For those living in Chicago, the rally will be held at Grant Park. Here's the article from the Trib

Obama rally in Grant Park: Who pays?

The city of Chicago said it is working with the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to figure out who will pay for security and other costs in the face of a potentially enormous turnout in Grant Park for an election night rally.

"That's what we're talking about," Mayor Richard Daley said when asked about the price tag today. "That will be the issue."




Security around Grant Park will be very high and will almost certainly require some kind of fencing to be put in place around the secure perimeter that will be created. As is the case for concerts and festivals held in the park, some streets in the area will likely be closed.



Those who attend will need to pass through metal detectors and have their possessions searched, just as at all Obama events. The process is similar to going through airport security and can create lines blocks long, as was the case at an Obama event under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis last weekend that attracted an estimated 100,000 people.



In the hours before and during the event, locals should not be surprised to see snipers and security agents with binoculars positioned on the roofs of buildings and other high structures. That already often takes place when Obama holds outdoor events.


The U.S. Secret Service -- and ultimately federal taxpayers -- pays for nearly all the security around Obama. The city and state are likely to bill the campaign for things like street closures, crowd control outside a secure area in Grant Park, help with motorcades and overtime for public safety workers.

Since the rally will be in Chicago, there also is some concern among Obama staff members that volunteers working in Northwest Indiana and southern Wisconsin could be drawn away from their get-out-the-vote posts to travel to what could be a potentially historic rally. That is potentially troubling to the campaign because both are key areas in critical battleground states where Obama is pressing for every vote.

But costs, and not campaign logistics, look to be the sticking point in Chicago so far.

--James Janega and John D. McCormick, Chicago Tribune

Anybody going?

If there's dancing in the streets, I'm there!

I'm hoping to.

does anyone know how access will be controlled? will people need to register beforehand? will tickets be issued? will it simply be first come first served like going to bluesfest or the taste concerts?

I'd go if its worth going to without going through the controlled area. I think the security will likely create quite long lines of which I'm not a fan. Apparently back in May Obama wasn't of great enough stature to warrant airport-style security when I attended his appearence in Portland (Oregon).

DAMN!!!

I would kill to be at that party.

I hate that I'll have to miss this thing (assuming Obama wins, fingers crossed)

What hotel could give me a good view of the rally? Blackstone? Congress?

Word is, if Obama chokes and loses the election, the gathering will be moved to Wrigley Field.

^^

:rant: Not funny

Hopefully we as Chicago taxpayers don't get stuck with the bill for this idiotic event.

I don't support either party, just to be clear on that before I get attacked.

Hopefully we as Chicago taxpayers don't get stuck with the bill for this idiotic event.

I don't support either party, just to be clear on that before I get attacked.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-obama-rally-24-oct24,0,2328335.story

The City of Chicago is planning for more than 70,000 people to mob an Election Night rally in Grant Park for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, an event that will involve police and firefighters working overtime, blocked streets and at least $2 million in extra costs.

The Obama campaign has vowed to foot the bill, a point underscored Thursday by Raymond Orozco, head of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

"The cost of this event will not be paid for by the taxpayers of the City of Chicago," Orozco said...

Hopefully we as Chicago taxpayers don't get stuck with the bill for this idiotic event.

why is this event "idiotic" in your opinion? i'm not attacking you, just questioning your choice of words if you are in fact an independent as you claim.

I think no matter which side of the aisle you sit one has to use a level head and conclude such a scene is nothing but good for the city. Two million dollars to highlight what by anyone's definition would be very historical night with all the country's/worlds eyes fitted on the city is the type of promotion and spotlight that city's don't get very often.

It is appropriately the same reason we want the Olympics in 2016 and a few million isn't a lot of money for the city to be the center stage for the world with a countless audience watching. If it was a potential Republican President win taking stage in Chicago and would think we/the city would hopefully be no less enthusiastic to spotlight the city for a relatively cheap price.

Two million dollars is nothing to the Obama campaign. They raised 150 million in September and I saw that they were spending 125K per hour this week in ad buys.

I am actually surprised by the City's estimate of more than 70,000 people. It wouldn't surprise me at all if 200,000 to 300,000 people showed up.

But lets count the vote. I will be stunned if Obama doesn't win.

I'd go if its worth going to without going through the controlled area. I think the security will likely create quite long lines of which I'm not a fan. Apparently back in May Obama wasn't of great enough stature to warrant airport-style security when I attended his appearence in Portland (Oregon).


