Obama visit open thread
posted by JGFitzgeraldImpressions, links to pix, advice. Your adventure.
Joe and Deb
posted: October 28th, 2008 by JGFitzgerald
filed under news & meta-news.
Comments: 105
Comments
Comment from Dr. Jason Salmon
Time: October 28, 2008, 3:09 pm
Someone posted some images on flickr of the line.
Comment from Del
Time: October 28, 2008, 3:11 pm
I just got a call from someone who got in line well past noon who said they are inside and have great seats.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 3:27 pm
Guess I should have tried to go.
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 28, 2008, 3:45 pm
Have there been any healings or baptisms?
Comment from Brian M
Time: October 28, 2008, 3:53 pm
If there have been then perhaps you should have gone, Myron.
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 28, 2008, 4:02 pm
If someone shows up with 5 loaves and 2 fishes….
see if Barack can do anything with them……
Comment from Justin C
Time: October 28, 2008, 4:03 pm
republitarian - sorry that you seem confused. The Democratic party actually supports the separation of church and state.
I myself try to live my personal life the way Christ intended, but I would prefer to not hear a word about religion at any rally. It’s much nicer when they talk about issues.
Comment from Del
Time: October 28, 2008, 4:23 pm
If you want faith healing, you’d probably have better luck at a Palin rally.
Comment from Barkley Rosser
Time: October 28, 2008, 4:36 pm
I spoke to someone leaving the line who got there at 12:30 and did not get in.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 4:42 pm
Myron would you find that at all funny if you supported a candidate and someone referred to him in that way? As a Christian wouldn’t that bother you? It bothers me. Obama has my vote for President. He is NOT my messiah. As you always like to say…grow up.
Comment from finnegan
Time: October 28, 2008, 4:45 pm
Jeremy, Renee and I are in. Follow the hburgnews Twitter: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23hburgnews
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 5:02 pm
TV3’s cameraman has watched too much Blair Witch!
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 5:13 pm
TV3 cuts to Bob Corso. What?
Comment from Barkley Rosser
Time: October 28, 2008, 5:55 pm
Kind of annoying that the online live streaming from the HQ link at the Obama site cut off before the end of Obama’s speech, or at least it did so while I was watching, although it was pretty clearly near the end. But he was still definitely speaking, cut off nearly in mid-sentence.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 5:55 pm
Just found out that a friend of mine who works at the airport got to meet him and sit in his seat on the plane. Yeah, I’m jealous!
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 5:57 pm
I watched it online because TV3’s coverage was awful and I didn’t have that problem. I saw him wave and shake some hands before it cut off.
Comment from AZ
Time: October 28, 2008, 5:58 pm
TV3 really failed the community today, instead of broadcasting Obama’s speech live as a whole we saw the weather 3 times?! Reminded me why I don’t bother to watch TV3
Comment from Justin C
Time: October 28, 2008, 6:06 pm
I couldn’t get there early enough to get in but they had speakers set up outside the convo to listen to. I was kinda hoping there would be a screen but oh well. Saw lots of people leaving the convo when they couldn’t get in. Not sure how many went to another location like Godwin to watch and how many just went home.
Pretty good crowd that stayed outside just to listen given the weather conditions.
Comment from Deona Landes Houff
Time: October 28, 2008, 6:12 pm
I was at the airport when his big plane landed. There weren’t many of us (I’d say 50 tops) but what a diverse, happy, shivering group we were. Senior citizens, children & their parents, farmers, black, white, etc. Many, many people got off the plane before Obama, and when he finally did, it was so far away that we didn’t realize it was him at first. We got a closer view as he drove away. He waved and was talking on the phone. I hope he noticed the two blue farm tractors decorated with Obama-Biden signs that were sitting off Weyers Cave Road on his way to I-81.
Comment from Deona Landes Houff
Time: October 28, 2008, 6:18 pm
Let me clarify that of course Obama didn’t drive away but rather was driven away.
Comment from Josh
Time: October 28, 2008, 7:10 pm
I got there 12:30ish, didn’t get in. I was lucky though and 50ft or so back for his short soccer field speech. My friends that got there at 10am didn’t get in and also missed the soccer field speech because they were too close to the front.
