Dick and I arrived at the holding line about 4:45PM. We were quickly approached by a cherub fat little black girl soliciting for volunteers to the campaign. Once you signed up you received a big round sticker with the message "2012 barackobama.com" simple and to the point. Go there and find out more information. Usually when you get to the site it asks for a donation. Since there are so many stickers displayed I quickly sign up even though I am already a volunteer for the campaign.
The line moves quickly. It is sunny outside so Dick has to guard himself from the sun as much as possible. Two weeks ago he had a cancer spot removed from an area above his left eye. They did an incredible job cause you would never know he had any surgery. As we lurch forward the first the first station is a check of ID against a prepared list of attendees. Both Dick and I get checked through. I decide to move forward. Dick seems to want to engage in conversations with folks standing around the building reminiscing about his past visits to the building. Eventually he sees me moving on and meets up. We get to the entrance of the building and encounter a makeshift set up to wand, scan and pat you down before entering the building. I did have a cute young boi who was my cop to work on me. I had hoped for a quick feel to get me charged for the evening and possibly leave a number for future engagement. LOL.
Quick as that we were in. Walking through the halls it was like a carnival with balloons and barkers selling their campaign stuff. I was only interested in getting a position as close to the front as possible. After winding through the crowd we found a spot at the front with an obstructed view of the stage. Dick chose to investigate the other side of the room. We found a much better spot on the other side. There we had a great sight of the stage. We were quickly informed a black giant would be coming back to block all of our view. They were not wrong. He was over 7 feet tall and quite wide. Very much in he way of blocking everyone's view. I managed to slightly maneuver and got a great sight position completely away from him.
The longer we waited, the more crowded it became, the more heat was generated in an un-airconditioned room. I did look up to see a cheap fan blowing hot air in the room. I of course was sweating profusely from the heat. So much so that Dick commented about the puddles of water at my feet. After waiting until 5:45PM the show began.
First up a rather uninspired speaker charged with sharing information about the 2012 campaign. Guess the heat melted him before he even opened his mouth. No where to go but endure his speech until the end. Hope he gets to stay in the office during the campaign or quickly learn how to be more inspirational.
Next up was OK GO a local Chicago band who made it big nationally and at the Grammys was the first act. They have some innovative videos with their music. Most of the songs played were familiar. What completely failed was some kind of set with bells. Finally they sang their most recent release bringing their act to an end.
Next up was Jennifer Hudson. She electrified the air with her presence. She sang two songs which was quite disappointing considering OK GO gave up four or five of their songs. Even though we were satisfied with what she gave us. I noticed George Huff as one of her backup singers. She and him were in the same season on American Idol. She really looked great.
Next up Herbie Hancock with his jazz set. He delivered three or more songs. I really though I would like jazz more, but after hearing hat I was reminded of the reason it was not on my list of music to enjoy. In addition to that this black chick behind me acted as if each note gave her a complete orgasm and she felt it necessary to share the feeling vocally with the rest of us. I hoped someone would cart her off to the side so she could mess herself up in a corner and leave the rest of us alone. By this time I had shifted feet so much there was no other way to stand. I was almost at the point of leaving from the pain in my feet. Finally Herbie got to his "Maiden Voyage" signaling the end to his set. Damn that was really long.
Next up Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He delivered a speech with some garbs at Mitt Romney. Quite effective cause mainstream media immediately went to protect Romney from the viscious comments or as much as they stated. I thought all were to easy on the Republicans. Lots of nervous laughter at jokes. Overall fun speech.
Rham called back the performers to sing Happy Birthday. They seemed to be confused who would lead the song. Jennifer took the mic and began singing. The crowd joined in and slowly the President entered the stage. Great to see him once again.
President Barack Obama delivered what seemed to be a start of his campaign stump speech. Worse part was watching the leader of the free world standing there mopping his brow from the excessive heat in the building. The heat was temporarily forgotten once the President began speaking.
Overall I was so glad I got to be there.
