Mike and me at the Obama rally. With 75,000 close friends.
I called my great-niece while Mike and I were standing in line last night. Anita is 13 years old. Her father is from Jamaica. Her mother (my blonde-haired, blue-eyed niece Janet) raised Anita on her own. “Remember the part of that video Obama showed at the convention?” I asked Anita. “You know, where his mom woke him up at 4:30 in the morning to go over his spelling words before she went off to work? That reminds me of you and your mom when you were little.” I could sense Anita rolling her eyes. She is a teenager, after all. “Who knows?” I said. “Maybe you’ll be president someday!”
That's my niece Janet (left), Anita's sister AnnMarie (center), and future president Anita (right)
Mike and I were in line at least an hour longer after making that phone call to Anita last night — we were waiting to get into the Barack Obama rally in Grant Park, just four blocks away from our apartment. Hanni watched the election returns from home. There was a heavy police presence around the rally, of course — especially on horses. More than once Mike had to route me around a big pile of dung! In keeping with that theme, we staked out a spot near an oversized handicapped portapotty once we made it into Grant Park.
After using that lovely facility, I was approached by a rally official. “You know, you can stand over there if you want.” I looked at Mike, who explained that the official was pointing to a wide wooden ramp for people in wheelchairs. We moved there, which meant Mike could see the stage. Two older African-American women were standing next to us; they were with a friend in a wheelchair. The women were spunky. I mean, they were having fun, calling friends on their cell phones and all that, But at the same time they were pretty serious. They didn’t want all the pageantry to let them forget how important this day was.
The crowd was huge, but mellow. Kids were texting, calling their friends, and constantly checking their iPhones for updates. “It’s like Woodstock,” Mike said. “Except instead of drugs, people are using electronic devices!”
When they announced from the Jumbotrons that Virginia had gone for Obama, the crowd went crazy. People started chanting “Yes We Can, Yes We Can!” And a short while later, when the words “Barack Obama Elected President” flashed on the Jumbotron screens, the atmosphere was ecstatic. No one had to read the screen aloud for me – I knew. Jubilation. People laughing and cheering. Friends and strangers hugging and crying. Very, very fun and energizing and well, I’ll say it: inspirational. I mean, being around all those people who had voted or volunteered or just cared enough to trudge downtown to Chicago to be there…wild!
We stayed to hear Obama’s speech, and as we waited, they played recorded music over the loudspeakers. The first song was “Signed, Sealed Delivered” by Stevie Wonder. I was dancing! After that they played some country western song I’d never heard before. I thought that was very funny. “He really is trying to unite *all* of us,” I told Mike. A couple more tunes, then “Sweet Home, Chicago” and then, drumroll, please…”The next First Family of the United States of America” — Barack and family got on stage. The crowd roared. Obama spoke. People cried.
After the speech, we walked along with others moving slowly and happily out of Grant Park -– we practically floated across Michigan Avenue, which was magically closed to traffic for the night. T-shirt and button sellers were everywhere, especially near Michigan Avenue. We picked out a t-shirt for Anita. I’ll give it to her this afternoon, when Hanni and I head out to Elmhurst to celebrate over a glass of wine with my mom and sister –- Anita’s Great Grandmother and Grandma.
Janet emailed me this morning to thank me for calling them from the rally. “The phone call really stuck with Anita,” she said. The first thing Anita asked Janet when they woke up this morning was whether Janet still had her “I voted” sticker. When Janet said she did, Anita asked, “Can I have it?” .
What a wonderful account of the night and a sweet story about your niece. You’re so lucky to have been there — I get goosebumps every time I see the tape from last night in Grant Park.
I still get goosebumps thinking about it myself. But hey, if you couldn’t be at the party last night…well… there’s always the inaugural parade!
