Barack Obama's Town Hall Meeting in San Antonio *PICS*

[Avalux]

What a day and what a crowd! Even though we got there two hours early, there was already a huge line of people around the building and stretching down the street a couple of blocks. We were told the place held 3K people and after awhile it became apparent not all there would get in. The street was blocked off and speakers set up outside; overflow crowd spilled into the street.

My daughter and I got in and found a seat fairly close to where Obama would speak. This is an outdoor venue and the weather was perfect. I looked around at the crowd and was happy to see such a diverse group of people; many different races and many different ages, all here together to hear Barack Obama.

We were entertained by various local political folks including our own Charlie Gonzalez who told a little story of when he was 12 and went to 'work' with dad Henry B. Gonzalez. At the end of the story, he said he is proud to support Obama and believes he is a product of what his father fought so hard for all of his life. Lots of cheers!

We waited and waited then noticed the crowd out on the street sounded really worked up; we could hear a very familiar voice in between the cheers. Obama had gone out into the street first to greet those who could not get in. We listened and waited some more then after about 20 minutes it was our turn.

Barack Obama gave an abbreviated speech (the one we are familiar with) for about 40 minutes, changing up parts of it to speak directly to San Antonians. When he mentioned George Bush would not be on the ballot this year, we yelled and he said "ya'll need to take him back" and we screamed "NO, WE DON'T WANT HIM" then everyone had a good laugh. There were moments of laughter throughout; Obama has a good sense of humor which sometimes isn't seen on TV.

After his speech, he answered questions from the crowd for over an hour. They were not planted questions, he randomly called on people himself. Each answer he gave was detailed, on various issues like healthcare, public school funding, the war, VA benefits and taxes. For those who say Obama doesn't talk policy and give details, they should have been there. He definitely knows his stuff.

If Obama had called on everyone we'd still be sitting there; I wish he could have. It was off to Houston next where he'll be this evening for returns out of Wisconsin and Hawaii.

My daughter and I are now home, exhausted but happy; it was a great experience for her. Now it's off to work for the next couple of weeks and with Texas's help, Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States of America.

Here's a few pics I took - enjoy!!!


Waiting in line (my daughter & me)


The crowd


Charlie Gonzalez

Barack Obama:

[loveangelc]

1. I thought you and your daughter were sisters :)

[my3boyz]

4. Me too!!!! I was just about to post that! Thanks for the pictures!

[Oceansaway]

2. thanks...n/t

[CalebHayes]

3. I'm glad you guys had fun. I bet you are fired up and ready to go now!

I loved going to town halls when I interned in Reno.

[Yael]

5. Great Pics!!

You look so young to have such a mature daughter. :wow:

[Whisp]

6. great post, and the 3 of you are Gorgeous! nt

[GarbagemanLB]

7. Nice pics.

[babylonsister]

8. You and your daughter are beautiful, as is this post! I think so

highly of Obama for spending time with the folks who couldn't get in, and was happy to hear he's spending time answering questions! Thank you! :thumbsup:

[Avalux]

12. Thank you - it was an incredible day.

:hi:

[grantcart]

9. help me which is the dau and which is the mother?

You already knew that Obama supporters were sharp lol

[Avalux]

14. Daughter blonde, mom brunette.

:hi:

[psychopomp]

10. Nice photos

What is everybody in the crowd looking at in the bottom pic?

[Avalux]

16. A woman asking a question about Iraq - she has 3 family members there now.

You can tell everyone was listening intently, including Obama.

[monmouth]

11. Wonderful, informative post. You girls are gorgeous...n/t

[MoJoWorkin]

13. Great pics! I thought you were sisters, too. Obama is still wearing

the bracelet given by the Mom, from WI, of the soldier killed in Iraq. I am so pleased that he is honoring her son's memory in that way. It will give him strength.

[Avalux]

15. He mentioned that - told us where he got it.

It was a good moment. :hi:

[David Zephyr]

17. Which is the mom and which is the daughter?

sparosnare, how cool is it that you both went together. Seriously, are you sure you aren't sisters?

[Avalux]

18. See post #14.

It was very cool we went together, she's in high school and I let her skip. This is historical and if I had my way she'd get extra credit for it. ;-)

[BeyondGeography]

19. Great write-up...I saw the Q&A portion online; he seemed to be well-received

K&R

[texasleo]

20. Mrs. Robinson

:evilgrin:

[TheDonkey]

21. Excellent pics! Obama is smokin'

[Guava Jelly]

22. Wow! Those are great!

I wish I was there.
And man you are a cutie (which one are you??):sarcasm:.
Thank you again for sharing.
He is going to make it!! I just feel it.

[Avalux]

24. I feel it too - Keep thinking positive!

:hi:

[goclark]

23. Your post made my day!

[K Gardner]

25. Beautiful, K&R

[Avalux]

26. Kick for Wisconsin! Gobama!!!!

:kick:

[fight4my3sons]

27. great pictures!

You and your daughter are beautiful! I love San Antonio :) We were there a few years ago. My aunt and uncle live in Kerrville (actually Centerville, I think). I lived in Midland for part of my childhood and had never been to your part of the state. Your part is much nicer!