The Final Rallies: Obama, McCain Wrap Up Campaigns

Barack Obama saved his biggest Virginia rally for last -- a jam-packed event in Manassas with 90,000 people reportedly in attendance. For his conclusion, he "reached back to the roots of his campaign to tell an inspirational story that had long ago fallen from his routine."

The story is about a long drive, a rainy day and how one person can make a difference. It was inspired by a woman he met during a visit to a small South Carolina town in 2007 and became a favorite during his Iowa caucus campaign.

It ends with Obama leading a cheer of "Fired up, Ready to Go!"

Obama ended the event on Tuesday by telling the crowd: "In 21 hours, if you are willing to endure rainfall, to take the person who was not going to vote to the polls, if you will stand with me in a fight with me, I know that your voice will matter. I have one question for you, Virginia. Are you fired up? Are you ready to go? Fired up? Ready to go? Fired up! Ready to go! Virginia, let's go change the world!"

Meanwhile, a fired-up John McCain told supporters to "be strong and fight" in an election eve rally Monday, his last before voters in swing state Nevada weigh in.

"My opponent is measuring the drapes in the White House. They may not know it, but the Mac is back! And we're going to win this election," McCain said to the screaming crowd. "Don't give up hope! Be strong and fight!"

The Arizona senator's evening rally at the Henderson Pavilion was the final leg of daylong, multistate campaign blitz. The candidate appeared surprised and energized by a crowd that greeted him with loud chants of "USA!" and "American hero!"

More than 10,000 people attended the event, according to facility manager Dianne Mizelle. The number makes it McCain largest in the state to date.

Comments

[missette]

This man just has to win.

Fired Up and Ready to Go-----Vote!

[OutsiderSA]

"This man just has to win."

----------

HE WILL

You folks go VOTE - I cannot

I do hope he invites the 1st black president Nelson Mandela to his inauguration - it would be fitting.

[6bd]

I want Barack to know that we will stand by him for the next eight years too, he doesn't ever have to stand alone. Thanks to everyone who supports this ticket, and who voted for Senator Obama, this is so gratifying. I hope we bypass the 60 seat majority as well. Have a great day.

[D Right One]

People camped out in downtown Atlanta to vote first thing this morning. I drove past people lined up already out to the street in Gwinnett County. I can believe that's it's going to be the most lopsided election ever. But, still go vote and be counted!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!

[PattyElle]

McCain/Rove Will Try To Steal the Election with Voting Machine Fraud in Swing States -Republican I/T voter machine computer guru Michael Connell testified yesterday! Rove tried to stop the subpoena, but the judge had the grit to forge ahead. Finally somebody is standing up to these Republicans CROOKS!

http://www.truthout.org/110308R

Watch this important piece of information:
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/11/3/on_eve_of_election_day_is

1-888-687-8683 - Report voting problems

[malcolm77]

Was at the event in Manassas lastnight with my wife and two kids and I've never seen so much excitement and unity... I was standing next to 60 year old white guys that were dancing to Kanye West as we waited for Obama to come on stage lol..It looked like a Benneton add..So much color and diversity and everyone had smiles on their faces. 90,000 on a weeknight in November!!

Unbelievable!

We are gonna turn VA Blue this year!!

Gobama!!!!!

[fredamae]

How Exciting! The way I see it is this; Obama is already Doing what he said he could...Br­inging Americans together..­.Old/Young­-Repub/Dem­-Black/Whi­te and on and on...He has begun the transition from "closed door politics to Open Door Politics".­..He has asked us, Already to work together for change in one of the Most effective and Organized Campaigns I have ever seen.

If Anyone has Any doubts concerning his Ability to Govern the Country..J­ust Look at how he conducted his Campaign!

This man has Talent, Drive, Dedication, Commitment to follow-thru, He is Smart. He and his family are just plain Nice!

[princessofnowt]

Voter Hotlines: for help/report prob
866 OUR VOTE 866-687-8683

800- MY VOTE1 800- 698 6831

and then also tell:
CNN 877-462-6608

PUT THIS WIDGET ON YOUR SITE- Scrolling Voter Problems as they happen

http://blog.ourvotelive.org/?p=197

[wdw101]

why?

[crablover]

Because America is a Democracy - of, by and for the PEOPLE.

[kjstjohn]

Right on!! Let's be clear about this. A stolen election is a coup. It is tre@son. Let's not ever allow it to happen again.