The bolded quote is quite false. Hell he already locked up the Dem nomination in May. Obama has had the closest SS protection of any presidential candidate starting very early into the process, like late 2007.

The close parameter to the stage is what is closely monitored. When one sees like 100K in St. Louis most likely only the closest 10% went through a total search.

From a distance the danger to Obama decreases logarithmically and the SS know this. Otherwise he would never get any more than 10K at any event due to the close screening process. I have been to a few Obama rallies and have seen him speak up close, within 30 feet and from a distance. The difference in vetting is totally different.

There will most likely be a secure rope line for the first 10K or so but anyone outside of the H field should not have to pass any security measure at all if they are not in a direct line of sight.




does anyone know how access will be controlled? will people need to register beforehand? will tickets be issued? will it simply be first come first served like going to bluesfest or the taste concerts?

No tickets should be necessary. First come first serve is the usual standard. The earlier you get the more security you will have to pass through as stated above.

Dan stated an important point in another forum. If you can make it than do so. But for me who has interest in the entire election cycle I would like to visit a watching party within walking distance to Grant Park or at a pro friendly multi TV bar that caters to the political freaks like me.

I will do some research on this but any tips or hints as where the best place to do such a thing would be appreciated if it was shared with interested parties.

The bolded quote is quite false. Hell he already locked up the Dem nomination in May. Obama has had the closest SS protection of any presidential candidate starting very early into the process, like late 2007.

The close parameter to the stage is what is closely monitored. When one sees like 100K in St. Louis most likely only the closest 10% went through a total search.

From a distance the danger to Obama decreases logarithmically and the SS know this. Otherwise he would never get any more than 10K at any event due to the close screening process. I have been to a few Obama rallies and have seen him speak up close, within 30 feet and from a distance. The difference in vetting is totally different.

There will most likely be a secure rope line for the first 10K or so but anyone outside of the H field should not have to pass any security measure at all if they are not in a direct line of sight.






No tickets should be necessary. First come first serve is the usual standard. The earlier you get the more security you will have to pass through as stated above.

Dan stated an important point in another forum. If you can make it than do so. But for me who has interest in the entire election cycle I would like to visit a watching party within walking distance to Grant Park or at a pro friendly multi TV bar that caters to the political freaks like me.

I will do some research on this but any tips or hints as where the best place to do such a thing would be appreciated if it was shared with interested parties.

I was in the back so I have no idea what type of security would have been present up front. I was under the affect that his security detail has been expanded since he was nominated. I actually decided to go on a whim as I had arrived in Portland that morning and had noticed that he was going to be making an appearence.

I am thinking about a watch party like this one that is closer to Grant park or even in a forumers home? I could get the results on tv then I could head over to Grant park to see the speech. Any other Ideas?


ELECTION NIGHT AT MATILDA! (Meeting)

AFTER YOU VOTE on NOV 4th, COME TO MATILDA AND WATCH THE RESULTS ROLL IN!

WE WILL SHOW ELECTION COVERAGE ON CNN ALL NIGHT LONG WITH SOUND on three big (8'x6') HD Projectors and two 50" HDTVs.

Come and celebrate this monumental election with your friends and family here at MATILDA.

Our plan is to celebrate the election of Barack Obama, so we will be offering our usual special of $3 Pacifico bottles and $1.50 Fish Tacos, but have also added $5 glasses of champagne to celebrate!

The staff at MATILDA hopes that you will come out and celebrate this historic election with like-minded people at a great neighborhood bar. See you soon!

Time: Tuesday, November 4 6:00 PM - November 5 2:00 AM
Host: Wil Fleming
Location: MATILDA (Chicago, IL)
3101 North Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657

Maps: Google Maps MapQuest Yahoo! Maps
Directions: We're located just South of Belmont on Sheffield and Barry (Just south of the Vic Theatre).





This one below looks promising also.

http://www.chicagoshakers.com/


Any recomendations on any of these watch parties in the below link?

http://chicago.metromix.com/events/roundup/election-night-parties/708851/content

why is this event "idiotic" in your opinion? i'm not attacking you, just questioning your choice of words if you are in fact an independent as you claim.
Reasons why I consider this event idiotic:

1.) It will most likely cause major traffic problems in and around the city.

2.) I have no respect whatsoever for anyone who is willing to waste millions of dollars to stroke their own ego in public.

3.) Whether Obama's campaign foots the bill or not, Chicago will be spending money (which comes out of my pocket as a Chicago tax payer) ramping up security for this event, managing traffic (and as we all know, it takes 12 people on every street corner to do that), etc.

