Obama Draws Estimated Crowd Of 75,000 In Portland (SLIDESHOW)

The Washington Post reports from Obama's rally in Portland, Oregon:

Sen. Barack Obama has seen his share of large crowds over the last 15 months, but his campaign said they have not approached the numbers gathered along the waterfront here right now.

The campaign, citing figures from Duane Bray, battalion chief of Portland Fire & Rescue, estimated that 75,000 people are watching him speak.

The scene suggests this is not an exaggeration. The sea of heads stretches for half a mile along the grassy embankment, while others watch from kayaks and power boats bobbing on the Willamette River. More hug the rails of the steel bridge that stretches across the water and crowds are even watching from jetties on the opposite shore.

Another account from the Swamp:

The crowd covers the lawn here at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, from the streetside entry gates down to the Willamette River. Portland fire officials estimate 60,000 people are packed inside the park proper and another 10-15,000 are watching outside the gates. Spectators are lining the bridge behind Obama and watching, bikini-clad, from boats on the river.

The stump speech is Obama's standard riff - 30 minutes long and counting now, despite the sun beating down on the candidate. He's added a few Oregonian flourishes, drawing big cheers when he said the country can learn from Portland's commitment to mass transit and bicycle lanes. The biggest applause came when he denounced the Iraq war; Oregon is a hotbed of anti-war activism.

At one point, someone in the crowd shouted an expression of love at Obama. He broke his speech for a moment: "I love you too," he said.

"If you vote for me on Tuesday," he said, "We won't just win Oregon. We'll win this nomination, we'll win this general election. And you and I together, we'll change this country, we'll change the world."

Seventy-five thousand people seemed to like the sound of that.

Here's a slideshow of scenes from the rally:

• • • • • • • From Flickr user snowbeard: http://www.flickr.com/photos/delolds/2503069531/

Comments

[urweatherman]

04:29 PM on 05/22/2008

Shame that noone mentioned that the people showed up for a concert and not just to hear Obama talk. When will you guys ever report the whole truth?

[CaptainZero]

05:41 PM on 05/22/2008

Um...someone already pointed out that The Decemberists usually draw around 2,000. Their high water mark was 15,000 at a free show last September. So ok, have it your way. Obama only drew 60,000. With tiny crowds like that I'm not sure why he bothers.

[Beca]

05:16 AM on 05/22/2008

A month ago, Barack Obama drew a crowd of over 35,000 people in Philadelphia, PA (I was there). There were no bands or anything else, just Obama. Throughout his campaign, he has been known to draw large crowds, and as his popularity increases so do the crowds who attend his rallies. He is a great orator who can energize, inspire and excite a crowd. He is inspiring and energizing--that is what people need and why they go to hear him speak. Many people want to know more about him, so they go to his rallies. Many people know him and go because he inspires and energizes them. Can't take that away from him.
So it is not unusual for him to have drawn a crowd of 75,000 people at a rally in a state that overwhelmingly voted for him.
Attempts to diminish the impact of his rallies or the attendance numbers at this rally do nothing but show the desperation and jealousy of those who try.

[PDX123]

04:22 PM on 05/22/2008

Listen people--I was there and I can assure you that none of us stood in 5 hour lines in the 85 degree heat to hear a local band. This wasn't the kind of thing you popped into because you were curious or because you were one of the Portlanders that "hangs out by the waterfront every weekend." That is such a load of shit, and anyone who lives in this wonderful city knows as much. The fact that people, whether they are for McCain or Clinton, would belittle such a spectaular event that brought 75,000 people together for a common purpose, is pathetic at best. There was a wide range of people, identities, and cultures represented--not just the Burkenstock liberals these cynics would like to believe. Perhaps that is why this is threatening for some--seeing all those people who are ready and motivated to move on from the politics of the past. It must be startling for the people who still practice these politics to realize cheap tactics aren't working anymore, and that your candidate will actually have to start running on their own merit. You may be intimidated by the size and breadth of this movement, but it's only gonna grow so get used to it. As for my brothers and sisters who stood for Obama on that glorious Sunday afternoon--we will always know just how beautiful and historic it was, despite what these fearful and ignorant haters would like think!

