Reposted from www.dailykos.com - Jeff Seemann's review of the first Kerry/Edwards appearance today.
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I just got back from Cleveland, where I was fortunate enough to be ringside for the very first public appearance for running mates John Kerry and John Edwards.
As I'm sure you can see in media reports, the crowd was HUGE. People packed together as far as the mall could hold them, and even more people watching from the street. I have no idea how to estimate crowd size, but if I was told there were 10,000-15,000 people, I would not be shocked. The lines to get in were around the block, and this was 2 hours before the featured guests were to arrive.
It was an overcast day with the threat of rain, but for the most part, the wet stuff held off (there was a sprinkle that hit us, but lasted no more than 2 minutes)
We arrived just as Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell was delivering her speech and introducing what she called "the warm-up act" (she meant it lovingly). Included were John Ryan - President of the AFL/CIO in Cleveland, Judges C. Ellen Connelly and Nancy Fuerst, Senate Candidate Eric Fingerhut, Congressman Sherrod Brown, and Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones (who really knows how to fire up the crowd). Congresswoman Tubbs-Jones led the crowd in a pledge to take back our country. With our right hands raised, we took an oath to do everything we can to win in November (the only part I had to abdicate was the part about taking Election Day off....I kinda have to work that day, Congresswoman....you understand).
Normally when an event of this magnitude takes place, one would expect a bit of time to elapse while waiting for the main event.....not in this case. Kerry, Edwards, Teresa Heinz-Kerry and Elizabeth Edwards were introduced (to a huge roar of approval) almost immediately. Right on time, they took the stage with their families behind them, and the party was on.
Next up to the podium (to introduce our next President and Vice-President) was a hero of mine, Senator John Glenn. The Senator was scheduled to speak last week at the Kerry rally in my hometown of Canton, but he was unable to make it. I was thrilled to finally get to hear him speak, and he did not disappoint. He has every ounce of fire that made him such a great legislator.
I must admit, seeing Kerry and Edwards together as running mates for the very first time brought tears to my eyes. To me, this was a historic moment....like the first time I saw Bill Clinton in person or the the first time I cast a vote for myself.
You saw the speeches and I'm sure you'll read about them - so I won't go into detail about their content.
But what you might not have seen were how adorable Edwards' kids are. His two little ones were working their way around the stage with Kerry/Edwards signs, smiling and waving. Little Jack actually got on Chris Heinz' shoulders at one point and covered his face with a t-shirt....a golden moment if I ever saw one.
Following the speeches, everyone worked the crowd at the front of the stage. I got a few brief words with Senator Kerry, who promised to return to Ohio several times (atta boy, Senator). But my favorite moment of the day came when I got to speak with Teresa Heinz-Kerry. I intorduced myself and said that "my wife sends love from Penn Hills....I married a Pittsburgh woman, too". She put her hand on my cheek and said "you have good taste." That's the kind of moment I hold close to my heart. I can't wait to win this election and see her as our next First Lady.
As we left, we passed by the Fox News truck. I had to get my picture taken with that truck, but I maintained my composure....so, no I didn't do anything with their truck that would shine a bad light on my campaign. Hey, I'm a statesman, you know?
That picture can be found here -
Four more months,
Jeff Seemann
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Jeff sends his love!
Thanks,
Ted
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