McCain-Palin Rally in Anchorage is a Whole Lotta Empty Chairs, Gosh Darnit!

Once again, there were dueling rallies here in Anchorage. The McCain-Palin rally was held in the just-completed Dena'ina Convention Center in downtown Anchorage. The Obama rally was held outside, just a couple blocks away, at the Delaney Park Strip.

One would think that a Republican rally celebrating the hometown girl, in her very very red state would have drawn a huge crowd, and that the Obama rally would be nothing more than a few brave intrepid souls with a couple signs shivering by the side of the road. One would be wrong.

The Obama rally was all set up and running when I arrived -- tents, face painting, t-shirt sales, voter registration, postcard writing to swing states, a huge stage and sound system. By 1:00, there were more than a thousand people milling around with signs, kids, dogs and huge smiles. This was definitely a feel-good place. Hundreds lined the roadside waving signs to appreciative honking motorists, and hundreds more milled around the tent area. Anchorage mayoral candidate and former legislator Eric Croft got up and spoke, so did Kat Pustay who's heading up the Obama campaign in the state. Then came Ethan Berkowitz, Democratic candidate for the U.S. House seat currently held by Don Young. Ethan welcomed his "fellow revolutionaries." The crowd went wild.

I looked at my watch. I had decided to take a stroll down the block and check out what was happening with the other rally. It was after 1:30 and I knew if I didn't get to the McCain Palin rally soon, I'd never go. So I ripped myself away from all the positive energy, and hurried over to the Dana'ina Center. Three people stood outside waving signs. I figured I had to smile, so I did. "Come on in, we're having a rally!" one of them effused. I took a big cleansing breath, and in I went.

I just had a feeling this rally wasn't going to have as big a crowd as the Obama rally, because the rally that was held for Palin herself, when she was in Anchorage a few weeks ago only had about 500 people. But I walked into the room, and I really was stunned. I felt like I had just entered an empty chair convention. It was really bad. I actually felt sorry for the organizers for a minute, before I snapped myself out of it. A head count yielded about 250-300 people. Clearly they had been hoping for more.

Jack Frost, local commercial voice-over guy and conservative Republican who got trounced by Mark Begich in the last Anchorage mayoral race, was the emcee. Literally right as I sat down he was announcing the "special guest"....a phone call from Sarah Palin! Her voice was piped in over the loudspeakers, and there was a slide up on a screen showing her photo-op with Henry Kissinger. I have to say, it was a bit jarring sitting there hearing the 'giant voice' of Sarah Palin filling the room. She didn't say much. It was a bunch of "Gee, I miss you guys... I heard there were a few flakes today. I miss that weather. It's been so amazeen travelin' across this great country and meetin' people, and even Alaskans down here also as we travel across the country also meetin' people and shakin' hands... I miss you guys SOOO much."

A lady scooted up to me and said, "We'd really like everyone to be up at the front and towards the center, not all spread out." Ah...can't have the news cameras getting all those chairs. I scooted up but way over to the outer edge so I wouldn't get on film.

Then the emcee reminded us about how much Alaska would "get" if Palin was the VP, and also that our enemies hate us because of our way of life, and our freedoms, and "all they want to do is kill American soldiers." Then he said the only thing the rally was missing was "an effigy of Katie Couric." (Felt pocket for Tums....left them home.)

Next up was a local Republican house candidate, Bob Lewis, who told the crowd he had driven past "that other rally" on his way in, and how the people there were just so full of hate, and anger and fear, and that "we" (the Palin rally) were the ones having a good time. "So," he told us, "you need to decide which side you want to be on!"

That was it for me. Had to leave before all the joy was sucked out of my psyche. On the way out I noticed clip boards with the "support Palin" petition. Someone behind the table said that this was "against those people" (described as 'Obama operatives') who were smearing Palin and that "we just want to support her." I didn't sign....being an "operative" and all.

Back out into the fresh air, and down the street where Obama signs were still waving. There I was again, back at the rally of "hate, anger and fear" listening to a great local band, watching kids with painted faces dancing in the grass, smiling people registering voters, busy postcard-writers, cheering sign-wavers, and a community brought together by a shared desire to move the country in a new direction.