It was a big circus but an interesting experience overall. I’d say 1000s were turned away which is mighty impressive for Harrisonburg VA. I don’t think we’d see hours of line waiting for McCain.
Friends and I went to Ham’s afterwards to watch Obama live on TV3 or so we thought. AZ: Totally agree… why in the world would a local TV station pass up the opportunity to broadcast a presidential candidate’s speech live in it’s entirety?
Comment from Dan Easley
Time: October 28, 2008, 7:21 pm
While we weren’t able to broadcast the speech live as it happened, you can find recordings of it, as well as a few photos of the event, on WMRA’s website.
Comment from Renee
Time: October 28, 2008, 7:31 pm
Yes, thousands left when they couldn’t get in, there was a HUGE turnout. I am LUCKY to have gotten in - I’ll tell the story another day. I’m checking out the pics on my camera now. Got a few good ones. Also, Kenny got pics at the satellite locations. Said Godwin wasn’t full, but Festival was PACKED.
Can’t wait to see everyone’s pics! I’ll work on getting mine on Flickr tonight. Also did a couple video interviews, so I’ll see if I can get those on DVD then into my computer to upload.
What a great speech and a great crowd! Wonderful event, despite the problems getting in. I’m so happy to hear people outside that waited at the soccer field got to see/hear Obama, too!
Comment from Renee
Time: October 28, 2008, 7:33 pm
Oh, and I got to take a pic with Cindy Crowley from CNN! Yay :)
Lots or press there, local and national, and international - I saw a network there with a symbol on that looked like Al-Jazeera, and my business partner Tony said he was interviewed by a news organization from London! The reporter told him they love Obama over there :)
Comment from Renee
Time: October 28, 2008, 7:37 pm
Someone filmed their TV with Yellin’s CNN report from JMU
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 7:46 pm
One major thing I was reminded of today is something I had to explain to my son recently. When people are unhappy they will do anything in their power to bring you down with them.
Comment from Taylor
Time: October 28, 2008, 7:49 pm
I was able to get in. I got there around 10. Does anyone know what was going on with the lines to get in? one line got in and one didn’t apparently? Our line started out single file and then got fatter. One man decided to stand with us around 2:00 and even after being confronted about where the end of the line was, remained there and blew smoke in our face. Very rude. But I’m thankful rudeness did not keep me from getting in.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 7:56 pm
I was fortunate enough to have VIP tickets so I got to sit just a few rows away from Obama. He really knows how to play the croud! It was great speech, instead of attacking McCain he systematically laid out his plan for America moving forward and dispelled many of the rumors/lies being spread by the GOP.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:00 pm
Does anyone have any idea how many people didn’t get in? It was nice of JMU to have a couple of places where they provided a live feed.
Comment from zen
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:03 pm
Just got back to Staunton. What a day! I got in line around 12:30ish and as soon as my wife, baby and I got inside the doors, they closed it up. Whew!
We sat up behind him, just behind the “CHANGE” logo. Can’t lie, I was dancing with my sweet, Obama onesie wearing, 11 month old as she clapped in joy.
Saw Dave Miller doing laps around the place.
I got some video, which I’ll sort through later tonight.
Comment from zen
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:05 pm
Also, was interviewed by a couple foreign press outlets—Netherlands and Finland.
Comment from zen
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:07 pm
Countdown on MSNBC just played a clip form the event.
Comment from Josh
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:12 pm
More Hburg Obama videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwucCT5xNzY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DElwl-XE74
Comment from James Carter
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:18 pm
My video of Barack’s visit the JMU Convo. After waiting for 4 hours he made a surprise trip outside to the UREC field to address the freezing crowd. Enjoy (It was work every second of the 4 hrs).
I don’t understand why the republicans at JMU got so upset about this visit?This was a wonderful experience no mater who you vote for.
Comment from James Carter
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:19 pm
Video of Baracks Visit. The suprise address outside on the UREC turf. Enjoy.
