Change From a Fuzzy Distance

One of the most exciting things I experienced during this election season was the chance to see Barack Obama, up close, in a Pueblo rally.

I took the day off from work to drive a couple hours south to this Colorado town in which we had never previously spent time. I was surprised at how... gosh darned All-American it was. I drove past the high school with its football team practicing, with smokestacks from struggling factories silhouetted in the distance. It was a scene straight out of Friday Night Lights.

The rally itself took place in a honest to god State Fair, where I could see people of all ages, races, and backgrounds streaming in to see our next president (we hoped!). Everyone waiting in the long line to the rally was excited, and I made friendly conversation with a smart, politically active woman who worked in Boulder and a good natured kid wearing a Chuck Norris T shirt who went to the local high school. It was inspiring to be around all this great energy, and when we finally got to see Obama, walking to the podium just meters in front of us, the whole fairground practically shook from the cheering and excitement.

Unfortunately Julia couldn't come to the rally, but I did take a bunch of pictures, which I have posted to my new photo album site (by the way I definitely recommend using Google's free Picassa application to organize and host your photos on the web - it's really convenient, and again, free!). My pictures aren't very good, and they can't capture the feeling of actually being there, but I do attempt to inject some narration via the captions.

Thank you Colorado...

... for contributing to Obama's commanding victory, and for playing a leading role in the Democratic redrawing of the electoral map in the Mountain West. For that matter, Julia and I are proud of our former home, Florida, for going Blue - something I didn't think would happen in my lifetime.

Last night clearly marked a turning point in American history, and we feel privileged to have been a part of it. It reaffirms my faith in the intelligence and higher expectations of American voters today. As evidenced by last night's results, we respond positively to a candidate who speaks to us as an adult, and who treats complex issues with the respect and intelligent analysis that they deserve. We reject - resoundingly - a campaign that simplifies issues into "us vs. them" and tries to persuade us through fear and xenophobia.

Julia and I ate dinner at Sengers on the Fax, a classy but casual restaurant traditionally frequented by yuppy Democrats such as ourselves ;). We drank Miller lite while cheering along with the other patrons, every time Wolf Blitzer would announce another Democratic victory on the large screen TVs. Afterward we crossed the street to the hipster hangout Rockbar, which morphed into "Barackbar" for one night. They set up chairs for viewing CNN while serving free Heinekens to people wearing Obama gear. Everyone was in high spirits, even the Sarah Palin-costumed cross dresser we sat next to (she stayed in character, chiding us every time we cheered Obama).

When Barack came out to give his beautiful and moving victory speech, there was hardly a dry eye in the crowded room. When he was done, the DJ lay down some appropriately Obama-themed dance grooves, to which everyone was more than happy to shake their booties. It was a great way to share our enthusiasm with like-minded Democrats and the perfect way to release some steam after a seemingly interminable and nail-biting general election.