Stroger Makes Hollywood Play
Put Down Your Nanowrimo And Leave The House
Sox Shuffle Continues
Jay-Z Announces 2010 Tour Dates. Chicago Not On List.
If you haven't heard the news that Barack Obama is officially running for president yet, we'd have to wonder what hole you've been hiding in. After a rousing announcement speech in Springfield, where he laid out his reasons for running and outlined his vision for America, Obama headed to Iowa, where he made a whirlwind tour of one of the states that will be critical to securing the nomination. After talking tough about Iraq, energy independence, education, and the economy, he capped off his weekend announcement with a homecoming rally right here in Chicago, at the UIC Pavilion. Taking advantage of this historic event, Chicagoist was there.
Looking like Chicago, the crowd was made up of all kinds of people: black and white, brown and yellow, old and young. Bearing some of the imagery of the civil rights movement, black preachers mingled with Father Pfleger, and union members milled about in jackets and hard hats. As quite possibly the worst mixtape in the history of presidential campaigns faded out, the Salem Baptist Church choir warmed the crowd up with such gospel classics as "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and "Total Praise."
Of the many things about Obama that we admire, loyalty is one of them. And that trait was evident yesterday, as his early supporters, the people that made him who he is today, were not only present, but involved in the rally. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky hosted, and both Emil Jones and Luis Gutierrez gave speeches introducing him. While Schakowsky could probably use a better speech writer, and Jones' speech was oddly slurred and difficult to follow, Gutierrez easily gave the best introduction. Invoking the memory of Harold Washington and the politics of people, the west side congressman not only delivered a passionate speech about the ability of an engaged electorate to create progressive change, but left the crowd fired up and excited about the possibilities of an Obama presidency. As Jan Schakowsky took the stage, the crowd waving Obama signs and chanting, she made the announcement: Obama was running late.
So we waited. And waited some more. After about 30 minutes, running late and looking tired, Obama took the stage to address the crowd of over 7,000, his wife Michelle by his side. He talked about his tour of Iowa, the people he had met, and his family. He talked about people getting involved, his plans to improve education and to strengthen the middle class, making the economy fair for working people and their families. He asked the rhetorical question "Why are we here again?" and spoke to the power of bringing people into the political system to make a difference. He talked about the cynicism that permeates politics, especially at the national level, and talked about unifying a nation divided by war and uncertainty. He talked about building up places like Chicago, and building a movement for change in America. "Every time change has come it's not because a particular leader created all that change," he said. "What's happened is a movement began. I want to help. I want to roll up my sleeves and make a change. I just want to be a part of creating a better America."
About 20 minutes into his speech, a group of anti-war activists unfurled a banner from the balcony that read "Obama: Stand Up! Cut the Funding!" and chanting as he spoke. "I hear you," he said, turning to face the protesters. "We'll talk about that in a second. ... You've made your point, so why don't you relax?" The crowd at the rally seemed to support Obama, booing the protesters and chanting his name in response. Although he sounded disappointed that he was interrupted before getting the opportunity to speak to what is arguably the centerpiece issue in the coming presidential race, we think he handled it with grace, later telling his supporters that he was glad they came. "They feel a sense of urgency about a war that should have never been authorized and a war that should have never been fought." And it was here that we heard his take on the war: that the US must leave Iraq as carefully as we went in carelessly.
Ending the evening with thank-yous and handshakes, the Obamas headed over to a fundraiser hosted by billionaire Penny Pritzker, many more of which he'll need to attend if he hopes to catch up to the monumental amount of money his opponents have already raised.
We aren't sure what to make of this event just yet. Obama was talking to his base, the core supporters that carried him to the state senate, the US Senate, and now to a run for the White House. But there was something lacking yesterday. The crowd was enthusiastic, and people were excited to see and to hear Obama, but the campaign seemed rough around the edges, and the message still wasn't that clear. The people that came were ready for Obama, they were excited about what they already knew of him, and they were ready to take the next step. We're not sure, though, what that step is. It almost sounded like Obama was giving the speech he had been giving in Iowa, telling us that he wanted to walk with them in this movement. As we headed out of the Pavilion and into the cold night, we couldn't help but ask ourselves: wait, are we supposed to feel like this is a movement? Obama has 12 months to answer that question.