Comment from James Carter
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:20 pm
Trying again (sorry new to this)
http://www.facebook.com/video/?id=557687309#/video/video.php?v=31528402309
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:20 pm
James, I’ve come to the conclusion that most republicans are unhappy with anything related to Obama because they are unhappy with who their party picked for this election. Rather than hold the party accountable, they just lash out and try to bring others down. Now’s the time they should be speaking up.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:29 pm
Your right Emmy, they’re angry when they are losing, they are angry and arrogant when they are winning. This was a great day in the history of H-burg and Rockingham County, and all area citizens should be proud. People will be talking about it for ages. I saw lots of parents with children and even a few McCain t-shirts. They all came away with memories of a life time.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:33 pm
I did see a nice clip of a McCain supporter saying she was happy that people came out to support their candidate on both sides. Its not all Republicans, but I’m finding that more often than not they are mad because the person they want didn’t get the nomination and while they don’t want McCain they feel like they have to vote for him. I wish that instead of taking that anger out on Obama, they would focus it where it belongs and tell their party they aren’t happy by voting for a third party candidate or by writing letters and working on the plan for the next election.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:38 pm
Your’re right, its not all republicans, the problem is that the most dissatisfied and angry are the ultra-conservatives, mostly social conservatives, who still support Bush. Unfortunately these are the squeaky wheels who whine the most, so that’s all you hear.
Comment from Suzie
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:43 pm
Wonder how many Hillary supporters were there?
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:43 pm
Just watched CNN’s “Cambell Brown:No Bias no Bull” because I saw in the preview that they were going to report from the rallies. CNN had a tag up on the screen saying that the video feed was from H-burg, but the video was actually an outdoor rally held earlier today in Chester, PA. Go figure.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:43 pm
Not all us Republicans are angry and vicious. I thought it was exciting for H’burg to have him here. I made one comment that I should have never made, but I should know better than to post anything after viewing videos of abortion.
This race isn’t over. Far from it. But whoever wins, we all have to stand together….as Americans. And support our president.
I just listened to the speech. It was the same one he gave in Canton. Man, he looks really tired.
Comment from Josh
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:47 pm
The Valley Progressive: Yes, the rally video was from Chester but the report was filed in Hburg. :)
Comment from Deb SF
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:51 pm
AP has a pretty good writeup:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5isOFwdbq0tsqatW6vJpkDRTI1gMgD943P9N81
Comment from Renee
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:51 pm
I agree with you, Emmy. Some people could be focusing extra hard on bashing Obama to take out their anger about McCain & Palin!
I’m uploading the pics to Flickr now and plan to title them and I’ll put a link here in the next few hours. Not sure when I’ll get to the interviews/video.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:54 pm
I think that the race is mostly over for these reasons:
1) In most elections the person with the most money wins, Obama is outspending McCain 5-6 to 1.
2) If Obama can lead McCain in red VA, which hasn’t gone blue since LBJ, by 9-10 points, then he must be working magic everywhere else.
3) There are record numbers of people turning out for early voting. If this is an indicator of overall turnout, then we come close to record turnouts next tuesday. Many of these new voters are young and/or a minority.
4) When polls are taken they call on land lines (even though individual campaigns may call cell phones). This does not take into account “cell phone only” homes which number in the tens of thousands and again, are often younger folks.
5) And maybe the biggest….It is in the best interest of major media outlets to present the election as closer than it is. It keeps us close to the TV, newspaper and polls.
The biggest variable will be the unknown effect of voter suppression, intimidation and purged voter rolls by the GOP.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 28, 2008, 8:56 pm
“The biggest variable will be the unknown effect of voter suppression, intimidation and purged voter rolls by the GOP.”
Can you explain what you mean?
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:01 pm
“The biggest variable will be the unknown effect of voter suppression, intimidation and purged voter rolls by the GOP.”
And this is the only thing that keeps me from even having a glimmer of hope that Obama will win. One of my conservative co-workers thinks I should be happy, but I can’t get excited…not really, not yet.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:03 pm
The rigging of the past two elections has been pretty well established and written about ad nauseum. Just google it and you’ll have more stories than you can possibly read. I’m not talking about articles from conspiracists and ultra-lefties. I’m talking from court papers, think tanks, institutional observers, election officials’ statements, university studies, independent, non-partisan consultants, etc…I don’t have the energy to rehash it here.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:07 pm
I told you VP that I haven’t been terribly involved or interested in politics all that long, so sometimes I will ask stupid questions. Be patient. What do you mean by intimidation?