[Marzetti]

11:29 PM on 05/21/2008

So there were 75,000 attendees for a concert or the post turtle What is the point ? Is it because there was no one there to meet your bus's or because Mayberry's home town band did not meet you? or because the media's darling was overlooked on the news while the primaries were taking place? The show was nothing different . Same old theatrics on a different day

[valkyrie607]

02:03 AM on 05/22/2008

Now you just sound desperate.

[vschicago]

09:44 AM on 05/22/2008

Clinton, I didn't know you changed your name to Marzetti...

[MLM424]

11:18 AM on 05/22/2008

Haha good one!

[Marzetti]

12:29 PM on 05/22/2008

Yu missed yu busssssss

[MGCook]

08:47 PM on 05/21/2008

So let me get this straight:

The Decemberists are a terrific popular indie band that draw around 2000 to paying concerts.

When they played a free outdoor show last summer they drew about 15,000.

Barack Obama regularly fills arenas for his speeches.

He draws tens of thousands to his largest events.

But when 75,000 show to an event in Portland I'm supposed to believe that the large majority showed to see the Indie band?

You can all try as hard as you can. Repeating lies doesn't make 'em true.

[hillarysupporter]

11:19 PM on 05/21/2008

very deceptive on Obama campaign's part., as usual. Actually, Hillary got almost twice as many
votes in Kentucky as Obama did in Oregon. But, who cares about those large states...they don't matter, do they.

[CaptainZero]

05:46 PM on 05/22/2008

No, they don't. No democrat will carry Kentucky in November. Hillary won in a conservative state because she's perceived as the move conservative of the two available democrats in a democrat primary. Not racism, not that "whites like her best".

[LeekosAgrios]

04:18 PM on 05/21/2008

LOL How funny that the uninformed OBAMABOTS didn't know that the Decemberists were the reason why those people were there. As soon as they were done, Obambi took the stage. LOL Kool-aid must be strong!

[kj11]

02:23 AM on 05/22/2008

That is not true. I was there...arrived at 2:00 for the 2:30 scheduled appearance of Obama.

First Earl Blumenauer spoke and then Obama.

This OBAMABOT went and new nothing about the band---didn't see them anywhere. Were not advertised on the television or in the news paper.

Maybe they played before I got there...but so many people went to see him because we are against the War!!!

[Beca]

05:01 AM on 05/22/2008

In Philadelphia, PA he drew a crowd of over 35,000--in the middle of the city. That was a conservative estimate. I was there, it certainly looked like more than that. No bands were scheduled to play or anthying like that.
Barack Obama can draw in a crowd, he has done it in many places. He is a great orator and can really inspire a crowd.
Leekos must be a bit jealous because Hil liar y can't draw a full crowd if she paid them.

[snyggast]

03:34 PM on 05/21/2008

From Facebook: Hilary's Wall.

Blake XXXX (UPenn) wrote
at 12:16pm
Several of you mentioned the 75,000 person turnout at Obama's Oregon rally. To let it be known, the Decemberists played an opening set. Free concert, highly popular (Portland) indie band...

Someone asked: So why'd they stick around for Obama? And if a no-name band can draw 3 times as many audience than the Stones or Led, I guess the world is missing something.

Another Hilary bots replied:

Lori XXXX (Atlanta, GA) wrote
at 12:23pm

"they may not be bigger, but they were FREE"

[CaptainZero]

05:48 PM on 05/22/2008

Depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is.

[PDXer]

03:22 PM on 05/21/2008

Yeah, looks like a real "radical" crowd only out for free music....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtN3hsITCok&eurl=http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/orhome

[reelcobra]

02:01 PM on 05/21/2008

It's fun watching this primary wind down with the exact right Democrat to run against McCain.

_________________________________

Character is a "distraction" - Not an Issue

And don't mention our guy's:

Wife
Mentor
Middle Name
Friends
positions
Race
Inexperience

BHO '08!!