Clearly I was at the right rally.

Come to Mudflats for a photo gallery of both rallies.

Comments

[sharri]

Obama, family friendly
Mccain, sterile boring, big sister on the big screen
who would you support

Obama/Biden 08

[Brittonsbaby]

Strange how the truth surface at rallies, where the PEOPLE show who they support! Many written reports claimed that Gov Palin was so popular in her own state... some suggested that 80% of Alaskans supported her.

Just wondering where those "folks" are now??? Was that yet another "fixer-upper" to make her look good as the GOP's VP choice?

Although not found guilty of "breaking the law" in the Troopergate investigation, I have to seriously wonder how this proven characteristic would affect America, should the McCain/Palin ticket win? Will she abuse her power and treat the majority of Americans who did not vote her way, in the same fashion? But wait... at least she did not break any law!

Are we all willing to live under these rules? Just take a minute and think about it.

[thebluecrayon]

Bravo for braving the "other" rally! Great report.

[JulianJons]

Did anyone notice the irony of Jack Frost in Alaska?!

[lmt27]

I just find it so strange that the people who support mccain/palin are so filled with hate and anger. Even on the news when someone from their campaign or a Repub stratagist is being asked a question they come across so angry and defensive. I think ms palin will have problems with her constituents when she returns to Alaska --can you say recall or impeachment.

[AnalyzeIT]

UPLIFTING POST - Thank you.

HUNDREDS React to the Debate - WATCHING Biden-Palin

Boos and Laughter when Palin Spoke!

DEBATES:
http://shannynmoore.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/alaskans-react-to-the-debatewith-boos-and-laughter/¨¨

Alaskans DON"T WANT McCain and they NO LONGER WANT PALIN:
http://shannynmoore.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/alaskans-for-truth-rally-report/

OBAMA-BIDEN 2008

[ericmiami]

Thanks, AKMuckraker. That was a breath of fresh Alaskan air down here in humid Florida!

[politicky]

Thrilled to see you blogging here AKMuckraker :)

[zuzuzpetals]

Thanks so much for the report. Really needed the smile it gave me.

Please send more.

[jhb90277]

AKMuckraker,

You are doing such an amazing job. I *love* your photos from all of your reports, too You are truly dedicated and your efforts are very much appreciated. There are about 30 days left and I am looking forward to seeing more of your reports.

You have the stomach to keep going into the red zone;I'm not sure I could do it. Please keep up the good work. Thank you and best of luck to you.

jhb

[Jamchinadian]

Wow! I think Obama should try to fit in at least one rally in anchorage. It would probably be enough to get him the win there. It may be a small EV count (3?) but would it ever make a statement!

[Clavis]

Thank you very much for a very encouraging and entertaining (not to mention enlightening) view into the local campaign scene!

Obama/Obiden/O8!

[greeniefromOH]

Wouldn't an Alaska surprise just put the icing on the cake?

I know -- it's not likely --- but it's fun to dream about!!!!

[lostinNJ1]

Blue, baby, blue!

[bardgal]

That might just be one of the most PERFECT campaign slogans for this last month!!!

[BLinCincinnati]

Alaska and Arizona....

[suz1941]

What an amazing article. Hang in there Alaska. Our "red" state once elected a republican governor to show Bill Clinton that they were trying to teach him a lesson. At the time, a governor's term was for two years. It was a disaster. Clinton was re-elected two years later.

The McCain/Palin campaign plans to smear character in the next 30 days, so hang in there. The Obama/Biden campaign cannot let these attacks go unanswered.

The republican campaign is using Sarah, the self proclaimed pitbull. Bad idea. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

[LiberalLo]

There's good news today. The Alaska AG has admitted defeat. He is going to allow the people who were subpoena'd to testify since they lost the case last week.
Sarah has a lot of moxie, considering what is in her recent past, throwing stones at Obama.

[bronceye]

Joe Peshci in "Casino"-"Yeah, well we're havin' fun too....(silence)"