If you want to take a closer look at the rally, you can check out the photos we took here.
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It was a great event. To see that many people at a rally this early is a very good sign.
Agreed, the mix tape was psychotic. Why in God's name would you put Great Balls of Fire on for pre-event music. At least there wasn't any Michale Buble.
You neglected to mention that after cheering for Danny K. Davis, Luis Guitierez, Jesse White, Emil Jones, Dick Durbin and others, that the crowd totally booed Todd Stroger. I mean, compared to what they gave the war protesters, Todd got slaughtered.
Totally great event. Speech never totally climaxed. Too much detail on health policy (ie: diabetic amputees and chronic care management). He actually never said he was running for President - at least I don't recall it.
Music was psychotic. Who thought Great Balls of Fire was going to set the right tone? At least there wasn't any Michael Buble.
You neglected to mention the booing highpoint. After cheering for Jesse White, Dick Durbin, Danny K. Davis, Emil Joins, and Luis Guitierez, Todd Stroger got enthusiastically booed. People hated him worse than the noisy war punks.
Sorry about the double. Got so excited, thought the first one blew up.
Anyway. mix tape did really blow.
DTK: Agreed. It was stunning at first, and then extremely satisfying to hear the Toddler get booed by a crowd that largely elected him. He's making some really stupid decisions right now. It was certainly funny to have the Cook County Board President get booed at a presidential rally.
They were anti-war protesters? As a liberal, it's easy to see why no one takes those people seriously. It's clear that Obama is anti-war and it's also common knowledge that Obama wasn't in office when we went to war...so why the fuck are you protesting him? Jesus. When I heard it was protesters on the news I thought it was some right-wing religious whack-jobs. Do we really need liberal-on-liberal crime?
I thought it was good but was a tad surprised he went into a stump speech instead of a "rally" speech like he gave in Springfield the day before. I also think the whole "tired" aspect had to be one reason he didn't nail every line in the speech for the strongest impact.
Still glad we went and yes the Stroger thing was terrific. On the news he had the answer of "I'm just going to talk about Obama running for president" instead of addressing the booing. loser.
Also why didn't the choir start singing again while we waited? the mix tape/music selection needs some help. If he wants to prove he's of a different generation stop playing the same songs the Clintons used.
He's got to stop using the Tina Turner song. That's Lame with a capital L. As for the protestors, I agree, it's hard to take them seriously. Why the hell would they interupt the only guy who stands for they want? Idiots. Go protest Clinton, ya jerks.
As for his theme song, I suggest he starts using "Move On Up" by Curtis Mayfield. It's got the Chicago/Kanye connection (used on "Touch the Sky") and it's way more uplifting than "Simply the Best." For reals.
I was at the Springfield event and 1) same bad mixed tape and 2) VERY poorly run. I managed to sneak into the VIP section and had a better spot than 99% of people there.
Although Stroger obviously wasn't downstate, the Springfielders did their share of booing when Gov. Rod took the stage. HA!
Anyway, from excerpts I have seen, Springfield's event had more high notes. Hopefully he will massage his stump speech a little more. Oh wait, he has like A YEAR to perfect it.
Kevin,
Do you think that this was the crowd that elected Todd? I was wondering that. I live in Oak Park and he got walloped out here. Lifelong Liberal-Dems were punching Peraica.
I've always felt that since the machine guys have never backed Barack - not against Palmer, not against Rush, not even against Hynes - that this is a different crowd of Dems not beholden to what Todd represents.
I was at the Springfield event and the same bad mixed tape was playing. Although at the end "Shout!" played and that got people pretty fired up.
The event was porrly managed and I am upset that the great speech was followed by a ahitty stump. At least he has a YEAR to perfect it.
Liberals are notoriously eat their own. they should go protest EVERYONE except Obama because he didn't vote for that shit. But I bet he would have.
We have to hold Obama’s feet to the flame. I am glad we were there to confront him because his plan for getting out of Iraq means 1000 more dead US soldiers and another 100,000 dead Iraqis, and that is unacceptable. Also, let's not forget that Obama has made it very clear he is in favor of bombing Iran! Before you write us off as wackos I ask that you take a better look at Obama’s record before you jump behind him. We can no longer count on the Democratic Party – they have the same exact corporate backers as the Republicans and have just as much interest in achieving “victory” in Iraq as the Bush administration does.
was at the Springfield event and the same bad mixed tape was playing. Although at the end "Shout!" played and that got people pretty fired up.
