Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Oh boy, Obama
Posted by ekdurand@yahoo.com">Emily K. Durand at 1:34 PM -

Unless you're living under a rock today, you've heard (or you saw for yourself) that last night's speech by Barack Obama, Illinois state senator and candidate for the U.S. Senate, was a real barn-burner.  The buzz was building yesterday afternoon -- I heard more people mentioning they were looking forward to Obama than were looking forward to Howard Dean, and in a town full of Deaniacs that's a feat.  And as I watched the convention speeches, I saw the blue-and-white "OBAMA" signs being handed out to the crowd, during Dean's remarks -- which weren't bad, but were actually shorter and less-inspired than the extended standing ovation he received when he came onstage as "the man who energized our party."  In any case, the stage was set, and Obama delivered with one of the most personal, compelling, and memorable addresses I've ever heard.

And I had breakfast with him this morning!  Well, not just me -- he was the surprise guest at the daily NJ delegate breakfast, and it was standing ovation time again.  When I arrived at 7:30 (oy...), there was a rumor of his arrival going around the staff, as we pitched in to place the day's goodie bags in the banquet room.  For those keeping score at home, these were the tote bags emblazoned "C-SPAN" and filled with random chip clips and a New Jersey frisbee, ooh aah.  The breakfast was slower to fill up than the last two days -- apparently the late night party for the Bergen County Democrats ran quite late.  We were served vegetable quiche and -- I am not making this up -- a slice of watermelon cut out in the shape of a donkey.  Get it?  Hmmmmmm.

After speeches by Governor McGreevey (whose adorable toddler daughter has been stealing the show all week) and Senator Jon Corzine, the hapless Congressman Frank Pallone took the podium, and was immediately interrupted by Obama's arrival.  To thunderous applause, Obama said a few words about the Dems regaining control of the Senate (which he could swing with a win) and self-deprecatingly said he'd "used up all the best lines last night."  More applause...and I have to say, even in a few minutes he put the rhetorical skills of the NJ politicos in the dark.  But he departed as swiftly as he came, trailed by a line of well-wishers and photo-seekers.  He looked as though he hadn't slept much last night, but he's clearly been vaulted into the national spotlight and is making the most of it.

Word on the street is there'll be another high-profile guest tomorrow...which will also be the day we deluge the delegates with all remaining freebies and generally go all out.  Let it be noted that today we received several boxes of foam beer-bottle cozies from the Camden River Sharks minor league baseball team to give away, so anything can happen.  Tonight is the deluxe Governor's reception at 10pm in the Bay Tower Room -- I'll be there, handing out programs and such.

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