Barack Obama fires up 14,000+ in Boise

It's a big day in the City of Trees. Idaho doesn't see many presidential candidates from either major party, never mind someone poised to pack the largest arena in Boise early on a weekend morning. (The Taco Bell Arena doors open at 7 a.m.) My dream today is that, when he walks onstage for the rally, Obama will be accompanied by the same guy who visited just over a year ago: Al Gore, as a surprise endorser. (I'd love to see John Edwards endorse Obama, too; it's just I think JRE would do so, if he does, in a bigger city.)

But I digress. Obama's rally itself will be exciting enough! I'll plan to post some reaction and photos later today. In the meantime, if you attended the rally, please offer your reaction in the comments below.

Update 1:45 p.m. - Sorry it's taken me hours to get back online; I had another event at BSU right after the rally. As you can see from the pix, my daughter and I were close - close enough for Natalie to shake the next president's hand on his way in. (I'd had that privilege in Elko two weeks ago, so I hung back.)

For me, it wasn't so much about the speech, although that was great. But after hearing Barack in person two weeks ago and on TV many more times, I know many of the lines by heart. So today, I mostly relished the sheer vibe of the scene. The crowd (especially down on the floor) looked like America - white, black, brown, multiracial, young, old, short, tall. I was standing near some recent immigrants from Africa and a whole bunch of Borah High students, most of whom can't vote this year - but if we're lucky, they - like my daughter - will have a chance to re-elect this man in 2012.

"I heard there weren't any Democrats in Idaho," the senator said, and the place roared. But as the speech went on, Obama showed what to me is the hallmark of his campaign: the recognition that if we can come together across partisan lines, and if we can replace fearfulness with hope and grit, we can put our beloved nation back on track toward the greatness to which we've always aspired.

As I'm writing this, I just got a text message from the campaign. "Watch Barack on MTV this afternoon at the MySpace/MTV Forum  live at 6pm ET/3pm PT." After he left here, Obama was bound for a rally at the Target Center in Minneapolis. After the MTV thing, he's on to another arena rally in St. Louis. What a gauntlet we ask our candidates to run! He and Senators Clinton and McCain and Governors Huckabee and Romney will all get a break in a few days, but then the race will resume. It's a crazy way to elect the leader of the free world. (Note 4:45 p.m.: He's not at MTV studios doing the dialogue but live from ... St Louis, I'm guessing. By the way, the arena there holds 60,000 people and word it is will be filled.)

But no one is packing them in like Obama, because no one else on the trail approaches him as being the right person for this job at this pivotal moment in our history. All of us fortunate enough to be there today got a glimpse of someone - and something - very special. We're taking back our nation, right before our very eyes. The momentum is undeniable; the moment is nigh. Don't be afraid of what will happen Tuesday night - whether we'll have enough room, or whether it takes a ridiculously long time to get signed in, or whether you're missing American Idol. Just be there - and help us make history.

By the way ... the world is watching. Here's an Agence France Presse story datelined Boise, noting a crowd of 14,000 ... also stories from The Washington Post ("Obama's Private Idaho"), the Baltimore Sun ("Obama draws some 15,000 in 'red state' Idaho) ... and a post-rally diary with video from dansac at Daily Kos ...    

and here's local coverage from the Idaho Statesman plus a Dan Popkey column on how Obama is wooing Baptists, Republicans, and making government cool again. ... KTVB has a link to the full speech ... check out the awesome will.i.am "Yes We Can" video at the Unequivocal Notion ...

And yet more links ... check out the coverage at 43rd State Blues (Sisyphus and untamedshrew), New West (Jill), We Have Failed (Diana), and The Huffington Post (Michael Ames).

Finally, don't miss the photo galleries at Idaho for Obama, packed with photos by Boise-based rock lensman Otto Kitsinger.

YES WE CAN! SI SE PUEDE!!

Comments

[Diana Rowe Pauls]

See ya there! I'm leaving now!

[Wordsmith]

Holy SHIT! The number of people!!

[Sisyphus]

Holy SHIT indeed. The place was packed to the gills and hundreds, if not thousands, were turned away. The turnout exceeded the Gore lecture as they funneled people into the place previously screened off by the curtains which were to form the backdrop of the stage. He spoke for an hour. Nobody was disappointed. I'll post a detailed account at 43sb if we can get her up again.

Man, I'm worried that caucus night will be needing those volunteers in a bad way.

[Wordsmith]

I'm putting up something as well - got a few pics. But right now I'm going in to lie down. Been up since 5:30 (work evenings) - AND, I'm old. I could feel that climbing all those damned stairs. Down was easy.... :-))

I'm off Tuesday - so I'm thinking I'll volunteer. My kids were impressed.

