Archive for February 5th, 2008
February 5th, 2008
Many of Obama’s former colleagues in the Illinois Senate are among the droves of people gathering for his event. They say a President Obama could help Illinois while putting a more progressive face on the nation.
“This would be the greatest thing that could possibly happen to us,” said Sen. Terry Link, D-Vernon Hills. “Here’s a guy that knows Illinois, knows our needs, came out of the General Assembly, has worked with all of us. He knows what we need in roads and transportation. He knows what we need in capital. He knows what we need in schools. He knows the state from top to bottom.”
Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-Chicago, added: “Of course it would be beneficial to the state, but more importantly it would be beneficial to the world community because of the image of where we’ve moved in the 21st century — where we an elect someone who represents the diversity of America. I think he would give a face to the world community that we have arrived as a society where we can welcome people in that have not been represented in the office of the presidency.”
February 5th, 2008
Obama campaign manager David Plouffe just spoke to the flock of reporters gathered in the press room. He downplayed expectations for the day, saying the campaign would be please if it tied with Clinton for delegates, while predicting the primary fight will drag on well past today.
In future contests, he said the campaign may actually get to spend time in each state voting.
“We think that as we head into the rest of these states in February and March, we’ll have time to spend in them,” he said. “We think we’re better organized. You’re not dealing with a mammoth day.”
Indeed, it seems like people like Clinton less the more they see her — and Obama the more they see him.
Meanwhile, in an interview broadcast on CNN, Obama did his own part to downplay expectations today, saying, “I still think that Sen. Clinton is the favorite.”
February 5th, 2008
Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr., D-Chicago, stopped by the grand ballroom at 2:15 p.m. — way early — to get situated.
Another gentleman took Jones through the ballroom and adjacent press room, then gave him a series of directions concerning the door through which he will be arriving later and where he will be standing.
Jones is a political mentor of Obama’s. Jones views Obama as a political son.
I asked Jones what an Obama presidency might mean for Illinois.
“Obama knows the needs of Illinois,” Jones said. “He’s a U.S. senator. He served in Springfield. And so, I’m quite certain having someone in the White House who’s from Illinois will give the state an advantage. I’m sure he will listen to the needs of the (Chicago) mayor, the governor, even his fellow Sen. (Dick) Durbin. So it will be a tremendous asset to the state of Illinois.”
UPDATE 1
Jones also repeated a joke I’ve heard him make previously.
“I plan to be the ambassador to Ireland” during an Obama presidency, he said.
Apparently, this is a snub at all the Irish who have historically dominated Chicago — and, by extension, Illinois — politics. They include Chicago Mayor Richard Daley (former and current) and House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago.
Jones is African American.
February 5th, 2008
The Hyatt in downtown Chicago is bustling with folks anticipating Barack Obama’s Election Day speech.
Obama is not expected to begin speaking for seven more hours, but already several hundred people are flowing through and around the grand ballroom, in the hotel’s basement, where Obama will stage his event.
The crowd appears to be roughly divided between media and security. Yes, there are a couple hundred reporters, producers, etc., but there are just as many security personnel — secret service, Chicago police (uniformed and in plain clothes), and even officers wearing TSA (Transportation Security Administration) uniforms.
As I write this, the secturity team is clearing everybody out of the grand ballroom and press room across the hall. Following the security “sweep,” everybody heading back in must pass through a secret service checkpoint.
The focal point of the ballroom is Obama’s raised stage, which is backed by five steps of risers. Apparently, Obama will have a whole bunch of people standing behind him when he speaks — and folks watching TV will get to see all their faces.
The centerpiece of the room is another set of risers, reserved, of course, for TV cameras. I’m guessing a hundred or so cameras will fit; it’s just huge.
The rest of us media are relegated to the “press file” room across the hall. There are dozens of rows of tables and chairs for working media. There must be at least 300 seats.
Obama, who is back in his home state following months of coast-to-coast campaigning, is expected to begin his remarks around 10 p.m. It depends on how the election goes. His speech no doubt will depend on whether he wins, loses or ties with Clinton today, Super Tuesday.