Again, just to make this clear, I would be saying the same thing if McCain was planning to do this in Chicago.

1.) It will most likely cause major traffic problems in and around the city.
um, lots of different events cause traffic problems. are bears games, the air & water show, blues fest, the taste of chicago, etc. also "idiotic" as well? maybe chicago should just cease being a city so that your world is never interrupted with traffic problems?

come on, you live in a metropolitan area of roughly 9 million people. bitching about trafffic in a big giant city like chicago is a little bit like a fish whining about the ocean being too wet. somethings just come with the territory.




2.) I have no respect whatsoever for anyone who is willing to waste millions of dollars to stroke their own ego in public.
i honestly don't think obama is doing this to stroke his ego, i think it's a chance to throw a huge thank you party for the thousands upon thousands of grass roots workers, organizers, and contributors who've made his campaign so successful to this point. the reason obama wants to host such a large gathering is because his campaign has always been about the people, in the obama world of welcoming inclusiveness, the phrase "the more the merrier" seems to be his modus operandi.





3.) Whether Obama's campaign foots the bill or not, Chicago will be spending money (which comes out of my pocket as a Chicago tax payer) ramping up security for this event, managing traffic (and as we all know, it takes 12 people on every street corner to do that), etc.

this point makes absolutely no sense. reread the article. the obama campaign is going to be reimbursing the city for all of the costs incurred to host this event here in chicago, estimated to be around 2 million dollars. your precious tax dollars will not be wasted on this "idiocy", instead they'll be squandered in the typical chicago fashion of crooked deals and pay-offs ;)

^^I could not have said it any better Dan but I'll add my two cents. Those were the lamest reasons to be against this rally. I think after 20 plus months of a brutal and historic campaign Obama is right to want to do something special to thank and show appreciation to his supporters for their hard work, dedication and a job well done. Anyone who think this is an "idiotic" idea is simply out of touch. :bash:

I was considering making the trip down because it truly will be a historic event... but personally I don't want to wait through security in the cold. I will be celebrating here with friends :)

Grant Park and the beautiful city of Chicago will be shown across the world Nov 4th - at no cost to the city.

Daley and the USOC officials have to be pinching themselves right now.

Great response I must say.

I also believe Obama, as well as Daley & the Olympic bid team, wanted to use the outdoor rally to showcase Chicago to the world. As a die-hard supporter of Chicago's Olympics bid, I can't think of any marketing strategies that sell Chicago better than this event. People from all over the world will be reminded that Chicago is not just home of the future President of the World's most powerful country, it's a candidate city for the 2016 Summer Olympics.





i honestly don't think obama is doing this to stroke his ego, i think it's a chance to throw a huge thank you party for the thousands upon thousands of grass roots workers, organizers, and contributors who've made his campaign so successful to this point. the reason obama wants to host such a large gathering is because his campaign has always been about the people, in the obama world of welcoming inclusiveness, the phrase "the more the merrier" seems to be his modus operandi.

People from all over the world will be reminded that Chicago is not just home of the future President of the World's most powerful country, it's a candidate city for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Politics aside, its also important to note that Obama isn't just the future President* of a powerful country, he's enormously popular globally.

Even if one doesn't support Obama's policies, as a Chicagoan, his presidency would do an incredible amount of good at modernizing the global perceptions of the city. This rally will be an important start.

*While this may sound presumptuous (remember that talking point?) I think the polling and projection best shown at www.fivethirtyeight.com - designed by Chicagoan and BaseballProspectus stat-genius Nate Silver - bear that out.

If Obama wins, I hope some of you take some pics of this historic event. I'll also certainly be scoping out YouTube for some videos (if they haven't yet been removed)

I'll be sure to bring my camera...but I wonder if I'll get any grief from the authorities.

Sorry for the double post, but sign up for tickets here!
http://www.democrats.org/page/s/electionnight

Here are the details:
Election Night Event

Grant Park -- Hutchinson Field
Entrances on E. Congress Pkwy and E. Jackson Blvd.
235 S. Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60603

Tuesday, November 4th
Gates open: 8:30 p.m.

I hope honte takes some pictures from his vantage point looking south!!

3.) Whether Obama's campaign foots the bill or not, Chicago will be spending money (which comes out of my pocket as a Chicago tax payer) ramping up security for this event, managing traffic (and as we all know, it takes 12 people on every street corner to do that), etc.

Again, just to make this clear, I would be saying the same thing if McCain was planning to do this in Chicago.