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:08 pm
One bitten, twice shy. Right Emmy?
Comment from Josh
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:11 pm
I’m hoping some hburg pics show up here http://community.livejournal.com/obama_daily/ and here http://www.flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:11 pm
Exactly VP! I’m putting a hotline in my cell phone before I go to the polls.
Christa, I’m headed to bed, but I’ll look for some stuff tomorrow if I have time. I was looking at some links earlier but I didn’t save them.
Comment from finnegan
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:24 pm
Here’s a roundup of the non-local stuff I’ve read so far (reporters are still filing stories from H’burg as I post this).
Obama Questions Whether ‘Desperate’ McCain Thinks Reagan Was a Socialist
Obama will talk up economic plans on TV
Obama Makes Stop in Harrisonburg
Barack in Harrisonburg, VA: “That’s not the change we need”
At JMU, Obama calls McCain desperate
Obama revs up young crowds, shoots for Pa. and Va. (there are a few factual errors in that one)
Obama: Virginia Is Most Important State On Election Day
And these last two raise issue with Obama’s quote from McCain Senior Economic Policy Adviser Doug Holtz Eakin.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:34 pm
Christa, I for one don’t think your questions are stupid. Voter intimidation is the act of trying to inhibit voter participation. It particulary pertains to physical intimidation but that distinction is bein blurred in the courts. In South Dakota a couple of years ago the GOP was found guilty of intimidation because the GOP operatives were following native americans (presuming that they were more likely to vote dem), leaving the polls and writing down their license plate numbers. In Florida, a rumor was spread in some communities by the GOP that Immigration Officers were going to be at polls (they weren’t). Of course this wouldn’t be a problem for lawful, voting-eligible hispanics, but many claimed that they stayed away because they would be hassled or asked about relatives.
Closer to home, the FBI investigated claims of voter intimidation during the Webb/ Allen election when several people claimed that they had received phone calls late at night giving them misleading and incorrect info regarding voting sites and election laws.
The recent interest here in registrars incorrectly warning college students that want to register locally that they might affect their student aid status, could be interpreted as intimidation.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:44 pm
OK, how would these operatives know that college students weren’t going in and voting Republican?
Is it only Republicans doing this or Democrats as well?
Comment from Evan
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:44 pm
Valley Observer: Obama brings the rally to the Valley
Slideshow coming soon
Comment from Josh
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:51 pm
This person just posted a bunch of rally pics http://www.flickr.com/photos/loriwright/
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:53 pm
Christa,
The presumption was that young folks in college would most likley vote dem. Maybe the registrar clerks would only send the letter or make the comments to folks who checked off “D” on the registration card. I don’t know the answer but you’re right, how would they know? I believe that Brent has blogged on this very subject a few days ago. To answer your last question, I suspect both are probably doing it inder the guise of protecting “voter fraud.” I guess its just that so far its the GOP that’s been caught.
Comment from Renee
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:58 pm
OK, I got all of my photos uploaded:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59064186@N00/sets/72157608460529756/
Comment from linz
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:17 pm
We got there around 9, waited all day, and thankfully got in to the Convo with good seats, although it would have been neat to also be only 50ft from him on the soccer field like James and Josh! There were hundreds of line cutters in front of, around, and behind us who showed up around noon and unfortunately made sure that many of the people who arrived as early as 10 didn’t get in.
Great speech inside. He added a few new solid points to the usual stump speech which was a nice treat. I hope someone told him that when Dukes yell Duuuuuuuuuukes that they’re not booo-ing, though! ;)
Comment from linz
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:24 pm
Renee, that’s awesome that you got to meet Candy Crowley!
