City of Brotherly Love.... Welcomes Senator Barack Obama!!

Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama was in town today (Philadelphia) and spoke at 4  separate political rallies around the city today. 

I was able to make it over to the final rally in the West Philadelphia section of the city, around 52nd & Spruce Streets.  The event was supposed to start @ 1:00PM,  with the "gates" opening 2 hours prior.   For security purposes, there were metal detectors in the immediate perimeter around Senator Obama and dignitaries.

We couldn't have asked for nicer autumn weather, with temperatures in the mid 70's and sun overhead.   The air and atmosphere was 'a buzz' with excitement and a positive energy. An estimated 20,000 people turned out during this leg of the rally. 

I personally saw a broad cross section of "Americana"......including, men, women, children, black, white, Asian, Latin, Middle Eastern,  "well to do"...... middle class..... and others that might normally be "looked down upon"......  We all came together in unison to show support.

Mayor Michael Nutter accompanied him on each leg of this historic journey.  At this particular rally,  Governor Edward G Rendell , Congressman Chaka Fattah, and the Mayor each had a part in the introduction of Senator Barack Obama.  

Senator Barack Obama spoke for about ten minutes, and gave a heart felt speech as to why Americans should vote for him as the next President of the United States.  On several points he made a connection with the crowd and was cheered.  He briefly criticized his opponent on a couple issues, but brought the message right back around as to what he might do to better the situation.   You can definitely see a "fundamental difference" between the Obama campaign and McCain campaign.  Obama in my opinion seems to REALLY believe in what he's trying to do for America. I can detect and feel a GENUINOUS in his message. He doesn't come off to me as someone that will say anything to hear what people want to hear, just so he can get your vote.

So, with about 24 days left until the general election,  I was glad that I was able to take part in this historical day in the city...... and more importantly this Presidential campaign.

I shot over 200 images during this event.  I will upload a couple of them to accompany this story.  Also, NowPublic member "sblair" covered one of the rallies earlier in the day up in the North Philadelphia section.  I will link one of his photos to this story so you may check out his coverage as well.  Over the next few hours, I will upload most of the images to my
Flickr account.  You'll be able to check them out easily from my "home" page here on NP... just click on the picture and it'll take right there :)