If you read again the article which I referenced, it says that all costs such as garbage collection, security, traffic control, etc. will be paid for by the Obama campaign.

And why shouldn't they? They have millions to spend. And being one of the people who have continuously contributed to the campaign very early on, I want them to spend it in this way.

About the tickets I think they will be needed only for those that want to be real close and want to get there many hours early in addtion to being screened.

For the many other thousands of overspills into Grant Park screening should not be an issue and tickets will not be needed. Hutch field can only hold 70K anyway so we are told. Daley says there could be a million, I suspect 250K will be there. If Denver, St. Louis can throw 100K together on a short notice I figure Chicago should be able to treble them [ if the weather is fine ] even if it is at night.


http://chicagoist.com/2008/10/28/details_emerging_about_obamapalooza.php

October 28, 2008

Details Emerging About Obamapalooza

Now that security has been hired, we can go about looking at some of the details about Obama's Election Night rally in Grant Park. Emails are being sent out gradually to supporters directing them to this site where they can apply for tickets (at a limit of one per applicant).

Mayor Daley today speculated as many as one million people may attend; he also claimed there would be no screening process, that it would be the responsibility of the Secret Service. “We're not gonna be screening people going to the park. You'll be here for the next two weeks. You just can't do it. That is not us. No, no. We don't screen anybody in the park. No. That is up to the Secret Service.” Well, let's hope something is done since there is no shortage of nut cases out there. As we mentioned earlier, the Obama campaign has agreed to pick up the $2 million fee that Mayor Daley tabbed for the occasion.

Update - A clarification on the security issue, from Mayor Daley: "The Secret Service has the priority of basically policing the area. And like everything else the candidate and his family, let's be realistic, the highest security goes to the candidate and his family. That night we will have the best security not only for the candidate and his family but the entire city as well."



http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/27/19466/680

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2979095053_3faea2ef58.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2979952030_5123796529.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/2979152305_77763c2a9b.jpg?v=0

Well I am in for the Grant Park speech.

I booked a room at Trump on the 4th.

See you guys there.

This afternoon it was announced that the event would be invitation-only, and that Illinois supporters were being sent emails about how to get a ticket. As soon as I got home I registered and got the response that I was on the waitlist. :weird:

This afternoon it was announced that the event would be invitation-only, and that Illinois supporters were being sent emails about how to get a ticket. As soon as I got home I registered and got the response that I was on the waitlist. :weird:


I would not fret if I were you.

All that this means that the first 20K that want to go through the airline screening and wait for 12 hours to be up front needs tickets.

The spill over into Grant Park North, that will have media indulgences for your ears and eyes will not need any ticket what so ever. Quite frankly I, personally, will not even tread into Grant Park until 30 min prior to his acceptance speech.

I have seen him speak in more intimate arenas, so being the closest is not a major importance for me.

Hanging out in Grant Park with around 300K like minded souls is cool enough for me.

:cheers:


I hope this allays any feelings of being excluded from our major acceptance speech to the world. DT.

No more tickets for Barack Obama's rally

According to a message on a Web site made public Tuesday by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign, tickets for the Election Night Grant Park rally are all gone.

The campaign Tuesday offered online applications to Illinois supporters to attend the rally, as Chicago officials gave every indication they were bracing for an enormous turnout.

...............


Hotels along Michigan Avenue have reported a surge in reservations since the Obama campaign announced its Election Night rally in neighboring Grant Park. The Hilton Chicago called the flood of bookings "like a 4th of July." The Blackstone Hotel likewise expects to sell out.


"If we had more rooms, we could sell more rooms," Blackstone general manager Shakir Hussain said.

The rally's planners said security would be its hallmark, provided by the Secret Service, Chicago police and other federal and local authorities.



http://mobile.redeyechicago.com/detail.jsp?key=138280&rc=top&full=1

I got this message and I'm not sure what it means. It didn't ask me to go join a waitlist. It says:

"***THIS IS NOT A TICKET. THIS EMAIL CONFIRMS THAT YOU HAVE SIGNED UP TO RECEIVE AN ELECTION NIGHT EVENT TICKET. ***

You will receive further ticketing information in the coming days."

I haven't received anything since this. Can anybody clarify for me?

You will receive further ticketing information in the coming days
^^ I think this answered your question.

does anyone know the rough scheduale of this? what time do you think he will speak?

Hey, it´s not every day you´ll get to celebrate a bloke voted into American office, I'll be there. :)

Alright Jan!

Hopefully the police won't have to go 1968 on us. :-/

He better win, or else, it might turn ugly very quickly.