Comment from Renee
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:28 pm
Yeah I know! I mean I wouldn’t say I got to “meet” her since she was being rushed away, but I think I gave her a hug! (I watch CNN all the time and I was so smitten it’s all a blur haha)
Comment from Tracie
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:29 pm
Some people questioned why TV3 would cut away from Obama’s speech for weather…the same reason they cut away from 9-11 coverage in 2001…bad executive decisions. They did stupid stuff when I used to work for them, cutting away from World Cup Soccer for a news brief about a possible rabid dog, cutting away from regular programming to talk ad nauseum about a bus accident (they said the exact same thing for about 15 minutes because there was no new information), etc. etc. The people there are mostly amateurs who are being lead and guided by people who know NOTHING! I didn’t watch their coverage because they so often screw up…sad, but true.
Comment from Renee
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:35 pm
“There were hundreds of line cutters in front of, around, and behind us”
Yeah, they really made a lot of people that fairly waited in line not able to get in. I think most people that arrived before noon did get in, but some people that came after 3 got in by “butting” in line, which is SO rude. I’d say several hundred to 1000 people cut.
I only got in by luck due to someone being confused at the press entrance (Tim and I had registered as press for this blog but were turned away earlier due to not having credentials), but the line I had been waiting in got closed about 100 people in front of me after waiting 3-4 hours in the cold. I think it’s karma (because of choosing not to cut with friends) that got me into the Convo in the end, though! haha
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:36 pm
Renee,
Now if it had been Robin Meade that you hugged then I’d be impressed! :-)
Comment from Josh
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:37 pm
Amusing story: Right before the speech on the field we witnessed groups of people darting out of line and running to butt in line further up closer to the Convo. Little did they know that we’d have front-row seats minutes later… :)
Comment from Renee
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:40 pm
@VP haha - well I like Candy since she’s obviously intelligent and always makes sure to report “both sides” of a story while still being honest about what’s going on. There was a blurb about Harrisonburg on AC360 tonight, which she reported, so I’ll try to tape it on the replay later tonight.
Comment from Renee
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:40 pm
Josh, good thing you held your spot! I’m so happy Obama went out to the soccer field and made a 2nd appearance!
Comment from Renee
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:45 pm
We’re on CNN’s “political ticker” but I didn’t find it at first since they said “Harrisburg, VA”!
Comment from finnegan
Time: October 29, 2008, 12:19 am
So strange to see the Washington Post site the DNR.
Barack Obama is making such an aggressive play to win Virginia that it is easy to forget how unusual it is for a Democrat to be campaigning for president in the commonwealth at all..
But Obama himself put it in perspective during a visit to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, the heart of the conservative Shenandoah Valley.
“I just discovered that the last presidential candidate to be here was Stephen Douglas,” Obama told thousands of supporters in a boisterous field house. “That’s the guy who ran against Abraham Lincoln, if you haven’t been following your history.”
It’s a bit unclear how many candidates have come to the city, but it appears Douglas, in the election of 1860, was at least the last Democratic candidate to visit during a general election. According to the local newspaper, the Daily News-Record, Lincoln was not even on the ballot in the slave-owning state.
Comment from Renee
Time: October 29, 2008, 2:23 am
I couldn’t find the article, but there was a cached page from BBC.co.uk homepage mentioning the rally in Harrisonburg
I also found these mentions:
photo in Boston Globe - http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/10/29/obama_camp_finds_a_line_of_attack_on_mccain_healthcare_plan/
UK Guardian mention of AP article - http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/7946478
Also, any idea why I am not seeing some of my past comments? I tried to re-post one earlier and it said I had already posted and it was a duplicate, but I don’t see it showing up here.
Comment from Nicole Dixson
Time: October 29, 2008, 2:29 am
Wow, you guys all sound so excited and informed. I have never been on a message board where everyone sounds so respectful and without all the yelling and name calling. I am originally from Kentucky but living in California. It is so nice to see that Virginians are a lot like Kentuckians. Smart and well mannered. I am going to Nevada November 1-3 to help campaign for Barack. Go Obama/Biden 08!
Comment from eso
Time: October 29, 2008, 5:35 am
See, I think if Palin had come to the convo center, most of you would be crying if WSVA cut away from the news/weather to carry her partisan political speech live. But since it’s Obama, some of you want it streamed into every local tv set.
