, here are some pictures. Actually, here are ALOT of pictures:


Sigma Kappa Sorority Sister (these ladies ARE AWESOME!)


Veterans for Bush (shove it Rethug asshats!)


Under the canopy (I am sweating to death!)


This guy is really talented.


UA student


This is one of the JSCS at my UA Hillel Chapter. P Ratt is the man!


My thoughts exactly! No more BU ll SH it in 2004!


My mother's buttons


My thoughts are with this one too!


I danced with this girl. If she was at UA, I would have asked her for a date. She was smart, funny, like Audrey Hepburn (most GOP don't know who that is) and really cute. Too bad she goes to ASU. Waah!


Yaqui Pride (I don't like tejano. these guys are AWESOME!)


Crowd Pic!


Crowd Pic! AZ District 8 alert. The woman is our candidate for the House. SUPPORT EVA BACAL! Get that asswipe Jim Kolbe out of office this year!!


J Nap and Raul G!!!


Two VIPs supporting the VP!


Edwards and the crowd!


Taking off the jacket, unbuttoning and rolling up the sleeves.


I love these ear-rings.


J Nap on stage! GREATEST. GOVERNOR. EVER!


My mother. (love you Mom!)


Smiling and shaking hands


Answering questions


this is 1500 feet from the door. Taken as we just arrived!


Time to curse. Fuck you Ann Coulter, you skinny, uppity bitch! We have REALLY hot women in the Democratic party. These four loved the idea of sticking it to you and having their pictures taken! BTW, Ann the Man, how old are you? 41 our 43? And why haven't you been arrested under the USA PATRIOT ACT!?!

Tell me what you think and if you think I am worthy, please kick me to the front of the website.

KERRY/EDWARDS 04. Send the idiot back to Crawford, but gauging by the Crawford Newspaper, not even they want him.

[JI7]

1. great close up shots

i love seeing these campaigning pics from around the country.

[Must_B_Free]

2. is 11/6/04 4 days after the election?

what am I missing? the time machine?

[SammyBlue]

6. Sorry. . .fixed it

It was 9-6-04. 11-6-04 I will be at an expo in LA. Oops. . .sorry. I have been up for 18 hours straight studying.

[saracat]

3. Hey I was there too!

If you had moved the camera a little left I was in the front row behind Edwards! He is wonderful, and you have beautiful shots! He signed a picture hehad taken with my husband and me a while ago. The SS told him not to, but he said he knew me! He asked about my husband and when I told him it was his birthday he wished him a Happy Birthday!And I actually made him sign twice because I told him his signature didn't look right! And he did it! What a doll!

[VOX]

4. Great pics!

Thanks for posting -- excellent shots. And the ladies...yow!

[Bronco69]

5. OK, Here's where I'm confused...

Why do you say that John Edwards had a political rally in Tucson on 11-06-04? Also, the button on the lady's shirt in the 8th picture says "Proud to be an American, Vote Nov. 5, Arizona Democratic Party.

On Edit: Great pics by the way! :-)

[SammyBlue]

7. Yes. that's my mother

That button was from the a previous election. She put it on when we were leaving as to support the Democratic party. It is part of her political button collection that goes back to Kennedy/Johnson.

She almost put that one on as well.

[Bronco69]

8. Cool!

Give your mom a big hug and a kiss for me! :-)

[booksenkatz]

9. Thanks for sharing this event with us!

I'll enjoy Edwards pics from any time or date, LOL!

Is everyone in AZ attractive? Good golly.

I would love to have several of your mom's buttons. Where did she get the "the ass you save may be your own"? I'd wear it night and day if I had one.

(BTW, this Texas gal loves Tejano music, I'll have to check out that group.)

Thanks again.