Hoosiers Crowds Gather Downtown for Barack Obama

[Scott Abel]

It's history in the making! It's our JFK moment. Be part of it. Right now, crowds are swamping downtown to see the next president of the United States, Barack Obama, address Hoosier voters gathering now in downtown Indianapolis at the American Legion Mall at 431 N. Meridian Street. Parking is at a premium, so park a few streets over (Massachusetts Avenue still has some spots - metered - and there are still some choice spots on side streets.

See you there!

Scott Abel

[Maureen]

I'm with you Scott. I'm very hopeful for the election day results. Obama will be good for the country.

[Scott Emmett]

Well, I am confident Mr. Obama will have no qualms taking our money. He and Mr. Bush have one thing in common: they are both politicians. They are never as they seem. Frankly, I don't trust any of them to do what they say they will do. With a few exceptions (very few it would seem) our governments is populated with hacks, crooks, and clowns. The sadder truth is we put them there. Refer to my Oct 23rd comment.

[Scott Abel]

I can't wait to give Obama my money! Thank goodness we will soon be rid of Bush and his cronies. Yippee!! And, I really can't wait to see the look of disappointment on McCain supporters faces when they realize they wasted this election supporting someone who doesn't have a chance in hell of getting elected, especially since he was stupid enough to add Palin to the mix (and stuff). LOL

[Scott Emmett]

Not to mention take my money and give it to people who don't work

[Trevor Bradburn]

yeah sadam hussein oh I mean hussein obama will only open up our country to more terrorist attacks and drain our economy by making the United States a communist nation.

[Emily Myers]

@Matt- Well, at least he isn't asking his supporters and donators to pay for a makeover for the vice presidential candidate to be. . .

[Maureen]

That is cool Scott. I never have seen a president. Although, I had a uniquely experience last week. I was in NYC and laid eyes on Wall Street, the NY Stock Exchange, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Mixed bag of American emotions. Overwhelming to think of that whole financial district on 9/11. Proud of the recovery..........and angry at wall street. We are a diverse and quirky lot...Americans.............even in our own heads! : ) GO USA!

[Scott Abel]

I saw Barack and -- as chance would have it -- secret service, too! It was a very interesting event and the diversity of the crowd as a positive for Indianapolis, which is often viewed as nothing short of a neon cornfield. The organizers led a large parade of voters to the early voting office, escorted by a marching band and lots of smiling faces.

Those in attendance behaved well and the organizers did a great job for the most part, except for a security snafu, of sorts. It appeared that the powers that be may have intended everyone to go through security before entering the park proper, but as the event drew near, the crowd grew larger was allowed in without going through security.

There were a few wingnut protesters there, but they weren't very noticeable. What was noticeable from my vantage point was the large number of moms with children ... and hundreds of high school aged "Future Farmers of America" (in town for their annual conference) as well as many local students on field trips with teachers. While all this is exciting (and is fodder for pundits and commentators), the interest in this election may mean that Indiana may not be the state with the lowest voter turn out this time around.

When Obama spoke to Republican supporters, the crowd reacted with cheers. It appears there are a fair number of Republicans supporting Obama in this contest. In less than two weeks, we'll know for sure.

No matter who you support, make sure you make time to vote.

[Maureen]

One time...years ago, my mom and I heard that Bill Clinton was going to be landing his helicoptor at a local park because he was attending a fundraiser nearby. We wanted to see the then president because........well, he was president. Anywho....people lined the streets for hours and hours and hours. Everything was roped off and there was secret service everywhere. So, all I got to see upclose was the secret service in operation.... which was interesting. Never did see Clinton though. It got dark and we got tired of waiting. Hope some of you get to see the candidate.

[Scott Emmett]

Truth be told, I'm not thrilled with either Obama or McCain. I'm going to have to hold my nose.