*shrug*
I can’t blame you for advancing your person / side as much as you can, let’s not pretend it’s otherwise.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 29, 2008, 6:48 am
Eso, I probably wouldn’t watch Palin, but I would think it equally stupid to cut away from her. Yes, I want to advance Obama, but when history happens in your back yard you expect the major media outlets to cover it with the best of their ability. If McCain or Palin had been there I would be upset for my friends who wanted to see it and instead got to watch the weather.
Comment from Brooke
Time: October 29, 2008, 7:04 am
eso - bad coverage is bad coverage no matter who the story is about. And yes, I would be just as annoyed if it was Palin. Not sure why you’re so angry.
Great photos everyone! I am really kicking myself that I didn’t bring my good camera. Hubby convinced me it would get rained on. Absolutely nothing I took with my dinky camera phone turned out.
Renee - I had to chuckle a little bit when I saw your photo of Candy. You look so happy! :-) I also realized that was the woman I saw putting on her mascara during the speech (getting ready for the cameras, I suppose). I didn’t realize that was who it was, at the time.
Comment from Scott P. Rogers
Time: October 29, 2008, 7:04 am
Emmy — I agree. I was at home watching, and was a bit baffled by why TV3 was cutting away from the speech. It wasn’t as if there was some breaking news about a weather disaster that needed to be covered. Odd!
Comment from Josh
Time: October 29, 2008, 8:38 am
I just overheard a student telling how she cut in line. She said she overheard someone complaining to a cop about people cutting in line and he said he had no authority, so she and others went ahead and cut to the front. She got there at 12pm and got in, my friends got there at 10am and were turned away.
Comment from Josh
Time: October 29, 2008, 9:00 am
Virginia Tech student newspaper coverage:
Obama campaigns at James Madison University
http://www.collegiatetimes.com/stories/2008/10/29/obama_campaigns_at_james_madison_university
Photo gallery
http://www.collegiatetimes.com/resources/galleries/misc/obamajmu/index.html
Comment from Josh
Time: October 29, 2008, 9:46 am
Another flickr set:
This is what change looks like like, from the ground up.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamposey/sets/72157608462809952/
Videos:
AFP NEWS Barack Obama in Harrisonburg (Augusta Free Press)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1rN15TSqmA
Interviews in line for Obama (from the guy that posted the night before campout report)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoSia8rsE4k
Comment from Josh
Time: October 29, 2008, 10:09 am
Related blog posts:
Raising Kaine:: UPDATED Video: McCain Staffer Confronts and Threatens Obama Supporter, Calls Obama a Socialist
http://www.raisingkaine.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=16943
Left of the Hill: Reaction to Obama Event at JMU
http://leftofthehill.blogspot.com/2008/10/reaction-to-obama-event-at-jmu.html
A. Lincoln Blog: Obama channeling his inner “Little Giant”?
http://alincolnblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/obama-channeling-his-inner-little-giant.html
Coarse Cracked Corn: Obama in the Burg
http://coarsecrackedcorn.blogspot.com/2008/10/obama-in-burg.html
6 Days To Change | Oliver Willis
http://www.oliverwillis.com/2008/10/29/6-days-to-change/
Blue Ridge Data: Obama Rally - Harrisonburg Slide Show & Video
http://blueridgedata.blogspot.com/2008/10/obama-rally-harrisonburg-slide-show.html
EconoSpeak: Obama at JMU in Harrisonburg, Virginia!
http://econospeak.blogspot.com/2008/10/obama-at-jmu-in-harrisonburg-virginia.html
Comment from Renee
Time: October 29, 2008, 12:15 pm
Brooke - I agree with you about the coverage - bad is bad no matter who it is. About Candy - haha I’m glad you got a laugh out of it! If I was that giddy around her, imagine how I’d be if I had a chance to take a pic with Barack! :)
Comment from Renee
Time: October 29, 2008, 12:16 pm
@Nicole D. - sometimes it does get “dirty” around here, but we do try to keep it respectful, and it’s good to hear someone noticed we try to stay informed and open-minded for the most part! :)
Comment from Renee
Time: October 29, 2008, 12:17 pm
Josh, thanks for collecting all those links!