The event was porrly managed and I am upset that the great speech was followed by a ahitty stump. At least he has a YEAR to perfect it.
Liberals are notoriously eat their own. they should go protest EVERYONE except Obama because he didn't vote for that shit. But I bet he would have.
was at the Springfield event and the same bad mixed tape was playing. Although at the end "Shout!" played and that got people pretty fired up.
The event was porrly managed and I am upset that the great speech was followed by a ahitty stump. At least he has a YEAR to perfect it.
Liberals are notoriously eat their own. they should go protest EVERYONE except Obama because he didn't vote for that shit. But I bet he would have.
Dear Mick,
Moral absolutism is a great thing for the young. At some point in life you have to look a a bigger picture and decide what best serves your intention in the long run. It's painful, but happens to all of us. I agree that we need to get out of Iraq, but knocking Barack down only strengthens his adversaries, who would do far less than even he is proposing.
At least he came out against the war from the jump. He could promise everything you want right now, but that would totally blow his chances of getting elected, leaving the door open to HRC or Mitt Romney for god's sake.
I loved the Stroger booing. What a boob. Anyone else find it odd that they played "I get a kick out of you"? Isn't there a line in there that says "I get a kick out of cocaine"? Seems like an odd choice for a candidate that has admitted coke use. Good event, all in all.
i find this the perfect place to make note of the fact that the -ist "Post A Comment" tool is a complete an utter piece of crap.
notice how many people double (or triple) posted because it takes 37 minutes for it to work.
PLEASE GO BACK TO THE OLD SYSTEM THAT WAS WORKING FINE!
(by the way, this is attempt #2 in posting this comment.)
I think the line is "I get a kick from champagne" i don't think The Chairman would sing a song about cocaine, that's not how he rolled.
I've read all the coverage and saw highlights on TV. It seems to me that anyone - Republican, Democrat, Liberal or Conservative - could have made the same remarks as this new hack that the Dems are positioning. This guy has ABSOLUTELY no business even thinking about being the "leader" of our country. He comes from a sheltered background and has never had to work for a living (and neither has his wife). He was a law professor, state senator and then - and only because Jack Ryan self-destructed - U S Senator. You have to be kidding me. John McCain will rip this guy to shreds, if Hillary doesn't do it first. It's gonna be fun to watch this totally unqualified and untested guy get creamed ... Thanks for the entertainment, Liberals!!!
He comes from a sheltered background and has never had to work for a living (and neither has his wife).
Here, here! This Obama is an East Coast elitist.
Unlike George W.--the Man of the People, who rose from the poor, dusty ranching fields of West Texas to become Great Leader. With all of the odds of society stacked against him--white, rich, well-connected--he worked ON HIS OWN to establish a failed oil company and later to be recruited by some private investors to grease the wheels for a publicly-financed baseball stadium.
Bush is an inspiration for the American Dream. Obama, is a rich, latte-sipping elitist. He probably drives a Volvo--when not sipping Chardonnay on his yacht.
"This guy has ABSOLUTELY no business even thinking about being the "leader" of our country. He comes from a sheltered background and has never had to work for a living (and neither has his wife)."
Wow, that sounds a lot like George W. Bush.
By the way, is that Ray Nagin in the middle of the choir?
mick-its people like you who continously think you can affect change from the outside rather than the inside, and allow the party to be taken over by corporate interests. Your heart is in the right place, but even in my own relatively short 29 years, I've seen 20 something college students dump on the Democratic party and allow it to wilt, rather than fight for the party.
Only by fighting for the party can you make it give your cause more than just lip service. Otherwise, all you end up with is big-money republicans and Democrat-lites running the country into the ground. Yeah, vote green and see where you end up. Stand up for old Ralph Nader (who is a union buster himself) and watch what happens. Instead of affecting positive change, you only end up with things worse off. Positive change will only come when the people retake the Democratic Party.
Youthful "idealism" is the greatest ally the far right corporate-cons have.
