Recap of Barack Obama’s Rally at Georgia Tech
April 18, 2007
Clarence Wardell III, PR Chair for Young Georgia for Obama, recently attended and photographed Barack Obama’s Rally at Georgia Tech University this past Saturday.
(Credit: Clarence Wardell III, 2006)
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I had the pleasure of attending a historic rally, in many senses, this past Saturday on the campus of Georgia Tech. On an overcast day, with the prospect of rain, Senator Barack Obama brought his message of hope and healing to an estimated 20,000 people in Atlanta, GA. This rally marked the first time in which a democratic presidential candidate had held a rally in the city since Bill Clinton in 1992. The message delivered by Senator Obama did not provide any new insight as it concerns his stance on the issues. He reiterated his calls for U.S. troop withdrawal, universal healthcare, and took head on the questions concerning his lack of Washington experience. However, the purpose of the event was not to introduce any new policy platform, but was simply to motivate a base of support that is approximately 2.5 hours from South Carolina. South Carolina has one of the earliest primaries, along with IA, NH, and NV, which, in a lot of opinions, must be won by Obama if he is to advance as the Democratic Party candidate.
Quite frankly, I have never seen a political candidate that has generated so much excitement. Those that know me, know that I have an affinity, if you will, for meeting prominent political personalities. I have attended a rally for George W. Bush in his 2000 primary campaign, met Hillary Clinton, and met John Edwards at a book signing at Ga. Tech earlier this year. The general excitement level surrounding these people paled in comparison to what I witnessed Saturday and throughout the week as I volunteered with the rally organization. It became quite clear after the rally Saturday that Obama is indeed the proverbial “political rock star,” a term so often associated with former President Clinton, and while Hillary is notable in her own right I’m not quite sure she has achieved this status.
What I felt to be the most remarkable aspect of the event was the truly diverse support that the Senator received. Throughout the week, as I passed out tickets I was greeted with the same excitement from both Blacks and Whites at the prospect of him coming to speak. While this phenomenon has been well documented, it is truly an inspiring thing to see in person. One is left to wonder if he can continue to walk the fine line that is required to maintain that type of fervent backing from so many different communities.
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Thank you Clarence for sending this in.
If any of you attend social and/or political events such as this one and would like to send a write up in for publication, feel free to email it to us at TheSuperSpade@gmail.com.
One Love. One II.
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There was certainly a lot of energy and excitement at the rally. What impressed me, however, was the amount of young people who seemed interested in the political process. I’ve covered numerous political rallies in my journalism career, and I’ve never seen a more diverse, youthful, and energized group. It’s still too early to know if his “star power” will be enough. Peace!