Barack Rocks Cleveland

Thanks to the amazing David Ploenzke for the above photos.

I went to the Barack Obama rally this evening in downtown Cleveland. It was the most amazing event I've ever attended. Not just because of the obvious political interest or because it's two days before the most popular presidential election of all time. Not just because this is an historical event with Barack Obama running and so close to achieving his goals. And not just because Bruce Springsteen gave a complete acoustic concert up close and personal. It's not just because of what I heard, but what I saw.

"We Are All Witnesses." That's the saying draped across a 10-story banner on a Cleveland building boasting a picture of LeBron James. If you haven't been to Cleveland, it's quite impressive. When you see it for the first time, your head goes up, chin drops, and you're compelled to stare. This statement turned into a new meaning for Cleveland tonight.

It doesn't matter which candidate you support in this election. It doesn't matter which tax plan or health care plan you agree with more. It doesn't matter how much money you make, or where you live. Tonight, everyone was equal. Cleveland pulled together like never before. There were easily 100,000 people or more in attendance, and if you didn't know better, you would think they were all family. Family that actually cared about each other and looked past your most outstanding insecurities or flaws.

When I first arrived hours before the scheduled start time, I was instantly taken aback at how many people were in line. The line stretched down every block near Brown's stadium. I laughed when someone told me where the end was. They gave me a genuine look of sympathy followed by a smile. I went to the back of the line which was at the time, the Terminal Tower. My first thought was, how are they keeping this together? There must be lots of people cutting and slipping through. Quite the contrary. I've never seen anything so orderly or controlled without anyone attempting to control it. During my hour plus wait in this line, I didn't see one person cut or complain. Clevelanders behaved like hypnotized kindergarten students on their way to the lunch room. This was my first impression and the wait was oddly enjoyable. It was fascinating and fun to see all the different faces. Everyone smiled, and seemed laid back. There was no average person. With this crowd, I don't think the word average exists.

As we moved closer to the area where the stage was set and the jumbo trons were in place, it was like a scene from Apollo 13. The scene where they leave the atmosphere and see space for the first time. Never ending and completely surrounding you. Cleveland police officers were working hard to keep the streets clear and they did a great job. Everyone was so polite and respectful. So there we stand. We heard from Mayor Frank Jackson and Sherrod Brown. We all sang along to The National Anthem and then waited. You could see the inside of Brown's stadium from almost anywhere you were standing, and the seats were packed. The Browns were inside having their own battle far from anything political and the game was almost over. As the wait continued, more and more people came. The event was to start at 3:45 but it was delayed. I'm assuming that the original plan wasn't for this many people to be present and for the end of the Browns game to coincide with the podium presence of Obama, but it did. So while there's no more room left for people to stand, here comes an additional 60,000 people dressed in orange and brown. Incredible. There wasn't a blade of grass or patch of cement to stand on.

I was near the Marriott hotel and while all these bodies are being brought together, to top things off, here comes the bride and groom. Yes, a wedding. They come out of the hotel and thousands of people start to clap and cheer. None of these people were sent an invitation and it's one of those things you'll definitely never encounter again. Just getting over that fun and still waiting for Obama to take the stage, here comes Carl Monday and his wife. In the crowd as a citizen and not a reporter. Also standing nearby, Lt. Governor, Lee Fisher. Standing next to me was a woman who came alone. She smiled at me and I smiled back. Then she said hesitantly, (as with any beginning of a conversation between strangers) "I have been waiting here for hours and I have been... crying all day." For a fraction of a second I wondered if something was wrong. It was only a fraction. She turned her head to the crowd quickly as her eyes clearly needed to break and compose. I stood there quietly and continued to take it all in. As the crowd began to grow even more minutes later, she turned to me again and said, "Wow, this is insane. There's no where for them to go, this is really bad." I looked at her and said, "Actually, I think it's really good." She nodded at me and smiled again. A face I won't forget anytime soon.

Bruce Springsteen took the stage for a full concert. He was genuine and real. Just as talented as ever. He started singing, "This Land Is Your Land" and the entire crowd sang along. He then performed many of his hits and had a lot of opinions to share about the economy and current status of the country. Awesome performance.

He then introduced Barack Obama and family to the stage. The crowd of supporters cheered as they do at sporting events. We're kind of known for that and proud of it. A definite goose bump moment. Senator Obama then gave his speech. I was interested in what he had to say, and listened carefully to the inflections in his voice and sincerity. It was a good speech. It wasn't anything I hadn't heard before, but it was still nice to see Barack Obama speak in person and Bruce Springsteen was an added bonus.
The magical moment of the night wasn't something he said or a promise made, it was the people. Clevelanders shoulder to shoulder united with a certain feeling in the air. This election means so much to many. Over the last few months, I've seen friends turn on each other, opinions and debates get heated to the point of nastiness, and political blogs that are outrageous. I don't think anyone is sitting well with how much this country is divided and how mixed the emotions are. Even the news networks that I've watched as a child are no longer neutral. Wars are brewing all over and not just in other countries. The television, the newspapers, the internet and offices nationwide are battling over two things -- right and left.

Tonight in Cleveland it wasn't too hot, it wasn't too cold and it wasn't just right. It was perfect. We were all witnesses. Witnesses to the speakers and musicians and most importantly witnesses to our neighbors. It reminds you of how much of an impact we can make if we come together. Anything is possible. People run this country, and yet the people never seem to be present or vocal. Tonight, they were. Cleveland was alive and well this evening. One sided? Yes. It wasn't a McCain/Palin rally, naturally. But what if everyone could come together in a large mass without there being such hatred? Not all Obama supporters agree on the same things. There are so many issues from gay rights to abortion to income levels and what it means for your taxes. It's the same on the McCain side. Not everyone thinks the same -- that would make for a boring society, but mutual respect and consideration is a necessity. The more divided we are, the less we'll accomplish.

Realtors negotiate difficult demands every day. Home buyers and sellers don't always see eye to eye and many discrepancies are held closely to each party. Ultimately, what's best for both parties is on the line and it must be brought together so that everyone walks away happy. I was proud of Cleveland tonight. The city was beautiful and the air was buzzing with positive feelings. I think we can grow and build off of this regardless of who becomes president. It's the communities and people that matter the most. As much as we've supported and rallied behind the politicians on both sides, wouldn't it be great to now turn some of that toward each other? Just a thought.