[idagreen]

I arrived at 6:10 and ended up in line close to entrance 2 on the SE corner of the Pavilion. As we shuffled towards the door I heard folks talking on their cell phones with friends farther back in the line. They said the line behind us went across campus and onto Broadway. Don't know if that was an exaggeration or not, but they reported on KTVB that at least 1,000 people were not able to get in the doors. They also said that this was the largest event ever at BSU, more than Elton John, which was the previous record. The facility was absolutely packed, every section was filled with the exception of a few roped off seats behind the stage.

I talked to a lot of people and overheard many more talking about attending the caucus. So holy macaroni folks, hold onto your hats, this will be a wild one, even if half of those people show up on Tuesday!

One of the most exciting aspects of seeing this event in person is the number of young and new faces in the crowd. Cecil Andrus mentioned this too in his introduction. If even part of this enthusiasm and participation can hold up through November, and this man is not elected, then I don't know what more a candidate could do.

Happy now Julie ;-)? I have been assimilated.

[Irwin Horowitz]

I arrived in line about 7:30 (and had to walk all the way around Bronco Stadium to find the end). It took maybe 45 minutes to finally get into the doors, but I did make it and headed up the stairs to the mid level. It was quite a madhouse finding a place to park myself, but eventually I found a seat in the first row with a decent view of the stage area (sort of behind the curtain on the right side as you faced the stage but not on the other side of the arena).

It was indeed an energized crowd but still quite respectful of all who were there. Obama was quite enthralling in giving his stump speech.

This was the first event like this I've attended since seeing Clinton and Gore in an amphitheater in southern California back in '92. I still have my campaign sign from that event, and only wish that they could have handed out more signs today to everyone in attendance!

I wish everyone well on Tuesday and am sorry I won't be available to caucus with you at Quest Arena.

[W. Lane Startin]

I'm sorry I couldn't make it, but it sounds like things went just fine without me.

I'm struck by the contrast between this and the modest turnout at an HRC event yesterday (see http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/283056.html ). I think it's safe to say Obama has this Super Tuesday state well in hand.

[Larry Polsky]

Sorry I couldn't make it but I urge everyone to read Dreams from My Father - it will give you a depth of appreciation for Obama beyond his gifted speech presentation.

[Steven Shofner]

This was a first for me. I've never gone to a political rally before. Like so many others I have always felt like I was voting against someone rather than for someone, and for the first time that has changed.

I showed up at 6am, and like Idagreen found myself near entrance 2. I was disappointed, but as the line kept growing far beyond my line of vision I started feeling less bad.

They were initially running everyone through metal detectors, but eventually gave it up, and just opened the doors.

[Julie in Boise]

There were about 70 people at the local Clinton event yesterday, and I think a few just came to be polite. (I personally went to pay my respects to Senator Cantwell for her efforts to prevent drilling in the ANWR.)

So yes, that tells you something, although it was done on just hours' notice. Then again, people had only a few days' notice for this, and with a 7 a.m. start time!!!

Larry, I agree with you on Dreams From My Father. It's a much more revelatory book than The Audacity of Hope. Obama is a very good writer, and to think that he wrote that in his early 30s ... it pretty much gives the lie to the idea that he's been planning all along to run for prez.

[Julie in Boise]

Steven, I'm a bit unnerved by the fact the security stops running people through metal detectors toward the end of these events. (Tara told me it happened in Elko, too, with a far smaller crowd.)

I guess they figure people'd be too far away to do harm.

My daughter and I, in the volunteer line for close-up access, were subjected to thorough pat-downs. "What's this around your waist?" the woman asked me. "My waist," I said. (I guess my hoodie zipper was setting off the magic wand.)

Quite the indignity, but worth it!

[Calvin Leman]

If all 15,000 of us would go to http://fp1.centurytel.net/democracy/
and click on Letter to send 7 Senators a message, we could take back democracy, one letter at a time. It is called Fair Elections:

How Fair Elections Would Work for Idaho Senators and Representatives...

The Fair Elections Act (S1292) was referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee on January 18, 2008. If enacted a candidate could run as they do now or they could file a declaration of intent to seek certification as an Idaho Fair Elections candidate.
A candidate for Senator or Representative must get at least 150 qualified electors from the candidate's legislative district to give the candidate a qualifying contribution of $5. During this qualifying period the candidate can accept and spend seed money of not more than $100 from any elector. After receiving certification as a Fair Elections candidate, the candidate must transfer to the trust fund any unspent seed money. Once certified, the candidate can use only the money they get from the Idaho Fair Elections Act Trust Fund for their candidacy. Fair Elections allows the candidate to concentrate on the needs of constituents because it eliminates the need to raise money.
The seven Senators, who voted No for Fair Elections in 2007, get about 93% of their money from business institutions, not from individuals. From their three highest donors they get about 20% of the total money for their candidacy. If these Senators talk with their electors, it is not because they get their support money from their electors. When has your Senator talked or communicated in any way with you?
The Fair Elections candidate must talk with the people. The candidates who use the current system need to talk with none of their electors. They do need to talk with business institution persons to get their money. You can learn about Fair Elections at http://fp1.centurytel.net/democracy/

