Courtesy Daniel Perales Booth Studio
Courtesy Sharon Kunkel Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation
Chris and Chris attended the event held at Ed Smith Stadium. We arrived a little before 9:00am to find the line wrapped around the property, down a side-street and zig-zagged across the parking lot four times. Someone walked by offering World Series Game 6 tickets, kiddingly.
We stood on the field, directly behind the podium, the barricade only two short women away. The stadium cheered when the Obama plane flew overhead. Around 11:20, Barack Obama was introduced by Senator Bill Nelson to a packed crowd, estimated at 12,000. He spoke for nearly 40 minutes, detailing specific initiatives about the economy, healthcare and Iraq. When the crowd began to boo at the mention of Senator John McCain, Obama replied, "Don't boo, just vote!" He finished to a ferocious applause and made his way around the barricade where both Chris's had the opportunity to shake his hand.
We floated off the field, elated with the experience, proud for having seen both presidential candidates and invigorated in the choice we have made.
Well done! So many of our friends were drawn to attend... I wonder if Barack would come to my house so I could get so many of my friends in the same place at the same time :)
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