Love the satire. If only people like TGONo didn't actually believe it. A friend of mine who I consider an intelligent person, despite his conservatism, actually thinks that W was born in Texas.
Hold on there ... I thought we were discussing Obama's qualification for office, not W's background. Unless I've misread the Constitution, W can't run again, so we really need to focus on the qualifications of the candidates that can actually run. I wonder why it is that Liberals always resort to Bush bashing, even when it has no bearing on the subject at hand ...
Mick,
As someone who has done exactly what you were doing, many, many, many times, I just didn't get it in this instance. Obama is closest to your position about the war (which I share, by the way) than anyone else running, so I'm not sure why you wasted your precious time and personpower on protesting him, instead of any of the other candidates. You also didn't allow him a few minutes into the speech to get to the war, which he did after you left. This just seems like a case of choosing your battles blindly, and it hurts your (and my!) cause because people dismiss us as idiots. Perhaps you can elaborate on what your specific goals for that action were, becuase I just don't understand it.
-jj
Because it logically disqualifies your bash at Obama. If he is unfit to be president because of his upbringing, then the sitting president, who had a much MUCH more blue-blooded, elitist upbringing, is equally as unqualified. You probably didn't have trouble voting for W, so you shouldn't have problems voting for Obama.
Two replies here : Alex, the 'cocaine' line of that song is from the "Blazing Saddles" edition of it, hehe.
Second, to Jeremy, following a logical argument like the one you just presented is hard for Bush-voters. As soon as they hear sarcasm about Bush, they are on the defensive, completely missing the point that you're using a reductio ad absurdem on them.
The qualifications of the sitting President have nothing to do with the qualifications of Obama nor did I raise the qualifications of the sitting President as an issue. Moreover, there is nothing in anything that I have posted from which one could logically draw the conclusion that I voted for W.
Attacking Bush does nothing to contribute to the "vetting" of Obama and his qualifications for the job he seeks. The truth is that he is a political neophite who got lucky when Jack Ryan self-destructed and simply lacks the background, experience and the resultant judgement to lead this country at the critical moment in which we find ourselves.
Thus endeth the lesson ...
Lyrics to Cole Porter's "I Get A Kick Out of You."
(pasted from Todd Peach's Cole Porter Lyrics Page)
My story is much to sad to be told
But practically everything leaves me totally cold
The only exception I know is the case
When I'm out on a quiet spree, fighting vainly the old ennui
Then I suddenly turn and see
Your fabulous face
I get no kick from champagne
Mere alcohol doesn't thrill me at all
So tell me why should it be true
That I get a kick out of you
Some like the perfume from Spain
I'm sure that if I took even one sniff
It would bore me terrifically too
But I get a kick out of you
Some like the bop-type refrain
I'm sure that if, I heard even one riff
It would bore me terrifically too
But I get a kick out of you
Some they may go for cocaine
I'm sure that if, I took even one sniff
It would bore me terrifically too
But I get a kick out of you
I get a kick every time I see you standing there before me
I get a kick though it's clear to see, you obviously do not adore me
I get no kick in a plane
Flying too high with some gal in the sky
Is my idea of nothing to do
But I get a kick out of you
The cocaine line is from the version in "Anything Goes," the Cole Porter show from whence the song originated. The line is "Some get a kick from cocaine/ I'm sure that if / I took even one sniff / That would bore me terrifically, too / Yet, I get a kick out of you."
Even a Bush voter (2000 and 2004) and staunch Republican like me can see his policies on Iraq are terrible.
Someone please bring back my less government, non Jesus obsessed party please!
The Frank Sinatra version of the song that mentions "cocaine" instead of "champagne" was the capitol records pressing. The more popular version on Reprise was a remake of his first recording with more instrumentation.
Capitol version available on Frank Sinatra Gold.
Tgonose,
You are also just plain wrong about Obama's upbringing. He ain't from out east, unless you consider Hawaii out east. He did have to work for a living. When I first met him he was working as an organizer. He had previously worked at the New York Times, not as a reporter, but selling subscriptions over the phone to support his undergrad. He didn't have a rich dad or his buddies. He didn't have a legacy admission to Yale. He had to work for where he got.
Hey, anybody else think that the Tom Jone on the mix-tape was also way weird. Were they going for the Welsh vote?