I wasn’t at the party but a co-worker of mine was. I actually met last night with my mom and a few other people to discuss my service contract for living here. A little while into our meeting we heard a burst of excitement just outside the conference room. The door was opened and in walked the above-mentioned co-worker. She had gotten a ticket to the Obama rally in Grant Park. Later back at my apartment, a neighbor called and asked if I wanted to watch the election results with her, but I declined because I was tired out from getting up at the crack of dawn to vote. But I heard some more excitement last night outside my bedroom window from her and some other people, so I assumed that Obama had in fact won. I got up this morning and immediately booted up the computer and went on Youtube to look for a victory speech. That is exactly what I found. In a way I can’t believe he actually won, given that this was such a tight race. But on the other hand, I just knew everyone was more than ready for change. I honestly didn’t keep as close of an ear on the race as I probably should have, but I did hear Obama’s acceptance speech at the Democratic convention. I watched it at my folks’ house. I think he will do a terrific job as our head man, and Joe Biden seems very well qualified and he’ll no doubt do a great job as VP. I kind of have personal ties to this race because my brother-in-law is in the military and was deployed to Afghanistan and then Iraq. There was no question in my mind that if Senator McCain and Governor Palin were elected, my brother-in-law might have been deployed again and I didn’t want that. Let’s celebrate our victory!!
We watched the speech from home in Minnesota. I think it’s one of those things, “you’ll never forget where you were when Barack Obama was declared the next President”
What a Happy Day for everyone!
I really loved the title to your post!!! I was cracking up when I was reading about Mike leading you away from piles of dung — did he do as good a job as Hanni? *smile* Although I wasn’t at Grant Park last night, I’m proud of witnessing this historic moment! We’re all ready for a change, and I trust that Obama will help us achieve this. I was in tears when I was hearing his speech. It was very inspirational for all of us.
Don’t party too hard!
Sandra
Did I do as good a job as Hanni?!!! Sandra, I’ll have you know that I was already a world-class sighted guide when Hanni was still being paper trained. I don’t seem to get the same crowd response as Hanni does, but I’m happy they don’t come up and try to scratch behind my ears, and Beth’s happy not to have to say, “Please don’t pet Mike, he’s working.”
I will say this, those horses were prolific in their output. I was afraid it was the work of McCain supporters at first.
All kidding aside, it was remarkable. And, as Beth characterized it, inspirational. The crowd was all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. And well-behaved. And respectful and magnanimous when McCain spoke. I was moved by his speech, and thought it was sincere and incredibly gracious. He seemed relaxed, and maybe relieved. And the crowd responded warmly. Except when he mentioned Palin. Oh well, it was a pretty competitive race, after all.
There were American flags everywhere. The Pledge of Allegiance, the Anthem, every word seemed to hang in the air. I realize not everyone looked at the results last night the same way. But I’m an infamous cynic and skeptic, and even I felt that maybe, just maybe, we’ve turned a corner, at least for awhile, and that we can get together enough to get some things done.
I kind of thought you had done a good job, but I just wanted to make sure! *smile* You must also be glad that you don’t have to wear a harness or leash!
McCain’s speech was definitely moving. Actually I was kind of shocked at his speech considering that he was beginning to get kind of nasty on his campaign.
Sandra
My TVI was at the same rally. She posted a video on Facebook that was amazing. The crowd was….wow!
I was home last night, watching it all on TV while nursing a bad cold – but living vicariously through Kaitlin and Nick who were lucky enough to get tickets for the rally! Kaitlin told me that it was the most tremendous, calm, and joyful crowd she’d ever experienced – people dancing with joy. And I’ve been dancing with joy in my mind ever since.
Hi Beth & all,
What a amazing country this is! I could not help but weep at the final result of Barack Obama – 44th president of the U.S. I was home watching the news after a long day – stood in line early to vote and was heartened by the number of people doing the same. The euphoria will subside and reality will emerge, but I will never forget this day.
Ginny
You know, I think the people standing in long lines to vote were the most inspiring of all!
Well, that is true history: being there for the acceptance speech of the first black president-elect (and the first articulate one we’ve had in way too long). But just as historic is that all of this could warm the heart-cockles of even our curmudgeonly friend Michael Knezovich. FEEL THE HOPE, BABY!!!
Operative word here, Siobhan, is “could.” As in “COULD” warm Mike Knezovich’s heart, but might not.