[IndependentMynd]

11:18 AM on 05/22/2008

>"Character is a "distraction" - Not an Issue"<
Do you want to talk about Hillary's character? I'm sure it's not an issue for you.

And let's not mention your gal's:

REALITY
Husband
Gender (one can only speak about her gender if you support her, otherwise it is sexist)
Pandering
Race-baiting
Classism
Whining
Lack of dignity & grace
Magical mathematics
'35 years' of experience
Sniper fire
Attack on a 21-22 year old intern for her HUSBAND's cheating (funny how Monica was mature enough for Hillary then but now the 21-22 year olds aren't old enough to 'know better' than to vote for Obama)
'Stand by your man' quote
Bypass campaign finance reform (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5766117.html)
etc., etc. etc.

If I, a FORMER Clinton supporter, feels this way, how do you think the Democrats who never supported her in this election feel about her. The Clinton brand has been completely trashed BY THE CLINTONS and Bill's legacy is shot to (BLEEP).

[kiga]

01:19 PM on 05/21/2008

Gee, they "forgot" to mention that Obama hired 2 big bands and that while some people have gone to see Obama, other had gone for the free concert. It was Sunday, 80 degrees and free concert, what is there not to like about the water front? Is Karl Rove advising Obama?

[theMightyT]

03:06 PM on 05/21/2008

really? that's the best you can do?

75,000 people came to see a band nobody's heard of.

practice your lying! you need better material!

[snyggast]

03:36 PM on 05/21/2008

then why'd stick around in that heat after the band played.

"Oh duh, uhmm they were stuck... too many people you see."

[Mirri]

03:16 AM on 05/21/2008

When this event happened, the media "forgot" to mention there had been a free concert just before. Cute tactics from Obama camp. But the truth always comes out.

[PDXer]

03:43 AM on 05/21/2008

Are you McClinton's daft? Scroll down through the posts and achieve enlightenment, my child. (And you just have to be at the top of the board with your misinformation....)

For Christine's sake, go to sleep, already! )

[ohbahmaoh8]

11:24 AM on 05/21/2008

I'm in Portland and went to the rally. Believe me, no one was there for the "free concert". I didn't even know the local band was playing until the morning of the rally and only one band played - it wasn't like it was a free music festival...and oh yeah, Obama will be appearing too. 75k people were there to see Obama plain and simple.

[HSimpson]

12:11 PM on 05/21/2008

I didn't go for the concert either, there were lots of chicks there!

[CubanPete]

09:34 PM on 05/20/2008

IMPORTANT NEWS FLASH AND FACTCHECK - Free Concert by Popular Band Preceded Obama’s Big Rally
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/robert-knight/2008/05/20/free-concert-popular-band-preceded-obama-s-big-rally

[Vicksboo]

09:44 PM on 05/20/2008

I am not seeing why this is important. The Decemberists are a great local band, but I doubt all of those people would have stood in line for blocks upon blocks in the sun for hours to see them.

[MikeB08]

11:20 PM on 05/20/2008

Two back to back albums rated 4.5 stars by Rolling Stone make them slightly more than an "great local band". From the article:

''With blue skies and temperatures in the 80's, many in the crowd said Waterfront Park was the place to be."

[Breni]

02:07 AM on 05/21/2008

The PRO-OBAMA media, of course, 'conveniently' failed to mention that a FREE CONCERT was being held by a popular touring musical group, a MAJOR reason Obama drew such a large crowd, on such a warm, glorious spring day - perfect for being OUTSIDE. and on the river in your boats. (event was advertised on Obama's website)

"Like Arcade Fire and Superchunk before them, the Decemberists are joining the fight behind Democratic candidate Barack Obama, the junior senator from Illinois. And to show their support, the quintet will perform a free concert at a rally May 18 at the Bowl at Portland, OR's Waterfront Park in an effort to stir the minds of Rose City voters before the Oregon primary May 20. A speech from Obama himself will follow Colin Meloy and crew's performance. Gates open at 12:30 P.M. For more information, or to send RSVP (strongly suggested) visit barackobama.com."

