After his stop in our capital, Senator Obama headed for one of the further out Northern Virginia suburbs today - Leesburg - for a rally he headlined that also featured Virginia's next Senator, Mark Warner.
Unfortunately I was not able to make this event but I know of at least two RK followers, my wife and Acluka, that are both on the scene. And I'm sure there are plenty more. Stay tuned to this post as we hope to get some live updates shortly.
If you are there or get any reports from anyone at the rally, please let us know on this post.
First Report: On the way, my wife reported heavy traffic and saw many Democratic bumper stickers, a House of Delegates license plate (#65), and more yard signs for Obama than McSame. Last update she had made it and was waiting in line to get in.
G'Obama!
UPDATE: It's over! That was quick. I think we'll have more coming in throughout the evening, but it appears our live effort was a little out of sync this time. Anyway, my wife reports that all went well, it was a smaller crowd overall than the one a few weeks back in Fredericksburg, she saw Judy Feder, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, and of course, Barack Obama. There were about a dozen McCain protesters lurking nearby and a big "Real Virginians for Obama" sign in someone's yard.
UPDATE by Lowell: An Obama volunteer who was at the event tells me that it was very successful, great energy, and LOTS of new volunteers recruited from the crowd. The only Republicans in sight were pretty far away, with their crazy "socialist" and "terrorist" signs and the tinfoil firmly attached to their heads.
My new friend I met during the long walk and I found a good spot in the natural amphitheater, just where the hill began to rise, so we had a good view of the podium. We were also on the right side of the stage, which was where the speakers emerged from behind it. Mark Warner got in a good dig at his opponent, without mentioning Gilmore by name, saying he cleaned up his predecessor's mess when he became governor, and that he had no idea then what good experience it would be in running for U.S. Senate. Tim Kaine, wearing a sweater and his usual enthusiastic self, talked about Virginians appreciating excellence. He introduced Barack Obama, and the somewhat subdued crowd went wild. Obama's charisma could be felt even far back in the crowd, and there was no missing that smile! Obama brought up that "real Virginia" flap and say we all looked like Virginians to him. I'm working off of memory here and didn't take notes, so let me just say Obama was well received, hit all the lines we've heard in sound bites and tied them all together well. What a memorable experience and such a thrill that we actually had him in Loudoun County.
Photo from the Flickr photostream of kellyweist
Wouldn't surprise me. I stood in line from about 1:15. Got to about 15 feet from the stage. Beautiful day, lots of wonderful people to chat with. Barack was electrifying and inspirational.
The huge crowd that streamed down King Street after the rally blew my mind. At about 6:55 the motorcade went by. Thousands in the street shouting "Yes We Can" and "O-BA-MA". Unreal.
Some great pictures at