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

[RealHRCFansVoteObama]

Why is McCain only about clenched fists and fighting? Sure gives you a little window into what a McCain presidency would be like.

[Lotus19]

Huffington Posters have the been the best. I could laugh and cry and bite my nails right here. Through all the negativity that literally made some of sick to our stomachs we came here and supported each other when things got rough. When the market started melting down we came here for support and for the most detailed information in town. We let Michelle Bachmmann knew we weren't going to take it anyway and we laughed our asses off at SNL. We reminded each other to send money, get involved, and even now there are suggestions for people to take water, and chairs and stay on line.

It was wonderful ride to be in the midst of the spirit that has embraced the Obama campaign, black and white, and everything in between, young and old.

I'm not going anywhere just yet...there's nowhere else I'd rather be as the results come in, but I wanted to thank everyone for bringing out the best in each other. YES WE CAN!

[PAposter]

This is our time. Let's go take our country back!

[romirom777]

Lotus19 I couldn't' agree wtih you more. Huffington Post and Posters are the best. I feel like you all are my family and best friends. Fired Up and Ready to Go!

[citizentm]

Fired Up. Ready to Go. Fired Up. Ready to Go. Fired Up. Ready to Go.

[proudloudlib]

Thanks for your post. As a very lonely Texas Liberal, I don't know how I would have made it without all of you great people.

[kalli007]

Texas Lib here too! I was wondering last night....WHAT am I going to do after Obama wins?? No more obsessive compulsive web surfing, blog posting, and no more of the wonderful little community of like minded fellows ( and felletes) that I have found here at HuffPo.

[Jellyfisheater]

I totally agree. As a European, I endured months of abuse on other sites such as youtube, from ill-educated, narrow-minded, grammatically-challenged idiots....just for posting my positive comments about Obama.

I then happened upon HuffPo, and I haven't looked back. You guys on here are a breath of fresh air, and it reminded me not to lose hope in American internet-users!

OBAMA 08. We're nearly there.

[obamasOHangel]

Great and authentic post! I remember a few months ago emmaspeaks got down in the dumps and threatened to quit. I tried to do as Rachel requests and "talk her down"; she never responded to my post to her but I was so delighted to see her posting again the next day. Now look where we are Emma! Together we can!

[PAposter]

GO MAKE HISTORY!

[Doorsabiertos]

I just watched the video again, I cant help myself. Im from Va, but living abroad now, and to see how much people are responding to him is heartwarming, uplifting, and amazing! That look in his eyes of accomplishment on what must have been such a hard day. To finish the last day of campaigning and know that his grandmother missed election day so narrowly. Just wow, he amazes me everyday.
Thank you to everyone who is out voting and supporting people!!! You guys rock!!!!!

[gallonjug]

this man is a gift to our nation

[citizentm]

To the World.

[Mutty]

Yes. To the world.

Don't leave us out...

From UK,
Mutty

[lostinNJ1]

Another insta-classic line: one voice can change a room, if it can change a room it can change a city, if it can change a city it can change a state....

I spoke today. GO OBAMA!!

[victoriajubilee]

Obama voters stay in the lines no matter how long the wait. Take book,water,food, take off work if u can.

[dentuso]

and bring an extra folding chair for the elderly if you can.

[FebM]

Had calls from South Africa, India and UK all waiting, glued to the news channels and holding their breath, wondering if US can deliver.........

[judyc]

I'm wondering the same thing----sigh.

[loveobama]

Yes. I'm in South Africa. It's a little frustrating that we are in a different timezone. I have taken tomorrow off so I can watch the results as they stream in. I will have to wake up at 02H00. I don't mind, am looking forward to it.

It's been a long road since Iowa. It's been a most exhilirating experience for me.

We are counting on you America. Yes We Can!

[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

[realvirginian]

At rally yesterday. Got home at 2am. Too excited to sleep, finally falling asleep at about 3am. Got up at 4:45am to go stand in line. Voted at 6:10AM. Will be napping with a smile on my face until 10AM, when I get back up to go to the Sterling Va Obama office to Get Out the Vote!!!!!

Everyone, have the most wonderful day!

[vhankar]

Thank you for voting and for such determination!

[Benjine]

As a Brit, I just LOVE reading all these comments on here of people ready to go out and vote!!!! Good luck today to all of you. May all your votes count and may you all have the result you and the world so desperately craves.

[Lotus19]

Thank you!

[Colmore]

All the promises from McCain. Where the HELL has this guy been the last 30 years? Change, change, change. He is so used to having things just as they are, he could never change. His campaign is run by lobbyists, waiting to fill his cabinet. Retire, McCain. You had your chance, and did NOTHING. Go home.

[Softnsweet]

McCain will not change. A 72 year old has no new ideas. Anyone that has a mother, father or grandmother knows that. It is hard at that age to change.

[dentuso]

As you wait in line, smile. It might very well be five or six hours, but you'll never be part of something bigger.

Savor every last second of it.

[MarieVictoria]

Bring extra food and drinks -- share!

France for Obama!

[OregonGary]

I'm fired up...

[dentuso]

Ready to Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BushyDEVIL]

Fired up!

[Softnsweet]

I'm Fired up...

[Bluejay00234]

Please voters take water, magazines, a small folding chair if possible.

[victoriajubilee]

OBAMA VOTERS STAY IN THE LINES AND VOTE. TAKE WATER,FOOD,BOOK. TAKE OFF WORK IF U CAN.