Obama Draws 26,000 For Madison Rally (VIDEO)

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - If there's an enthusiasm gap for Democrats this election, it hasn't reached Madison.

Students and residents in the traditionally liberal city turned out by the thousands on Tuesday to see President Barack Obama at a rally on the University of Wisconsin campus meant to energize the base of the Democratic Party.

University police estimate more than 17,000 people packed onto a mall in the heart of the campus to see the president. Another 9,000 lined up for more than a mile to get in but were diverted to overflow areas.

Obama was joined at the rally by U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett.

Rock band the National and singer-songwriter Ben Harper also entertained the crowd before the president arrived.

Comments

[Deus Angelus]

11:53 AM on 10/06/2010

It goes to show you tr0lls have no idea what Socialism is. There is no pure capitalist society. Even our society has social elements in it. The FBI, and every government agency is socialism at work to ensure that the rule of law is maintained. Who do you think builds your infrastructure and lays down the foundation for the economy to take root and flourish. Learn what the true meaning of governance is before you spout foolishness you know nothing about.

[James Leo]

04:14 PM on 10/01/2010

Well if all of those folks show up in November and take someone with them to the polls,Russ has a chance. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Its participatory 24/7 and every elections count.

[Pyrum]

02:16 PM on 10/01/2010

Hey, if I were thirty years younger and still a coed at the UW, I probably would've been into this rally, too! Now I know better.

[SmoothMineral]

02:37 AM on 10/01/2010

I still hoop and holler at the TV like the most enthusiastic member of the church on Sunday morning every time he makes one of his stump speeches. Seeing this took me back to when he came to my college campus two years ago.

[panamarine]

01:08 PM on 09/30/2010

It IS refreshing and spirit lifting to see an upbeat, smiling, cheering healthy looking crowd! NOT a surly, un-smiling, hooting, growling, mad and angry crowd for a change. By comparison...see a Palin gathering's crowd demeanor.

[Nel Pineda]

11:04 AM on 09/30/2010

This economy we have is not NASCAR DRIVING in circles. It's RALLY course, bumpy, muddy and dirty. And Obama is our Ken Block on the driver seat.

[Nel Pineda]

10:57 AM on 09/30/2010

Tax breaks for the rich Is nothing more but a BAILOUT.

[Nel Pineda]

10:56 AM on 09/30/2010

In a Republican American we should worry about each other. In a Democratic America We should look after each other. Take your pick.

[panamarine]

10:15 AM on 09/30/2010

Rasmussen Polls and FOX media and the far right propagandists may have you believe in a Republican resurgence and takeover mania. That notion is permeating the minds of Tea baggers and Republicans alike. They tend to believe their own hype until the truth comes slamming home. "Actual reality shows that the national media spin cycle has blown a gasket."
Truth is, the national media spin cycle is afraid of hurting Tea baggers and Right wingers and FOX's sensitivities...They don't want no fight with Limbaugh and Sarah Palin or Karl Rove or all the barking dogs out there. But just look at that display in Wisconsin and one gets the impression that Obama still has his mojo and his silent majority is alive and well.

[mmille732003]

06:03 AM on 09/30/2010

Wait until Sat.'s rally. They ran out of (people supported) buses in my area. My friends and I are driving down from LI, NY...can't wait. It's quite the unreported story: the real grassroots.

[petera63]

04:44 AM on 09/30/2010

If at 20 you're not a socialist, you've got no heart.
If at 40 you're still a socialist, you've got no brain.

[totalliberal]

04:49 AM on 09/30/2010

And if you have a huge white beard, you are out of the game. See ya.

[tyrant510]

05:03 AM on 09/30/2010

wow...deep. do you write bumper stickers too?

[JBoy]

04:11 AM on 09/30/2010

Uh-oh...looks like Obama must be joining those Tea Party people
...nothing but white people in that photo!

[Nancy Gack]

05:56 AM on 09/30/2010

Well, it IS Wisconsin.

[Blufftonian]

03:24 PM on 09/30/2010

“Predominantly white crowds are bad, except when they’re not.”

http://dailycaller.com/2010/09/29/predominantly-white-crowd/

[Luminator]

01:43 AM on 09/30/2010

Obama got 56% of the vote in Wisconsin and they have two Democratic Senators.

Wisconsin is rated one of smartest states.

[JBoy]

03:55 AM on 09/30/2010

...also one of the cheesiest!

[Badger84]

01:32 AM on 09/30/2010

It was an inspiring speech and a great day.

[gallon]

10:51 AM on 09/30/2010

Hey Badger, I am in Madison too. It was electric, wasn't it? Very exciting day here.

[Brent Willcom]

01:17 AM on 09/30/2010

President Obama is so above everyone else. He gets it like no other President in my lifetime. I am not upset at all about our President, it's the c0wards under him who want to kick the can down the road that I got a problem with.

[sheaintsayin]

01:27 AM on 09/30/2010

And you get fanned for sayin' it like no other (in the last few hours)! ;-)

[marilyn 63]

03:06 AM on 09/30/2010

yes I'm like you!! whiners not even giving him any credit!!! well!! look at this crowd it looks like they get it !!! rethuglicans like an uneducated electorate they can be told anything!!!