But I expect that the city is looking into all possible scenarios. They would be fools not to...

Ditto.

Btw, here is the article which explains how important his win is going to affect Chicago.

If Obama wins ...

Chicago's national exposure would grow, and the city would be caught up in a frenzy of activity during the transition


Jerry Roper, president and chief executive officer of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, said the area would gain massive exposure, and likely political clout, should Obama win.
It will shine a spotlight on Chicago as being this headquarters for not only what will happen in the White House, but even around the world," he said.

While it would not be an immediate issue, future Obama trips home to Chicago could present additional challenges, such as where to land Air Force One. Throughout his presidential bid, Obama has used Midway Airport as his base, a location that afforded him relatively quick access to his South Side home.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-transitionoct31,0,7493363.story

He better win, or else, it might turn ugly very quickly.

But I expect that the city is looking into all possible scenarios. They would be fools not to...

Here is a good view of Hutchinson Field from MPTower3 - I am looking forward to seeing OMP1 in the background of the election night coverage.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l221/Mansmith_2006/ViewNE.jpg

does anyone know the rough scheduale of this? what time do you think he will speak?

Not sure - a lot will depend on how early they call various states. Fortunately, a lot of the battleground states are on the East coast, so hopefully people won't have to stand there all night a la 2000.

It'll be interesting to see how they position the stage and cameras. The Michigan Avenue streetwall would make a good backdrop IMO.

..

So million people in and around grant park. Last time there was that many people how many shootings and how many fights were there? How many will there be this time? Better have half the City of Chicago Police Department there.

^^I knew when I saw your name you'd have something negative to say, lol. I know you can't stand Obama but just get over it.

^^ Not sure what is so anti-Obama about it. :dunno:

I am sure there are some extremists out there who will try their best to ruin this party. You know darn well what I am talking about. As long as those losers stay home and don't come to the rally to provoke violence, it's gonna be a peaceful celebration.


So million people in and around grant park. Last time there was that many people how many shootings and how many fights were there? How many will there be this time? Better have half the City of Chicago Police Department there.

^^ Not sure what is so anti-Obama about it. :dunno:


I'm sure you don't...

I don't remember saying anything about Obama. Simply pointing out that people can't seem to get together in this city without problems.

Also the city must think the same. Thy have canceled all days off for the police and have told the fire department to bring home their equipment and be ready to go from home.

I am sure it's gonna be a massive crowd in Grant Park on the election night. My friend, I and his son will take the train from Oak Park to downtown.


Big warm-up through Election Day

Signaling the start of an unseasonable warming trend, winds gradually shift from the east to the south on Sunday as a warm front lifts through northeast Illinois.

Once the front pushes north, approaching Canada, Chicago's afternoon high temps are expected to reach or exceed the 70-degree mark Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Two consecutive days of 70 degrees or higher in November occur about once every five years in Chicago. But if three days hit 70, it will only be the fourth time this has occurred in November since records began in 1871.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/11/big-warm-up-through-election-day.html

they should call this event

OBAMAPALOOZA 2008

..

Choose from over 50 local election parties.:cheers:


Election night parties
Rock the vote, then rock the returns at one of these spots on Nov. 4

http://chicago.metromix.com/events/roundup/election-night-parties/708851/content



Are any fourmers planning on going to the Billy Goat Tuesday?

This was on SSP OMP tread. Hawkeyes' pic from 340 on the Park
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l221/Mansmith_2006/img2004sy4.jpg

^^I knew when I saw your name you'd have something negative to say, lol. I know you can't stand Obama but just get over it.

his comment had absolutely nothing to do with Obama, I think you need to get over yourself.. rich holds very valid concerns. personally, I am very worried as to what will happen. it could get very ugly.

No, they should call it "Hey IOC, Check this shit out"!

:lol::lol::lol: Even Better

Grant Park and the beautiful city of Chicago will be shown across the world Nov 4th - at no cost to the city.

Daley and the USOC officials have to be pinching themselves right now.

NPR had a segment last night on this general topic. There are literally dozens (probably hundreds) of international journalists in Chicago, and not all from the big places, one guy they interviewed was from Valencia Spain.

The eyes of the entire world will be on Chicago tonight. Like you said, "da Mayor" will indeed be dancing in the streets over this coverage.

Well,today's the day. Anyone going?

..

Go Obama!!!
:)

Obama just won...I'm headed to Grant Park. Go Obama/Biben 08.





The Mac is Wack...

