http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/29/02945/4357Buckeyes give Edwards some love....
by jm taylor
Sat Sep 29, 2007 at 01:30:03 AM EDT
I was late getting to the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #189 in Columbus OH tonight. The start date was 5:30 and I was more than forty five minutes late. As I walked up I saw lots of people milling about outside - some smoking, all wearing smiles. Fifteen dollars was the price of admission to the "Small Change for Big Change" event and I was thrilled to be hearing Edwards speak. The crowds outside let me know that Edwards had not arrived yet. I climbed the steps and entered the hall.
jm taylor's diary :: ::
I was a little shocked as I registered (I had purchased my ticket on the web so my name was on the list of attendees) that there was no sales pitch, no attempt to gain an extra donation. Just a very friendly smile and a welcome. I hadn't ever attended a presidental candidate's speech before so I guess I was expecting it to be more rigidly organized and more political machine-like.
I would guess between 500 and 600 people were there to hear Edwards - a terrific turn out considering Ohio doesn't vote in the primary until March. We were a rather eclectic group. Lots of business suits. Lots of jeans and tshirts. Quite a few parents had brought their kids. Everyone relaxed and smiling and friendly. They were just putting up a short platform for cameras at the back as I arrived and soon three very large cameras were set up. I think they were from the three local news channels because each ran a brief story of Edwards visit on the 11 O'Clock News. There was no music, no warm up speaker. At one point a young guy got up to say the Senator had landed in Columbus and was on his way. He briefly led some cheers for Edwards.
Left side of the audience: " John!"
Right side of the audience: "Edwards!"
Left side of the audience: "for!"
Right side of the audience: "President!"
I was the only person participating in my general area. I was still so excited just to be there it was a good release of energy/nerves.
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