Since Tuesday Mike’s been wavering between tears of joy and a return to his curmudgeon old self. While sitting at the kitchen table yesterday, for example, he said that for him there was a “class-system feel” to Tuesday’s party –unticketed peple went in one area, ticketed in another, and so-called participants went to another. “C’mon, Beth,” he said. “They tried to make it sound like ‘it’s all of us,’ but even people like us, who were lucky enough to snag tickets were really standing far off, watching the big donor participants have their own thing up in front.”
He *does* still gush about Obama’s acceptance speech though. “It was terrific!” says Mike.
So maybe you’re right, Siobhan. There *is* hope for Mike Knezovich!
Old habits die hard. But don’t worry, I’m traveling on the Hope train, soon to transfer to the Change express. And looking for more bad transportation references.
In 2005, after the White Sox won the World Series, I’d pinch myself and look around and think, “It really happened.” It’s like that, only bigger and better. Which I couldn’t have imagined.
I keep seeing faces from the crowd that night. Really vivid, joyful images that I can’t describe. Maybe I should see a doctor. “I see happy people.”
I have Beth to thank for landing me in Chicago, where we were able to be in the middle of two things I wasn’t sure I’d ever see. And Obama’s a White Sox fan! I am not worthy, but I’ll take it. Lou Gehrig had nothing on me.
Really great article, Beth. I felt the emotion just reading your account of the evening and think it’s great how you included Anita. I can only imagine how exciting it was to be there….and it all happened outside your front door!
Yeah, it was pretty dang cool. Still so hard to believe. I am black & blue from pinching myself so much!
What a great reflection on the evening from both of you! Also agree that McCain’s speech was sincere and respectful. A change in the air- looking forward to all of the events to come.
Hey Beth, so are you going to the inaugural ceremony in January? If so, can I come along with you?*smile*!
Sandra
Hey Beth
Wow, great picture of you and Mike!! I’m so glad to get your take on things. We had a little party at our house and it sure was great to be with some like-minded folks, but I envy your experience at the park. It looked like a gas watching it on TV. Apparently green street in campus went wild too. Unfortunately, I had to go to work the next day and was greeted with a lot of sad and depressed faces of the opposition, but your your story helped me shake it off.
Can’t wait until january! Love you guys….
Sandra, some friends actually do have a hotel room reserved in DC for the day of the inaugural parade, they invited us to join them there but I decided
I would enjoy this one on my TV here at home in Chicago –let others have their fun! Marilee, that McCain speech was tremendous, it was so quiet in Grant
Park while he spoke, you honestly could have heard a pin drop. Seventy-five thousand people were standing there, really listening. You’re right, quite a change!
Nancy B, I think maybe even those sad and depressed people who didn’t endorse Obama in the election might come around once they realize how seriously President-elect
Obama is taking his new role. An “insider” here in Chicago told me that Mayor Daley had wanted fireworks over Lake Michigan the night Obama spoke at Grant
Park, Obama said no. He wanted to keep the tone serious. You heard the speech — he achieved that goal. Same thing with the press conference Friday. He
started by simply saying “thank you,” didn’t say how happy he was to be there, what a thrill it had been to win, none of that stuff. He went right into
the subject at hand: the economy. Things are such a mess that I think most Americans will give up any nasty thoughts they had during the campaign about
outspoken preachers or Alaskan moose-hunters or Joe the Plumber and slowly but surely get serious along with our new President.
Hi Beth
A special night, indeed. I’m glad you wanted to make it memorable for Anita. Here’s my attempt to do the same:
11/05/08
I subbed in a 4th grade classroom today. The teacher who contacted me was planning a party to celebrate the election, hoping his candidate would win, and asked me weeks ago to sub. I was looking forward to it.
I brought in the front page of the Chicago Tribune – a full page picture of Barack Obama smiling. I brought the inside pages of the paper with the view of the stage at Grant Park in Chicago and the Obama family walking forward in the spotlights together. I posted the newspaper on the board at the front of the room. My plan: to acknowledge this historic time they were living in.
