barack and roll hoochie koo

08Feb08

Man, I knew all these years of going to rock shows would pay off one day.

I was on my way to the Key today when the calming voice of NPR broke the news that the Arena was at capacity and they were not letting anyone else in. Doors were supposed to open at 11:00 and Obama was scheduled to speak at 12:30. Traffic on Queen Anne was a disaster.

I know a couple few tricks in that neighborhood though, having lived and worked there for years. I was parked a block away by noon. Even if I wasn’t getting in, I definitely needed to check out the scene. The crowd sounded crazy, and I wasn’t even in the plaza yet.

Official capacity at the Key for a concert is almost 17,000. According to the Seattle Times, the crowd inside was 20,000 strong.

My phones started ringing at 7:30 this morning, everyone wanting to talk about Obama. Candice had been in line since 9:00. She went and saw Hillary last night; I am interested in hearing the comparisons between the two events.

Now, here’s the deal: I’ve been to the Key many, many times. My very first rock show was there, when it was still called the Coliseum. My neighbor Lynn took me to see the Kinks and I can still remember how exciting it was. I was 14.

I’ve been to a bunch of Sonics games over the years and a number of rock shows. I used to walk through the Seattle Center grounds almost every day, either on my way to or from work. I know the lay of the land pretty well.

I’ve also worked at events at the Key. I’ve DJ’ed post-show parties for Pearl Jam, been backstage at various shows, and, one memorable time, Amy and I got to go to basketball practice and do some stuff with the Sonics.

Anyone remember when they ran that whole Sonics rock & roll campaign? There were posters of key players — Payton, Kemp, McMillan, Schrempf, sweet sleepy sexy Sam Perkins — dressed in “grunge wear” and doing things like holding guitars. I know, sounds pretty corny. Who cares, it was rad.

Somewhere, I still have a Sub Pop “Punky” t-shirt that the Glove wore. And, he signed it. I should try to find it.

Anyway, the point is I know the layout of Key Arena. And, I’ve been to enough political rallies and events to know that the candidate of the hour will undoubtedly address the crowd on his or her way in or out of the building.

Especially in a case like today, where the massive crowd overtook the grounds around the Key. A lot of people were shut out and I’m sure there is a lot of grumbling about that fact. I say it’s a good thing. You’re gonna get that many folks out on a Friday morning? So many people, the giant Arena can’t hold them?

I don’t think Hillary had that problem in Seattle last night.

I made my way around the Key, to the Will Call side of the building. Man, there were a lot of people there. I was happy to run into my old friend Steph Fairweather and we had a great time shooting the breeze. We weren’t far from the Will Call booth when Secret Service Agents and SPD officers started clearing an area above it.

Something was up.

Again: I have been to enough of these things to know that a cluster of uniformed officers and Secret Service dudes means something. They don’t just hang out where there’s nothing going on, not at something that requires so much vigilance.

The side stairs leading to the mid level of the Key were cordoned off, with folks gathering at the top and bottom. There was a flurry of action from the Agents. I knew that was the hot spot — there are only a couple of ways in and out of the building if you are the star.

Ka-boom, there the fuck he is. Barack Obama, my first choice for the Democratic Nomination and the man I firmly believe will be the next President of the United States of America. Stopping by to holler at some folks before heading in to the Key.

People were losing their minds.

Someone had handed dude a megaphone so he could address the crowd. Obama gave a shortened version of his stump speech, filled with hope and promise and charisma and encouragement. He thanked the crowd for being there and apologized for the fact that so many got shut out.

At the beginning of his short speech (5 minutes? 10 minutes?), he admonished a guy for climbing up on a pole for a better view.

“Get down from there, man,” he said. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.” It got a good laugh from the crowd and brought the electricity up even further.

He asked the crowd if we would be caucusing tomorrow. A huge cheer sounded through the plaza. He then asked if we would be caucusing for him.

“Yes, sir, ” I shouted. “Yes, sir!”

I’m telling you, it was crazy exciting. A holy fire, yet again.

He looked good. Everyone knows how gruelling a campaign trail is and its toll is always visible on the candidates, particularly at a time like now, with everything so close. Tomorrow’s Washington state caucus matters, which is why we’ve got Obama, Clinton, and McCain all in town in a 24-hour period.

Obama sounded strong and looked like he was feeling hyped. I’ve avoided saying it publicly up until now, but it cannot be denied: Barack Obama is fucking hot. Seriously, that is one good looking man. I, along with a good number of humans in this country, would hit that in a heartbeat.

I know some of these photos are on the blurry side. Sorry. It was getting pretty crazy up front and, I gotta say, it was really a charged atmosphere. We had actually jumped up and down upon his arrival. My hands were quivering. Folks were throwing their hands in the air, shouting at their guy.

Barack Obama knows how to unite a crowd. He knows how to unite a country. It is exciting to listen to him speak. His charisma is undeniable. Again: he has got that star power. There was a moment, when he was speaking, that his eye caught mine. I am not even embarrassed to admit that it was thrilling.

Star power. I’ve seen it a whole bunch of times in rock-n-roll settings. Barack Obama is the first politician in my time to have such an abundance of star power. Bill Clinton also has it, but not like Obama. And, contrary to Hillary’s campaign tactics, Bill is not running for President this year.

Barack Obama is the candidate that can get out the vote this year. He is the candidate that can ignite a fire under the asses of this country’s young voters. The change he promises is not just rhetoric. He truly feels like a candidate by the people, and for the people.

I didn’t stick around to hear the broadcast of his address to the crowd inside the Key. I felt like I’d already gotten the best I could possibly get. Besides, I just saw Obama at the Showbox in December. I’ve been paying pretty close attention to him since 2004. He’s got my support for a lot of good reasons.

The motorcade was waiting around the back of the Key. Have you ever seen a Presidential motorcade go by? I have, a few times. It is some real dramatic stuff.

Look who else was waiting around the back door. Why, it’s none other than Deontrae Sherrard, Ms. Washington Plus America. I googled her when I got home. Deontrae Sherrard is the 2nd Runner Up in the 2007 Ms. Plus America 30-39 age bracket. Look at her, rocking that crown and sash outside the Key.

Bless her damn heart.

While on the subject, Obama could use a good meal or two. Dude is looking a little on the thin side. I like a man with a little cushion for the pushin’. A girl needs a nice soft place to rest her head, you know what I mean?

There were some awesome outfits at the Seattle Center today.

Lots of kids, too.

Some good advice, as well. John Edwards as VP with Obama would be a damn good ticket. One I would bet on, for sure. And I’m a gambling woman.

I felt really lucky today, and I hope that lucky feeling continues with Obama’s campaign. I know I declared jihad on corny Barack-n-Roll terms the other day, but today’s post warranted such a title.

In a lot of ways, it felt like a rock show. From hearing my pal Matt Cameron address the crowd to talking music community gossip with Steph, it was kinda like going to see your favorite band play a big show. And, seriously, I would have missed Obama’s impromptu outdoor speech if I hadn’t wasted all these years as a foot soldier in the rock & roll army.

Or, it could have just been the shirt I was wearing.

Sometimes a little luck is all you need. I think Barack Obama has more than a little luck. He has the smarts, the know-how, the fresh outlook, and the talent to get the job done. His vision for the country is one I believe strongly in and I sure hope he’s our nominee.

And, seriously. That star power? Forget about it. No one comes close in the political arena.

It was an exciting afternoon. I bet it sure messed up the Cat Show, though.

Filed under: Uncategorized   |  11 Comments
Tags: obama