Comment from Josh
Time: October 29, 2008, 1:01 pm
Here’s another batch from around the world:
The Messiah and the Hockey Mom-USA-World-The Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/The_Messiah_and_the_Hockey_Mom/articleshow/3652403.cms
Obama: Virginia Is Most Important State On Election Day - From The Road
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/10/28/politics/fromtheroad/entry4554642.shtml
In photos: ‘Barack Obama attends a rally at James Madison University, Virginia’
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/usa/features/article_1439685.php/In_photos_Barack_Obama_attends_a_rally_at_James_Madison_University_Virginia
Barack Obama: Young Voters Could Be Key For Barack Obama In Virginia | World News | Sky News
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Barack-Obama-Young-Voters-Could-Be-Key-For-Barack-Obama-In-Virginia/Article/200810415131564?lpos=World_News_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15131564_Barack_Obama%3A_Young_Voters_Could_Be_Key_For_Barack_Obama_In_Virginia_
Obama ground game puts red states in play | theage.com.au
http://www.theage.com.au/world/us-election-2008/obama-ground-game-puts-red-states-in-play-20081029-5bdw.html
Obama pushes hope: Presidential hopeful says economy is most important issue | Waynesboro News Virginian
http://www.newsvirginian.com/wnv/news/local/article/obama_pushes_hope_presidential_hopeful_says_economy_is_most_important_issue/30304/
Riley Murray: Obama Rallies Overflow Crowd at James Madison U: “No State Is More Important in This Election Than Va.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/riley-murray/obama-rallies-overflow-cr_b_138883.html
Obama has history on his mind in key state - CNN.com (make sure you click on photos link)
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/29/barack.obama.rally.history/index.html
Democrats Aim for Shenandoah Town, a Century Later - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/a-democrat-back-in-a-shenandoah-town-a-century-later/
After 148 Years, a Democrat Returns to Harrisonburg | The Trail | washingtonpost.com
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/28/after_148_years_a_democrat_ret.html
Comment from Brooke
Time: October 29, 2008, 1:26 pm
Renee, I hope it didn’t sound like I was laughing at you. I just got a kick out of seeing how excited you were to meet the very person you had recently mentioned hoping to run into. I’m happy for ya! :-)
Comment from zen
Time: October 29, 2008, 1:33 pm
Crowley sort of lost some cred with me for this:
http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/cnns_candy_crowley_not_my_role.php
The role of journalism–the fourth estate- the reason it is vital in our nation, and protected under the constitution is to not only report, but inform. A “he-said-she-said” report doesn’t cut it, tell us where the truth actually is.
Comment from Renee
Time: October 29, 2008, 3:35 pm
Brooke, no I didn’t take your comment that way :) I was laughing at myself!
Comment from Josh
Time: October 29, 2008, 3:44 pm
If you find yourself directly linked here, make sure you also check out Renee’s reporting:
More Valley Voters are “Leaning Left” this Election + “Obama Rally News Roundup”
http://hburgnews.com/2008/10/29/more-valley-voters-are-leaning-left-this-election-obama-rally-news-roundup/
Comment from Renee
Time: October 29, 2008, 4:18 pm
@zen, I hadn’t seen that before. I rely on Anderson Cooper for “keeping them honest”.
Comment from Renee
Time: October 29, 2008, 4:18 pm
Thanks, Josh!
