Monday, October 28, 2024

Harris-Walz Rally, Burns Park, October 28, 2024

Yes, along with maybe 10,000 other Harris enthusiasts* we attended the Harris-Walz rally earlier this evening. We got in line at 4:00 at which point the line was around 7 blocks long, and it took us 2 hours to get into the rally, but it was worth the wait. Fortunately, we did get seats in the bleachers, and were not obliged to stand up for the duration.

*UPDATE: The New York Times estimate is that 21,000 people attended (source)

Several important Democratic officials spoke at the beginning of the rally.
This is Michigan Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.

Speaker Tim Walz — Of course he spoke of the rights we will lose if the Fascists win the election.
He had the best line: “Both Democratic candidates are gun owners. The Republican candidate can’t pass the background check.”

Seeing and hearing Kamala Harris in person is really thrilling, even to a seasoned voter like me.

The crowd could see the speakers on large screens as well as at the podium.

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT: Maggie Rogers

Before the main speakers, Maggie Rogers played several songs and gave a brief and emotional speech about
how important a Harris victory is to her and to all of us.

Security

This is a photo from yesterday of the Secret Service surveying the podium.
Before we entered the rally, there were scanners manned by Secret Service agents.

A sketchy idea of where we were.

Blog post and photos © 2024 mae sander
 

13 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

That must have been a fantastic and emotional experience for you, Mae. What a privilege. Lucky you. I'm still worried.

Linda said...

I’m glad you got a seat. That’s an impressive crowd.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I can’t think of anyone, Mae, that I would stand in line for two hours to hear or to see. And then spend more hours in a crowded stadium. The closest that I could come to is Sir David Attenborough, but even he wouldn’t cut it. I am devoutly rooting for Kamala Harris, but I would root for a turnip if it opposed Trump. She is after all a politician, has already changed her mind on fracking and has become silent on the death penalty, and she and Walz seem mildly obsessed pointing out that they are gun owners. I will be wholeheartedly glad when it’s over, since it is invading the news here a little more than I would like it to. And I hope that a week from now I will be speaking of President-elect Harris. It sure beats the alternative.

My name is Erika. said...

I'm glad you were able to get into the rally. I once to hear Obama speak and it was a long wait to get in but I had second row seats and he was/well still is, a fabulous speaker!

Boud said...

So glad you made it! You're part of history now.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
I do not know anyone that has been to a rally here.
I am glad you could go, I have been watching them on TV MSNBC.
Take care, enjoy your day!

Jeanie said...

This is so cool, Mae, and I'm so excited that you were able to get in! And it looks like a perfect day -- and a doubleheader, too, with both of them there! Hooray!

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Hi Mae,
Glad you were able to get into the rally.
Looks like a great day!

Jenn Jilks said...

That looks like so much fun!

DVArtist said...

Wow! I couldn't imagine this. Yes, emotional for sure.

Sherry's Pickings said...

I guess she is standing in front of bullet proof glass? very sensible too!

Iris Flavia said...

It´s in our TV-new right now!

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

I'm envious of you getting to attend this wonderful event!