As the 4th graders arrived they saw my familiar face; it would be a good day. Then they saw the newspapers on the board at the front of the room. They started chattering with their friends. “Were you for Obama?” asked one. “Are you glad he won?” asked another. Some said they were happy. Others started to complain and give thumbs down. They were echoing what their parents had said at home, but the thumbs down bothered me. They were now disrespecting the President-Elect of the United States of America.
When everyone had settled I started out by asking if they’d heard the news of Barack Obama’s win. Again, some cheers and negative sounds as well. Then I said, “You know, last night I saw John McCain on T.V. and he made me very happy. Some people booed when John McCain told them Barack Obama had won. John McCain immediately asked them to stop. Even though he did not win, he congratulated Barack Obama. He asked everyone in America to now work hard with Obama to make this a better world.” The negative energy began to slip from the room.
Then I quoted a bit from Obama’s speech: a dream for America, seeing a dream come true for African Americans who thought they might never see this day, his daughters would bring a new puppy to the White House. More negative energy left the room. This new guy couldn’t be so bad if he was going to buy a puppy for his kids.
We noticed the banner in one of the newspapers – Yes We Can.
I asked the kids to write in their journals 5 dreams they had for America. I gave them until after lunch to think about it and get their thoughts down.
We moved on to math then. First order of business – get out your calculator. We looked at the newspaper again. Crowd estimates in Grant Park were 125,000 people. Paper reported pizza slices were $5.00 each. Pop was $3.00. We did a bit of election night economics – if everyone bought one slice of pizza, purchased 2 pops, how much …. You get the idea. (Had to make a curriculum connection, right???)
A party, past midnight, with pizza and pop? Again, this new guy was starting to look good.
After lunch it was time to pull out the ‘Dream for America’ journal entries. Volunteers read their favorite, best dream for America. After each person read their dream, the class responded in unison, “Yes we can.”
Many dreams were thoughtful:
“I dream there will be no more wars.” — “Yes we can!” we all responded.
“I dream there will be no more murders and killings.” — “Yes we can!” we all responded.
“I dream no one will smoke or do drugs any more.” — “Yes we can!” we all responded.
They were enjoying the building energy. The chant grew louder for each person.
“I dream there will be more schools like this school all over the world.” — “Yes we can!” we all responded.
“I dream families will love one another and live in the same house.” — “Yes we can!” we all responded.
Some dreams were silly:
“I dream there’ll be lots of candy for all the kids all the time.” — “Yes we can!” we all responded.
And then one little girl stood. She wore glasses and braided pig tails and spoke in a soft voice. The kids needed to quiet down and stop moving and listen hard to hear what she was saying. She said, “I dream I will be the first Chinese-American President of the United States of America.” — “Yes we can!” we all responded.
There was a hush in the room then. That little girl had just given heart to the exercise – true heart. She had just reminded us of the question that skirts around our anxious hearts and minds; the question that keeps moving to the front of our minds and we sometimes fear the answer is “no”. She had just illustrated why people in Chicago and Los Angeles and New York City and Africa and Atlanta and Scranton and Hyde Park had spontaneously taken to the streets last night and cheered and honked car horns and cried.
In that soft-spoken statement, as she held her paper firmly and only dared to look at us just once as she read, she reminded us of that secret place in all of our hearts: Can we be respected for who we are? Can we dream?
In her quiet sharing of her dream, affirmed by her classmates who cheered her statement, she answered us. “Yes we can.”
beth, i truly enjoyed reading your wonderful account of the big night–a night we waited for for 8 years!!! our neighborhood was truly the center of the universe that night. although a lot of people probably felt like they were the center of the universe that night, we really were!!
Sue, that was more than a comment, that was a blog post all on its own! Have you considered starting a blog? If not, you should!
And Bonnie, you’re right — here in Chicago we should enjoy all the attention while we can. In a few months time, that attention will be focused on another US city: Washington, DC.