http://www.spin.com/articles/tilly-and-wall-tour-play-sesame-street-decemberists-rally-obama-portland

[PDXer]

10:09 PM on 05/20/2008

...And, your point is, CubanPete?...nobody denied that The Decemberists played...so what?....2 or--at most--3 songs and leaving stage at approximately 45 minutes prior to Obama's arrival?...yeah, so freaking what?...I was there....the revisionists and perpetrators on this board simply cannot wrap their narrow minds around the awesome nature of this event and are trying so hard with their small ways and twisted methods to minimize the significance of our numbers.

Imagine, CubanPete, 75,000 people coming together, unified in purpose (rather than cheering at some stupid sporting event) to express their belief and reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of this great country, that "All men are created equal"....sounds kind of quaint and outdated doesn't it? But, to many of us at the gathering Sunday May 18, 2008 in Portland, Oregon, our Constitution is simply not "just some Goddamn piece of paper", as was so awkwardly expressed by our leader. So, I ask-- who are the Patriots and who are the Posers?

Oregon is just about ready to put Obama over the top. Just watch Democracy work.
Out.

[Vicksboo]

09:28 PM on 05/20/2008

I simply cannot believe some of the comments I have read here today. There are so many racist, sexist, and blatantly ignorant people in this country and that is a real shame.
I was at the Obama rally in Portland. I saw the thousands upon thousands of people chanting and cheering for Barack Obama. There were young, there were old. There were black, white, and all shades of color in between. It was a glorious group of people and I was proud to be a part of it.
There was a small grouping of Hillary supporters complaining about the fact that Obama had called two women "sweetie," but they weren't getting much attention.
Barack Obama has two daughters. He's probably called each of them "sweetie" every day of their lives and the fact that he accidentally called two women by that name is nothing anyone should be worried about. Especially since he called at least one of the women personally and apologized. I'm sure he's not the first parent to slip up in that department, and if anything, it shows he has a great relationship with his children.
I'm not sure why there are so many anti-Obama people out there. Barack and Hillary are much the same in their views and proposed policies, although when this was pointed out she did her best to differentiate herself.
Anyway, I fully believe that Barack is the best person to be the next president.
Yes we can!

[reelcobra]

02:00 PM on 05/21/2008

Nicely put, "Sweetie"

_________________________________

Character is a "distraction" - Not an Issue

And don't mention our guy's:

Wife
Mentor
Middle Name
Friends
positions
Race
Inexperience

BHO '08!!

[riley85]

06:32 PM on 05/20/2008

Wow! 72,000 gullible high school kids. Obama's core voters.

[portwes]

08:37 PM on 05/20/2008

You people that HATE us in Portland for showing up in these numbers just can't stand it can you?
I've never seen more illogical, ridiculous, made-up drivel about this rally than from you disappointed Clinton fans (and a sprinkling of McBushites).

There were probably a higher proportion of people in that crowd with degrees and postgraduate degrees than just about any equivalent gathering you could muster in any other city.

I'll bet less than 1 in 10 of you actually listened to his entire speech, or any entire speech he has made.

Just take a cold shower, then come back and try to contribute something intelligent to the discussion . . .

[GotRights]

09:35 PM on 05/20/2008

"a higher proportion of people in that crowd with degrees and postgraduate degrees"

Damn elitists.

(Haven't ya herd? Edyakashun is badd.)

[stateMachine]

09:10 PM on 05/20/2008

And what of the 700,000 in West Virginia and Kentucky who gave Hillary their support largely because she simply wasn't Obama? The ones who voted for Hillary because "Obama's a Muslim," or because they "don't vote for the other race"... Those two states could have used their disproportionate influence to extract from the candidates promises of policy that would stimulate regional growth (e.g. Obama's gesture of clean coal)... But if I call them gullible, that would be elitist and divisive... of course, _they_ can call anybody anything they want to... they're hardworking americans, white americans, they alone have earned that right... yeah right...