[PattyElle]

Yes! Thank you!!!!

McCain/Rove Will Try To Steal the Election with Voting Machine Fraud in Swing States -Republican I/T voter machine computer guru Michael Connell testified yesterday! Rove tried to stop the subpoena, but the judge had the grit to forge ahead. Finally somebody is standing up to these Republicans CROOKS!

http://www.truthout.org/110308R

Watch this important piece of information:
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/11/3/on_eve_of_election_day_is

1-888-687-8683 - Report voting problems

[Poldolino]

The Mac is back!

Back on the ranch !!!

Back on the back seats.

Back on the Bud?

Back on his Ol' Stompin' Ground!

Get back! Get back! Get back to where you once belonged!

Get back, Jo!

[PattyElle]

McCain/Rove Will Try To Steal the Election with Voting Machine Fraud in Swing States -Republican I/T voter machine computer guru Michael Connell testified yesterday! Rove tried to stop the subpoena, but the judge had the grit to forge ahead. Finally somebody is standing up to these Republicans CROOKS!

http://www.truthout.org/110308R

Watch this important piece of information:
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/11/3/on_eve_of_election_day_is

1-888-687-8683 - Report voting problems

[Tobiasism]

"The Mac"?
Weird to objectify oneself.
"Mac is back" I could understand.
It is weird, like The Donald.

[LHoney]

no, like the google!

[nick53]

Obama's gonna win this :-) http://www.spinwhip.com/obama

[norkas]

Barak Obama represents our love for humanity and our compassion for others more then any pres. since J.F.K.

I am tired of wars and hatred and want to reach out and show the compassion we are suppose to as humans a Barak Obama represents my passions and many others in America and WORLD.

[sylar]

Ladies and Gentleman, we are witnessing one of the all-time greats. If the GOP steal this from him it's up to you guys to get on the streets and demand what's rightfully yours.

[MsDoc]

"OURS..."

[Lizaxyz]

Aaaahhh. Just voted for Obama/Biden and feel a load of anxiety peeled from my shoulders. My husband and I arrived at our polling site in Penn Manor Township, Lancaster, PA at 6am and the doors opened at 7am. We were #9 and 10 in line. In that hour about a hundred more people appeared. Everything seemed to be running smoothly and people were in and out within a few minutes. I hope this is the case for all polling places here in PA. This will be a nail-biter of a day. Good luck everyone! We all stand united today for a better tomorrow!

[chinacatsunflower]

wow. never thought i'd want to be back in virginia but i wish i had been in manassas last night!

[victoriajubilee]

THE RETHUGS CANNOT STEAL THE ELECTION IF THE MARGIN IS BIG. GO VOTE NOW.

[beden7068]

I had to wait in line 20 minutes which is unprecedented in this small rural area. Usually you're the only one voting. The gentleman in front of me was a very old Black man who was almost completely blind. After he and the person assisting him had cast their votes, he turned from the voting booth with a big smile and tears were just running down his face. I don't know this man or his story, but it was the most touching moment I have ever personally witnessed at the polls. Seeing him, brought tears to my eyes

[Earl]

Touching story. I bet a lot of people will see this kind of story play out today.

[Punkynsnow]

your story just brought tears to my eyes. They are running down my cheeks as I type this. We are living thru a very historic moment, I feel it in all my beind.

[puffthedragon]

OMG you have me crying.. I never thought I would ever see this day...We are going to have our first black president , I am without words to discribe how I feel.. this country's first step to heal and unit.

[rukiddingmerightnow]

Wow - I am going to have tears in my eyes all day.

[crablover]

You brought tears to my eyes too. Today America will finally get on the road to fulfilling its destiny.
God Bless America.

[surfzen]

I am fired up and ready to go....call­ing voters in swing states this morning starting at 6 am california time. What a dissappointment to see all the cruel and hateful comments on the comment board on AOL. They must be hooked into FOX or something. Today is THE DAY OF HOPE for America. Everyone vote and if there are any shananigan­s....call the hot lines....1­-866-687-8­683 NBC and CNN's hotliine at 1-877-GO-CNN08 1-877-462-6608. God Bless America and God Bless Obama and our future in the world.

[proudloudlib]

AOL still has comment boards? Who knew? I haven't been to AOL in like 6 years.

[Earl]

LOL!!!

[beden7068]

haha I live close to Greenwood and it is way in the middle of nowhere.