As I was getting dressed this morning around 8:30, I had the local news on and saw a live report from Indian River High School regarding the rally with Bill Clinton. The line was already around the building, even though the doors were not scheduled to open until 9. I arrived just before the doors opened and was inside when the rush came through.
I was ushered back to the area where Clinton would meet briefly with a small group of supporters. In the room were folks representing every demographic possible. 
The former president arrived later than expected due to some delays so we lined up in a reception line for the opportunity to greet him and have our picture taken with him. (The pictures taken by the official photographer will be up on the Hillary flicker page later this evening.) Up close and personal, the president was warm and personable as he moved from person to person, chatting briefly, signing autographs and books along the way.
We headed out to join the crowd. I’m not sure how many people were expected but the place was full. Again, I don’t do 
crowd estimates but I talked to a Virginian Pilot reporter afterwards and he estimated there were 1,200-1,300 people there. Given that the notice for this event came out pretty late, I think that was a good crowd. And they were enthusiastic! The crowd out was even more diverse than those gathered in the back room. 
Every age group – from young families with children to seniors – and every ethnic group – blacks, whites, Asians, Latinos – was represented. I saw hip hop guys and leather-clad biker dudes. All were there, hanging on the former president’s every word, cheering when he talked about Hillary’s plans for the future. It was an electrifying experience.
For those of us who are daily immersed in politics, it’s sometimes hard to step back and realize that just a few days out, there are some folks who have not decided who they will be voting for Tuesday. One young woman that I spoke with after the rally said that she came in undecided – and left an Hillary supporter! Watching the folks gobble up the Hillary merchandise for sale outside of the venue was like watching a feeding frenzy. Folks just couldn’t get enough.
It was a wonderful, exciting way to start my day. Now I’m off to Richmond for the JJ Dinner. (If you are not attending the dinner, the speeches will be streamed live here.)
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UPDATE: The Flicker set of photos can be found here. (Of course, this one is the best shot 😉 )
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VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Though there were a lot of people at the Rally, There was a mixed crowd. I saw a few Obama fans and a dozen or so Ron Paul supporters. It was a good turnout overall.
Wow! You know, I’ve never been to one of those rallys. Are you going to post up the pic with Bill?
According to the demographics, I should be voting for Hillary Clinton: I’m a white, 60-year-old, highly educated woman from the Northeast. But I’m voting for Obama. I’ve waited all my life for a viable woman candidate for the presidency, but this is not the right woman. I want a woman of the highest ability and virtue, who would serve as a glorious role model to all young women. Hillary Clinton is not that woman.
She rode into power with her husband, and together they’ve acquired a long and seriously flawed history of self-serving and secretive financial and political dealings. The most cursory research will prove that true. She started out her political life supporting the racist Barry Goldwater. She is as comfortable with deception and trickery as George Bush. When I hear woman saying, “Oh, but that’s how you get things done in Washington,” I literally cringe.
I am passionately supporting Barack Obama. He can beat the Republicans; she cannot. Obama has attracted Independents and even Republicans to his camp, and in a general election they would vote for him, but not for Clinton. Clinton voted for the war, and has never apologized for it. Obama has spoken out against it from the beginning. Obama brings us hope–and not just that. Take a serious look at his ideas and experience.
Please, I beg of you, Sisters young and old: wait for the right woman. Then we can be proud.
Diane Wald
Hey Vivian!
Long time no talk! I hope that you remember me from our work together on the Ralph Northam campaign…I sure remember you!
I’m glad the Hillary event went well. I’m an Obama boy but of course will work relentlessly for whichever candidate gets the nomination.
Take care!!
~Terry McGuire~
Joe – I have no doubt there were even some Republicans there 😉
ChenZen – I’ve updated the post with the link to the Flicker set. (And I’m downloading them all as we speak 🙂 )
Terry – good to hear from you! Yeah, we’ll be on the same side after this is over.
whydidyoudoit – Using your logic, I am in Obama’s demographic – well-educated, black female, a contemporary of his (he is 1 year younger than I). But just as you have chosen to go against type, so have I. My decision has nothing to do with race or gender. I’ve looked at the candidates and found Obama wanting. I believe Hillary’s education plan is superior, her economic plan is superior and her health care plan superior. I have no need or desire to participate in smear tactics, something I really wish Obama supporters would stop doing.
Gee, Vivian, some of us feel the same way about that big guy with the smile standing next to you.
I am so glad to see that you are for Hillary. I’ve been busy earning a paltry income of late but some of the comments across the blogosphere and cableland about Hillary are truly astonishing.
will hillary cry if she lost va., looks like tim kaine will be vp for obama clean sweep of this weekend.