Geraldine Ferraro's got it so backwards, Obama had to be a completely exceptional candidate to make it this far despite his status as black male with a muslim name in post 9/11 america...

[condew]

09:27 PM on 05/20/2008

Well said.

I was going to retire to WV, but now I don't know if the beautiful scenery is worth being among such ugly people.

[Mirri]

03:20 AM on 05/21/2008

I vote for Hillary because she is Hillary. A woman for president, finally.

[kiga]

06:04 PM on 05/20/2008

did the 72,000 people go to see Obama or the 2 popular bands that he hired? no doubt some have gone to see Obama, but I don't see much reporting on the bands that Obama hired to get the crowd for the free concert. How many of these egg heads are eligible to vote, or will vote!!

[OrionGal]

06:11 PM on 05/20/2008

The people did not wait in line for 3 hours to see a couple of bands. The People waited in line in 85 degree temperature to see Obama.

[osturk]

09:07 PM on 05/20/2008

That is beautiful weather for the northwest.

Do you know anything about the decembrist? I hear they are a up and coming indie band.

[Breni]

02:33 AM on 05/21/2008

Gee, I live by a major river and on weekends, even when NOTHING (esp. a FREE concert - which our area has plenty of) is going on, thousands of people are walking, picnicking and/or boating on the river on warm, sunny, spring and summer days. When there ARE free concerts, even MORE thousands show up.

[Kim445588]

06:22 PM on 05/20/2008

:-) Any attempt to twist the largest showing for a political candidate in recent history into something less than positive is simply pathetic. Spin away

[NASCARLiberal]

04:59 PM on 05/20/2008

Isn't it AMAZING that any of us who question Bambi's experience level and prefer Hillary Clinton's SOLUTIONS to his hope-a-dope are branded "Racist."

I was just amazed when someone in Washington state asked Mr EgO-bama about the Hanford Nuclear waste site issue that he felt okay with saying he knew "nothing about it." How's that for caring about the issues of a state where you want votes? It sounds a whole, heck of a lot like George W. Bush, that's how it sounds. I'm not racist when I say I dislike George Bush, and I feel the same way about the Bamster.

Well, still too early to see how the votes today play out but they project Hillary with a big win in KY and EgO-bama with about a 10% win in a state where he doesn't care to learn about the issues. There are about 10% undecided in WA state and the undecideds have a precedent of breaking for Hillary. Let's hope enough of them were insulted by his lack of concern over a national issue that is in their back yard to show him they are listening and hearing that he isn't answering.

Nice of him to take his "victory" party to IOWA. How's that feel Washington State residents? Still giving "panderbear" EgO-Bama your vote? Shame on you!

He is Mr. NO SOLUTIONS ... just a big bat-eared goof ball.

www.thehillaryiknow.com

[theMightyT]

05:30 PM on 05/20/2008

Try saying this...

President Obama.

Say it a few times... you'll need to get used to it.

[Democratdoc]

06:08 PM on 05/20/2008

Actually, maybe you'd best get used to saying President McCain, since most us who are for Hillary aren't drinking your Messiah Malt Koolade. I sure wouldn't vote for McCain, but I won't be voting for the Pied Piper of Obombast either. This guy doesn't even grasp what the Hanford nuclear site is all about....shameful indeed. If your guy is smart, he'll at least tap Hillary for VP, then, I may just vote that ticket, otherwise, you're SOL.

[riley85]

06:30 PM on 05/20/2008

Obama - Hillary supporters = President McCain

[Kim445588]

06:27 PM on 05/20/2008

Look, she lost fair and square, get over it and gear up to continue defending pro-choice, end to the war, economic equality, and lower gas prices.

Unless of course, getting Clinton elected surpasses the value of those silly little issues.

[Democratdoc]

06:35 PM on 05/20/2008

Yes! How silly of me to not realize that The Anointed One is supreme! All bow down now to The Anointed One. No thanks, I'd rather vote for the one with the most brains and experience and skill...Hillary. You'll soon get used to McSame as POTUS, I'm sure.