"The fierce urgency of now."

We had sadly missed out on an Obama event down in Charlotte this past Wednesday. What was originally to be a private gathering of folks who had donated a total of either $1000 or the max of $2300 (we're not there yet) had turned into a public event. Tickets, albeit free, were given out in record time. By the time we had heard about it we were too late. Damn.

Anyway, it just so happened that Chris had this past Thursday the 20th off from work. A day free with just minimal chores to be done. The daily check of Obama's website Wednesday night resulted in a shout of glee. Apparently, the senator from Illinois was to have a Town Hall event in Beckley, WV at 4:00pm. Beckley? We drive through Beckley on the way to Ohio. Beckley's just 3 hours from here. Gas up the Cherokee, Chris is driving to Beckley, West Virginia Thursday!

10:23am - Chris hits the road with an iPod loaded with an eclectic mix of Weird Al Yankovic, Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Blind Melon. A turnoff on US-52 in NC gives us this view of Pilot Mountain:



1:15pm - Chris arrives in Beckley off the beaten path of I-77 down some local streets. The only place to eat is a Captain D's Seafood, so that's what it'll have to be. Inhale it quickly, there's line-standing to be done!

1:30pm - Chris arrives at the Armory & Convention Center in Beckley to wait in line for the free general admission tickets. 2 & 1/2 hours before the event, and he's still 200 or so deep in line.



3:45pm - the secret service has gone down the line giving us the gameplan, and the doors open.


4:13pm - Chris makes it through the metal detectors and guard dogs.


4:20pm - Chris takes his seat: an AMAZING 9th row center. Giddy!!! A non-zoomed photo from my seat:

5:05pm - Chris texts Kimberly in the O.R. to say that people are STILL filing in.


5:15pm - West Virginia senator Jay Rockefeller speaks.


5:25pm - Illinois Senator Barack Obama arrives on stage to thunderous applause. He makes a 30-minute speech, then takes questions for a good hour.
















7:00pm - the crowd makes its way towards the exits, fired up and inspired!!!!


7:30pm - Chris has sat in the Cherokee in the parking lot for a solid 20 minutes without moving.


7:30pm to 9:00pm - Chris drives the 40 miles of WV freeway. WVDOT has nicely reduced I-77 southbound to one lane from Princeton (exit 12) to the Virginia line. Chris averages 5mph for over an hour straight.

10:30pm - Chris finally crosses the VA-NC line.

11:35pm - Chris stumbles upstairs to bed after a 13+ hour day of travel and hope.

The local newspaper in Beckley had their story here:
Obama decries Iraq war, addresses specific issues
http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_080234556.html


What a day!!!! Kimberly obviously got to see Obama 3 hours south in Columbia, SC when Chris had to work. And now Chris was able to see Obama 3 hours north in Beckley, WV when Kimberly had to work. One day I'm sure we'll be able to see him together! Truly an awesome, awe-inspiring day.

"We cannot afford to wait."