Late Night Rally in Flagstaff, Arizona, brings them out by the thousands!

[flpoljunkie]

AP Photos/Mike Segar


Supporters cheer from inside restaurant in Flagstaff, Arizona

[flpoljunkie]

1. Flagstaff rally crowd estimated to be around 12,000

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0809kerry09.html

Kerry's train arrived in Flagstaff about 10:15 p.m., and he then walked through the streets to attend a massive rally at Heritage Square. Shirley; Napolitano; Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry; and Democratic congressional candidate Paul Babbitt spoke before Kerry addressed the crowd, which was estimated at 12,000.

The campaign train arrived in Flagstaff later than expected because of an unplanned stop. Instead of just slowing down near Winslow, the train stopped there for a few minutes after the candidate decided to speak to the 1,000 or so who turned out to greet the train.

Kerry and his wife were to ride a helicopter to the Grand Canyon today for a family visit entailing no campaign appearances. They will then board the train again to reach Kingman in time for an evening rally.

[skooooo]

2. I don't remember such large gatherings ..

..for political campaigns ever. I may just be unaware, but the crowds that Kerry and Edwards draw seem incredible to this middle aged person!

[Wright Patman]

3. Clinton-Gore

drew big crowds, even in East Texas. They actually came through here campaigning once, even though Poppy eventually carried the state.

What this shows is that any time a member of the BFEE takes over the White House, after a few years of their misrule, the generally apathetic public takes notice (oftentimes after losing their jobs or their investments) and becomes temporarily active.

[WI_DEM]

4. yes, the Clinton-Gore bus tour was very popular as well

also while the crowds do show excitement especially among the base--it should be noted that reporters commented on the large crowds that McGovern and Mondale drew in the final weeks of their runs for president which, of course, ended in landslide defeats. This won't happen to Kerry and it is encouraging and makes for good visuals.

[NWHarkness]

5. This isn't ther final weeks

Any major party candidate will draw big crowds in October, but to draw like this in the summer is significant.

[GalleryGod]

7. I Agree.

:bounce: These are huge for the Start of a Campaign...as opposed to the Loyalty Oath Rallies the RNC is pushing.

[SemperEadem]

10. The difference between McGovern/Mondale and Kerry/Edwards

is that Kerry/Edwards have synergy.

[demconfive]

9. Amazing!

12,000 people represents 25% of Flagstaff's population.

[LizW]

6. gulp

"Kerry and his wife were to ride a helicopter to the Grand Canyon today for a family visit entailing no campaign appearances."

:scared:

[KittyWampus]

8. Wow! Gives Me Goosebumps!

the energy is palpable.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

11. very impressive. (kick)

[blondeatlast]

12. That's me, over there on the left in the bleachers with the neon

pink shirt on!

It truly was amazing, even though JFK didn't show until nearly 11PM. Lots of people from other parts of Arizona (most of us don't need much excuse to visit lovely Flagstaff) and 2000 people in tiny Winslow. Read more here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=139x538

The energy is building, friends, we are gonna accomplish this victory!

[flpoljunkie]

13. Thanks for the link! Great recounting of the event!

[Tarheelhombre]

14. These are remarkable crowds for early September

You usually don't see these type of crowds until mid OCtober.

[Tarheelhombre]

15. In 2000, Gore's crowds were embarassingly smaller than Bush's

Until right before the election. I remember feeling worried that Bush's crowds were so much larger than Gore's. It was not into the last two or three weeks that Gore's crowds were respectable.