Man it's nights like this i wish i was in Chicago, 1 million of you in Grant Park, kinda awesome, have FUN!!!

so where do you guys think the presidential library will be built???

Howard Fineman of MSNBC said: "It'll be the Windy City on the Potomac."

;)

the video out of Chicago looks incredible

really wish i was up there tonight :]

so where do you guys think the presidential library will be built???

Hyde Park, University of Chicago.

I had a really great time. this was one of the best events I've ever witnessedin my life. Everything was perfect, from the weather to the crowd and atmosphere.

I had a really great time. this was one of the best events I've ever witnessedin my life. Everything was perfect, from the weather to the crowd and atmosphere.

I agree, I was magical. It was so packed and after the event the streets were flooded with people. I'm glad I witnessed history tonight, live form Grant Park.....:cheers:

:cheer: Go OBAMA :cheer:

Wh5VjEjT12c

Go Chicago... :nocrook:

so where do you guys think the presidential library will be built???

I would guess either Chicago or Hawaii. Probably somewhere in Hyde Park would be my bet.

what a night. Chicago really kept it classy. I'm very proud to be a Chicagoan and American this morning. Congrats Obama, time to go to work

How cool was it that the president elect walks out to the podium and his first words are "Hello Chicago!"

For the first time in a looooong, LONG time, I am proud to be an American again. Chicago was a brilliant backdrop to such a historical election! The rally went so smooth I am very proud of Chicago as well.

..

that really was a lot of fun last night. i'm not usually one who enjoys crowds of that size and hours of waiting in lines, but to be there to witness history first-hand, it was totally worth it because i now have another one of those "i know exactly where i was when that happened" types of memories to cherish for the rest of my life. and unlike 9-11 or space shuttles blowing up, this memory of history-in-the-making is a positive one.

his comment had absolutely nothing to do with Obama, I think you need to get over yourself.. rich holds very valid concerns. personally, I am very worried as to what will happen. it could get very ugly.

Btw, flawless event last night...If you saw his other endless rants from other threads then you'd know where I was coming from. The guy is a pure Obama basher. So, you and your buddy need to get over yourselves.:cheers:

Btw, flawless event last night...If you saw his other endless rants from other threads then you'd know where I was coming from. The guy is a pure Obama basher. So, you and your buddy need to get over yourselves.:cheers:

ok so reply to those endless rants. his comment had nothing to do with obama and you know it. put a few hundred thousand people in one spot and there is always a good possiblity of problems. especially in Chicago....

I am extremely happy it was flawless. I'm proud to be a Chicagoan and American. and I proudly voted for Obama, even though I dont agree with barely any of his policies, I think he is exactly what the country needed right now. now its time for him to prove himself

^^I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. :banana:

Picture 16.

http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/fotogaleria/2008/7124/

Pays to wear green, I guess.

^^I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. :banana:

The last big event in Grant Park (4th of July) ended with shootings. A year before a number of people got stabbed. He (rich) had valid concerns about the event. I'm glad it went 100% smooth.

All the coverage today has been fantastic too -- all live from Chicago. Going to be getting great press in the coming few years.

It was one of those historical moments that I will never forget as long as I live. The feeling of being there in our front yard Grant Park to witness the turning point in U.S history was just surreal. Obama really made us proud last night, and so did our great city Chicago. A great victory for both !!

Supporters nervously watching CNN projections on giant screen.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/secondcity1/IMG_1239.jpg?t=1225945120

My good friend Russ who at least deserves some credit for his volunteer efforts to turn Ohio blue this time.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/secondcity1/IMG_1213.jpg?t=1225945199

Supporters react to the landslide win.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/secondcity1/IMG_1244.jpg?t=1225945366

A massive crowd at the corner of Congress & Michigan.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/secondcity1/IMG_1261.jpg?t=1225945674

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/secondcity1/IMG_1257.jpg?t=1225945979

The last time there was this national stage at Grant Park was, of course, in 1968. Pretty cool that this time it was a totally positive image.

Nice pics, what a historic night.

Time lapse video of the rally:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/video/?slug=chi-obamatimelapse081105-wn

^^ cool vid

At Obama's first press conference today a reporter had her arm in a sling. Obama asked what happened to her arm and she said she fell the night of his rally. He responded saying that was probably the only major incident of the night.

To any of you that went to the rally. Did they have the fountain going? I heard someone mention that some TV screens were set up for viewing near the fountain, but was the fountain itself on and lit up? Im guessing it was too late in the year to have it on, but given the great weather that day, it would have been sweet to have that thing fire up high after Obama won!

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