big queue that stretches around several blocks.. fire truck on the side spray water to cool the air.. about 1pm.. for aerial view see the pictures from springfield's local newspaper http://www.sj-r.com/multimedia/x560276854/Obama-Biden-appearance-at-Old-State-Capitol-Aug-23?view=pop&photo=42 .. and http://www.sj-r.com/multimedia/x560276854/Obama-Biden-appearance-at-Old-State-Capitol-Aug-23?view=pop&photo=43 .. and http://www.sj-r.com/multimedia/x560276854/Obama-Biden-appearance-at-Old-State-Capitol-Aug-23?view=pop&photo=44
some enterprising folks took advantage of the opportunity.. but people are encouraged to buy official obama merchandise sold in the venue where proceeds will contribute to his campaign fund
some interesting photos from the sidelines
people are required to empty their pockets and turn on electronic gadgets before going through the security checkpoint and metal detector.. no water allowed beyond checkpoint.. no umbrellas (despite rain forecast).. no folding chairs.. no sharp objects.. parang sa airport
after the security check
people waiting for the arrival of obama.. temperature in the low 90s.. not too hot considering it is middle of summer and same time last year was said to be in th 100s.. but it's stifling when you're under the sun.. some express relief whenever wind blows or cloud passes by
security men on top of chase bank (springfield marine bank building) surveying the crowd.. several more of them on top of other buildings
obama's arrival was announced over the loud speakers.. u2's latest song blaring in the background.. the crowd cheering.. he emerged around 2pm.. the old state capitol is the same venue where obama announced his presidential candidacy on a frigid february day last year.. he is back to introduce his vp runingmate
obama doing his speech
some people can't stand the oppressive heat.. two roving springfield police approached these ladies and asked if they want to get out of the area.. they asked for a bottle of water instead.. said they are willing to pay 50dollars for it.. (water containers not allowed in security checkpoint).. when the police said there's no way they can help them with that, they allowed the police to escort them out
obama.. i managed to squeeze in through the crowd and get to be within about 50feet of him.. i was only 50feet away from the person who could be the free world's next president.. i remember sitting few meters away from philippines vp when i watched a movie in sm moa-imax last july.. but that's a different story and a stupid comparison altogether
biden standing on the podium while obama is watching.. obama introduced him earlier as his vice presidential runningmate.. his nomination was announced 12hours before this event.. http://news.yahoo.com/story//ap/20080823/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_convention_rdp .. biden is said to be an irish catholic who grew up in scranton, pennsylvania
they waved to the crowds after their speeches
obama shook hands with the people.. press people's cameras are pointing at him
one of the two press areas
japanese reporter doing an interview interviewing
some local press people
tfc people covering the event.. they looked desperate in finding pinoys among the crowd.. judging by the look on their face, i think they found zero so far.. reporter with big mole: 'are you, by any chance, a filipino?'.. me: 'yes'.. reporter (now with a smile): 'we are from tfc and we would like to interview you.'.. me: 'i am not a voter.'.. reporter looking disappointed: 'taga dito ka?'.. me: 'yes. i with the state police.'.. reporter: 'wala kang kasamang pinoy ngayon?'.. me: 'wala e'.. the three of them gave me their business cards.. 'call us if you have something newsworthy.'.. 'sure.'
