How Does Bernie Sanders' Turnout in Maine Compare to Other Democratic Rallies? It Was Epic

[eridani]

What is really significant is how far away from the actual election this event was.

http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/07/13/how-does-bernie-sanders-turnout-maine-compare-other-democratic-rallies-it-was-epic

No one we spoke with could remember a recent Maine Democratic rally that could compare. We decided to do some research and found that all the large rallies over the past 25 years were either for sitting U.S. Presidents or just before General Elections/Presidential Caucuses. Here's what we found:

* * * * *

The biggest Democratic rally in Maine's history appears to be the 1960 Election Eve visit to Lewiston by candidate John F. Kennedy on November 6/7, 1960. The Lewiston Evening Journal reported that 14,000 came out for the scheduled 9 pm speech and that 8,000 remained when Kennedy arrived at the rally just before midnight.

The largest Democratic political rallies held in Maine over the past 25 years:

Bill Clinton - 7,000 (or 10,000)
October 7, 1996 - Hadlock Field, Portland, Maine


1. Sitting President Bill Clinton came to campaign for re-election in Maine one month before the 1996 General Election in which he ultimately defeated challenger Sen. Bob Dole. The Bangor Daily News reported: "Fresh off a successful debate with Republican Bob Dole, President Bill Clinton swept into Maine on Monday night to lead a spirited pep rally for Maine Democrats. 'Hello, Maine!' Clinton called out in greeting an estimated 7,000 supporters at Portland's Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs baseball team." The Portland Press Herald reported a different turnout at the same event: "Clinton, sporting a Portland Sea Dogs jacket and baseball cap... said he was happily surprised by the crowd of more than 10,000 people who turned out. 'I never dreamed that this place would be so full'." Hadlock Field had a seating capacity of 6,500 in 1996.


2. Barack Obama - 6,700 (5,700 + 1,000)
February, 9, 2008 - Bangor Auditorium, Bangor, Maine

The day before the 2008 Maine Democratic Presidential Caucuses, both leading candidates—Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton—came to rally supporters in Maine. The Bangor Daily News reported: "The Illinois senator conducted his 4 pm 'Stand for Change' rally from a small stage at the center of a crowd of 5,700 people. Outside in the cold, more than 1,000 people were turned away, according to Mike Dyer, director of the Bangor Auditorium."

[Autumn]

1. How fascinating is this. Bernie has tapped into a sleeping giant

[TheNutcracker]

2. ^^this!

[SoapBox]

4. And that giant is waking up!

I can't believe that there are over 950 organizing meetings (and those are only the ones on his website) starting all across America, to talk about Bernie and get local plans going.

It is a Sanderstorm!

[appalachiablue]

3. K & R. Fantastic. Somehow I missed this, 9,000 people!

Do Not Underestimate Bernie Sanders

Bernie Sanders, the Real Deal!

[historylovr]

5. Wow!

I knew his turnout was big, but to outdraw two sitting presidents, that's amazing.

[Live and Learn]

7. Ditto. Wow! nt

[Spitfire of ATJ]

6. Haven't you heard the TV news? It's over. Hillary won.....

(I think that's what I heard.)