Barack Obama rides into town on a horse named TOTAL ROCKSTAR
Richmond’s Photographic Wonderboy takes us inside the most anticipated event since that Most Recent Unpleasantness
Photos by: Jake Lyell.
Obama fans spell out their support outside the Siegel Center on Broad Street
Supporters without tickets to the Jefferson-Jackson dinner were none-the-less enthusiastic
Hillary’s advocates were of a less diverse demographic
Bros before Hos
“Hey remember when I was governor that year?” Virginia’s Democratic heavyweights schmoozy it up back stage
Hillary Clinton kept her chin up as news of the latest contest losses came through
Larger than Life: Clinton addresses the biggest Jefferson-Jackson dinner in the Commonwealth history
“Don’t go losing on me B.” Obama shakes hands after a rousing address to VA democrats
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine first endorsed Obama one year ago
Positioning himself as the only candidate who could win in the general election, Obama readies himself for a fight against McCain
A first hand account
by: Sam Fetchero
This year’s Jefferson-Jackson dinner, a Virginia Democratic Party fundraiser and get-together, became a higher-profile event than ever with the presence of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and a vote on Tuesday that could help decide the primary and the election.
While both candidates were invited to speak, one was clearly the headliner, and the other was no more than an opening act. And that night one could clearly feel the pendulum shift from the Clinton corner over to Obama’s.
Clinton took the stage early in the evening and gave a short-but-sweet pitch to the quiet but attentive crowd. She took no shots at her opponent and no policy details, but focused her ammunition at the current administration.
Clinton was at a disadvantage from the beginning. Obama had already swept a number of key Virginia Democrat endorsements, from Mayor Wilder to Governor Kaine. Clinton was not entering friendly territory. And while the “Hillary” signs filled the walls of the building, only a scant few could be seen in the crowds, mostly by college-aged females from area liberal-arts colleges.
While the delegate count is neck-and-neck, the crowd, the cheers, and the support at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner was anything but. Throughout the night, the crowd chanted Obama’s name and his slogans of “Change” and “Yes We Can.”
Obama took the stage around 10:30 pm like a rockstar. And the crowd only reinforced that fact through a fever and roar that made it seem like an Obama rally and not a Democratic Party fundraiser.
Obama spent nearly an hour delving into his specific policy position on Iraq and healthcare, among others, and inflicted some vicious blows on his opponent. To say that he is a captivating public speaker is an understatement. His rhythm and style whipped even casual supporters into a frenzy.
Walking out of the event, there was only one conclusion left to make: the nomination, and perhaps the presidency, is Obama’s to lose.
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Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
Dude. I have to say I have a problem with the Bro’s before Ho’s shirt. I know it’s funny but it’s like c’mon guys. Scary and wrinkly? Yes. A ho? She’s just not.
It should have had a picture of Bill instead of Hill. GET IT?
Yes and I agree.
How is that even relevant anyway? We choose guys before we choose women? Is that what she really means to say?
“the nomination, and perhaps the presidency, is Obama’s to lose.” — not to discount events Saturday, but there are other states to take into account still, and not all are expected to favor Obama.
Interestingly, this on NBC12: “In Virginia, polls show Obama with a 15 point lead. Due in part to support from Richmond Mayor Doug Wilder and Governor Kaine, who many say is on a short list of possible vice-presidential candidates. Kaine is co-chair of Obama’s campaign.”
Yeah, “Bro’s before Ho’s.” I’ve got a SERIOUS problem with that. And I’m a hardcore Obama supporter. Why, as women in the twenty-first century, do we have to choose along gender OR racial lines? Can’t we just vote for the best candidate? Or are our poor, little womanly brains not up to the task?
Nice pics Jake! wish i was in your shoes for that event. I can’t wait until the presidential election… that’ll be some INSANE energy.
As for “Bro’s Before Ho’s”. take it with a grain of salt, people.
“Why, as women in the twenty-first century, do we have to choose along gender OR racial lines?”
-Brandon
Because the candidates are becoming too popular to risk speaking beyond vagueries about their positions.
I refuse to take it with a grain of salt. Saying “I prefer men to women” in this context is totally indicative of the fact that sexism still really exists, whereas nobody would ever EVER think to put up a sign with some racist joke like “IT’S CALLED WHITE HOUSE FOR A REASON” or something like that. Can you even imagine? Think about it!
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