[David Erin Anthony]

I was a volunteer. I arrived, with my son Tyler, about 5:20am and I saw a line was forming even then. Every time we were told we would only use sections X, Y and Z that would quickly get thrown out the window as the crowd kept coming. It got to a point I was going section to section asking people for any open seats near them to place people.
I admit, I was nearly moved to tears. I have never before witnessed an event, ESPECIALLY IN IDAHO, of this magnitude. Last year when MY PRESIDENT Al Gore came to visit I though that I would never see a turnout like that again. I was wrong. This crowd was excited and supportive. Senator Obama has the gift to capture a crowd and talk plainly to them. This man will be our next President and I am proud that I am supporting him. This is coming from a fan of John Edwards and Al Gore. I am looking forward to Tuesday but now starting to wonder if the Qwest arena will be large enough. This is going to be big folks!

[Irwin Horowitz]

DEA,

I too was a Gore-ite throughout 2007, waiting on "Hamlet" to toss his hat in the ring :-). Since that never happened, I have shifted my support to Obama, not b/c of any negative feelings towards Senator Clinton (who I believe would make an outstanding president if she is our nominee) but rather b/c Obama has become a transformative figure in modern American politics. His appeal is broad. His message is positive, forward-looking and full of hope. In fact, sitting in the arena this morning, I could almost hear the echo of Bill Clinton ringing out with the "politics of hope" emphasis that Obama is bringing to this campaign.

[theresa]

Thanks to each of you that took the time to tell us about your experience today. I was not able to attend -- but was moved by what you all took the time to post.

I have to say there is always something magical in the way a number of people come together, for an event like this.

The energy and the community that build are something everyone treasures.

t

[Larry Polsky]

I had the same concern when I read about passing people through without metal detectors - I met Robert Kennedy many years ago - need I say more.

[Jim Hansen]

My son and I got in line at 10 minutes before 6am. Others joined us shortly thereafter. Met some great people who recently moved to Idaho, and saw many old friends. We relished every moment. Sat in the orange seats not far from the Borah High band.

I loved watching the arena fill up. When they started removing the curtains, I was speechless. The flow of people never stopped. Afterwards, when I saw a retired friend from Idaho Falls, he said his eyes filled with tears as he watched the arena fill with so many people.

I gave and received lots of hugs of excitement, gratitude and (dare I say it) hope. I spotted Sisyphus in the distance. He looked giddy with excitement, too. Must have been giving his share of hugs.

[Diana Rowe Pauls]

Is there any way of getting a breakdown of where people came from? I couldn't believe how many people we saw from Magic Valley!! Considering planes, buses, cars, vans, etc. were utilized to get there... methinks that not just Ada caucus will have larger than expected turnouts!

[Julie in Boise]

Diana, when I saw your first comment at 5:54 a.m., I was so hoping you made it safe and sound - and got in the arena! I read last night that some 2,000 people were turned away.

Jim, I somewhat wished I'd been sitting up higher for the bird's eye view. Please send me that pic of Natalie and me when you have time, OK? Hugs of hope!!! I love it.

I know the campaign was asking people on the way in if they knew where to caucus, so hopefully Brett or TJ will have an answer to that (tough I'm sure it'd be rough).

You want to know something amazing? Boise had 14,000 to 15,000 people at its rally. Minneapolis had 20,000, and St Louis had close to the same! Given the relative size of our metro areas, I'd say we did quite well packing the place - with no small thanks to folks who drove here from beyond Boise.

Finally (for now, anyway), everyone please watch and spread around the YES WE CAN video released yesterday by will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. Click my name.

[Sisyphus]

Geez Julie. What a great video. I'm getting all verklempt.

[sharon fisher]

I got there at 7:30 and the line stretched two-thirds of the way across campus, past the Albertson Library.

[Julie Fanselow]

Sharon, did you get in?!

I think I heard that at one point, it stretched to Capitol Blvd.

[Jill Kuraitis]

here's my take: http://www.newwest.net/boise

My son pointed out to me that about 10% of the population of Boise either attended or tried to attend. Whoa.

[sharon fisher]

I got in because Jill very kindly registered me as press.

[Julie Fanselow]

Cool. I love the comments at New West ... I added one of my own and a link above.