Comment from Josh
Time: October 29, 2008, 9:41 pm
Official JMU photos posted http://www.jmu.edu/photography/university/Events/photoevents/mainFrame.html#Obama
Comment from Josh
Time: October 30, 2008, 8:53 am
JMU student newspaper coverage:
Obama Rally Captivates Convo
http://breezejmu.org/2008/10/30/obama-rally-captivates-convo/
Lining Up for a Lifetime Experience
http://breezejmu.org/2008/10/30/lining-up-for-a-lifetime-experience/
Editorial Cartoon (about cutting in line)
http://breezejmu.org/2008/10/30/editorial-cartoon-7/
Darts & Pats (a few darts to those in line)
http://breezejmu.org/2008/10/30/darts-pats-13/
Obama Electrifies 8,000 (slideshow)
http://breezejmu.org/2008/10/30/obama-electrifies-8000/
Video coverage:
Campus Police Say “NO” to Students Camping Out for Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_rm1EqfIqs
Waiting On Barack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWKy3FX3I_4
Barack Obama Speaks to JMU (Part 1 of 5)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBCxlTBE2gA
Barack Obama Speaks to JMU (Part 2 of 5)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LalT04RMyw
Barack Obama Speaks to JMU (Part 3 of 5)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N52pFSKRTo
Barack Obama Speaks to JMU (Part 4 of 5)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lELSsqGTGNw
Barack Obama Speaks to JMU (Part 5 of 5)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHh_pobsxzI
Comment from Josh
Time: October 30, 2008, 12:54 pm
JMU article on Obama and Delay visiting campus
http://www.jmu.edu/jmuweb/general/news/general10254.shtml
(includes a video by some guy hburgnews readers know)
Comment from eso
Time: October 31, 2008, 5:43 pm
I didn’t see the TV3 news coverage of it and just heard about it in comments. That said, I think you are being naive if you expect the station to break into coverage for an entire speech without being paid for it. They didn’t even broadcast the speech of Desmond Tutu, and he has already done somethings. And I really don’t believe most of you would be complaining if they didn’t cover a republican. No anger, that’s all I was saying.
Comment from Renee
Time: October 31, 2008, 8:21 pm
I don’t think it’s a big deal for them to break in with coverage on any candidate for some other big local news, like if a major crime occurs and the perpetrator is on the loose, or if there was a snowstorm on the way. However, cutting in several times for a regular weather report is a little ridiculous, and I’d say that no matter who the speaker was. Why couldn’t they just put the forecast in a bar at the bottom of the screen, like the Weather Channel does?
Any candidate visiting our town should be a huge deal, as was the visit by Desmond Tutu, and it’s pretty bad TV-making to mess up the coverage like that.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 31, 2008, 8:26 pm
I agree with Renee and I probably wouldn’t be upset about the coverage of the Republican because I wouldn’t be tuning in to see it. I would still expect that one could see it if they wanted too though.
My problem is that they claimed they would be showing the event live. Several of my co-workers heard that as well and not all of them are liberals like me. I recognize that stations must take breaks, but I don’t think its too much to ask to show as much of the speech as possible. It is after all NEWS which is in fact what they are paid to do. Fine show the weather, but twice in 10 minutes? Do we really need to see who is still left outside of the event we have tuned in to see? News is their job so I don’t think its too much to ask to be able to see news happening.
From what I’ve heard WSVA had excellent coverage, which doesn’t surprise me, and if I’d been away from other ways to watch the coverage I would have listened to it there.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 31, 2008, 8:58 pm
Is anyone really outraged by TV3’s lack of professionalism and biased, amateur coverage? It’s like expecting the DNR to be fair and unbiased. First, TV3 is an Amateur station, it is a training station for new college graduates. Second, it is run by right wingers like the DNR is, do you expect equal and/or democratic representation?
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 31, 2008, 9:04 pm
No VP, I don’t really expect it to get better…but one can hope.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 31, 2008, 9:23 pm
Next Tuesday Emmy, for the first time in 8 very long years, we can all start hoping again.
Comment from Peppa
Time: October 31, 2008, 9:32 pm
There is no doubt the Republicans are a little bit nervous…
and they should be! ——– Obama wins easily!
Comment from Renee
Time: October 31, 2008, 10:04 pm
I’m hoping that an unexpected number of young voters that have cell phones only and haven’t been polled turn out on voting day. I’m hoping an unprecedented number of minorities show up on voting day. I’m hoping everyone that is fed up with the direction George Bush has been taking our country shows up on election day.
I’m expecting a landslide for Obama - despite the apparent voter suppression tactics, despite the racism, and despite the lies spread about him throughout the campaign - but it will only happen if everyone gets out and votes on Tuesday!
Comment from Josh
Time: November 10, 2008, 5:02 pm
A Portland friend just pointed me to this NPR story that mentions Harrisonburg:
Obama Made Inroads Into Rural Republican Base
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96782692
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