Sue thank you for what you did with your students! In four years those students will be in civics classes working on the next election. I hope that your “you can” will ring in their ears…
How wonderful for you to get to be a part of history and right here in our very state! Thanks for sharing this with the world. 🙂 Margo
Beth, you lucky duck! What a grand experience that must have been. I spent Tuesday in Indianapolis getting out the Obama vote and got home, exhausted, just in time to watch the returns come in. Fortunately, Tony had a bottle of champagne chilling, and you’d better believe we enjoyed it!
By the way, I just joined your fan club on face book.
Wow – I believe my friend’s mom got tickets to this rally as well.
I wish I would’ve gone, but I did watch it on TV. Talk about wow..
Must’ve been a great experience…
Oh! Yes – I joined your fanclub on facebook too! I’m also going to quote you in a paper I am writing on guide dog discrimination.
Gee, I’m going to have to check out that facebook fan page of mine! My nephew Brian (I have oodles of nephews and nieces) teaches English in South Korea, he set that fan page up for me eons ago, before I even knew what facebook was. I am slowly but surely getting the hang of it – if anyone reading this blog uses a screen reader and has any tricks to share in navigating facebook, do tell!
Slatta, THANK YOU SO MUCH for volunteering in Indiana, a job VERY WELL done. I hope you patted yourself on the back when those Indiana returns came in (between sips of champagne, of course!). I taught my senior-citizen writing class in Chicago on Wednesday and found out FOUR of the women in class had volunteered in Indiana right up to the last minute, average age of these grand dames: 75. I’ll say it again: INSPIRATIONAL. You might want to check out Garrison Keillor’s piece in this week’s Newsweek for his take on all of this. For a tease, it starts like this:
“Be happy, dear hearts, and allow yourselves a few more weeks of quiet exultation. It isn’t gloating, it’s satisfaction at a job well done.”
And ends like this:
“So enjoy the afterglow of the election awhile longer. We all walk taller this fall. People in Copenhagen and Stockholm are sending congratulatory e-mails—imagine!
We are being admired by Danes and Swedes! And Chicago becomes The First City. Step aside, San Francisco. Shut up, New York. The Midwest is cool now. The mind reels.”
If you can stand one more Tuesday election night story – The New York
Times quoted me in their Sunday Politics section before election
because I had been in Grant Park in 1968 during the Democratic
Convention.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/us/politics/02grant.html?_r=1
Because of that small quote I was on Brazilian and Canadian TV. The
Canadian producer gave me a camera to take video Tuesday night and you
might enjoy it – it gives a kind of “You were there” feeling. It was
one of the most magical nights of my life!
http://www.cbc.ca/sunday/2008/11/110908_1.html
Thanks!
A few comments here referred briefly to John McCain’s speech on election night. As of this writing I have listened to it. I thought he was very sincere in his words, and I really like the fact that he pledged his full support for Obama and Biden and the coming years. To the person inquiring about Facebook with a screen reader, I think there is now a way to verify your registration via email. “Think” is the key word here though, as I have not been on Facebook for awhile but I do vaguely remember seeing something about email verification on there. My brother invited me to join and I’m told there’s also a group on there with members of a nonprofit organization in which I am involved. I just get so peeved anymore whenever I see or hear of something that is inaccessible, that I’m kinda like thrown off course. I guess it’s just the advocate in me or something.
Funny you should mention facebook. I am at a software conference in Austin, TX and this morning someone asked me if facebook is accessible. I answered that I thought it probably followed all the accessible “rules” but that there are so many links and buttons on a facebook page that it is hard to navigate. The woman talking to me was sighted, she said It is too stimulating for her to figure out, too!
[…] to perform; we went to see a performance. Remember my great niece Anita, the one I mentioned in my blog post about Obama’s election night party? She is a star on Willowbrook High School’s freshman […]
Thank you for sending this to me, Beth. I can see from your writing that my writing skills are about 11 years behind yours–this 2008 piece is how I write today in 2019! I was there and I took my grandchildren to the Inauguration in Washington, one of the coldest days ever recorded in Washington. After standing outside for 3 hours I asked my 9 year old grandson if he wanted to go inside one of the museums on the Mall. It meant we would have lost our spot. Through chattering teeth he emphatically said NO.
Spittin’ image of his grandma.
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