Calling Rev Cheesehead...

[SharonRB]

how was the Obama rally? Please tell us all about it.

[Berry Cool]

1. She's probably too busy watching the Packers game to get back to us!

Don't expect to hear from her till tomorrow night.

[RevCheesehead]

2. Oh, it was wonderful!!

It was held today (Monday), and the doors opened at 9 am. I got there around 10, and just kind of strolled out onto the main floor. They tried to herd us up the stairs to the stadium seating, but I just said "stairs are too hard for me" (see? There ARE benefits to being fat!) I later found out I was sitting in special reserved seating for the Steel Workers and Boilermakers Unions... so I just played along. Nobody ever asked me for a ticket!

My congress-critter, Steve Kagen, spoke and got a HUGE reception! Then the Lt. Governor, Barbara Lawton spoke, telling us "I simply do not believe that this election is this close." Then Sen. Herbie Kohl came out in his elvish wonder. He got a good laugh when he called Gramps "Johnny-Come-Lately" for trying to steal the "Change" meme. Then Gov. Doyle spoke, and then RUSS!! :loveya: came out to HUGE applause! He got to introduce Obama.

When Barack got there, the place went nuts. We were cheering so loudly and so long that we wouldn't let him get started with his speech. He spoke almost entirely on the economy and government reform. He even stole one of my lines from my sermon yesterday!! "People at the bottom of the ladder know that the economy has been in trouble for years."
He mentioned specifically the laid off workers from Kimberly, who have had their mill shut down (the workers are trying to get the company to sell the building to someone else so they can keep working.)

He spoke so movingly about how good people are trying just to make a decent living, just trying to get by, just trying to pay the bills. As he spoke, I found myself moved to tears.

After the event, I went up front with all the groupies. I wasn't close enough to shake his hand... BUT, I did get his autograph in my book!!!! (Thanks for the tip, Sharon!) After the show, I bought a "Yes, We Can" towel and three campaign buttons. Then I sat in the parking lot, reading until the traffic let up. Then I went to Culver's for lunch, and then home.

I am emotionally spent. It was such a good thing. It was a moment to remember... especially when Barack said "perhaps never before has a Bears fan received such a warm welcome from Cheeseheads." I knew he was talking to me. :)

[SharonRB]

3. That's great, Rev!

I don't know why I thought it was yesterday. And you got bonus Russ! That's how I felt when Gore was here in June with Barack. Great bonus!

I'm so glad I told you about the autograph thing and that you were able to get him to sign your book.