I saw Obama for the first time, and it was amazing,” said Nik Philipsen (’10). “I’m an intern with the Obama campaign, which means I volunteer about 15 hours a week. At the rally, I got to see the result of all this work we’re doing.”
According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, about 13,000 people attended the rally, and an additional 7,000 people were even turned away at the door.
Although 74 students signed out for the rally, not everyone made it in time to get into the Coliseum. Although Obama greeted supporters who were turned away, the MLWGS students left outside were discouraged they didn’t get to go to the rally.
“I stood in line for two hours with some other Maggie Walker people, but only one of us got through security,” said Jonathan Crawford (’09). “I was really disappointed I didn’t get in because I was so excited about the rally. It still was really good to be there, though, and see everyone so unified for Obama.”
Most of the students who attended the rally were ardent supporters before the rally, but for one student, the rally dramatically changed her opinion of Obama.
“Before the rally, I thought that it would be a good opportunity to see someone who might be the future president,” said Mackenzie Tucker (’10).“I didn’t have a strong opinion about either of the candidates, but I went to hear what Obama had to say.”
“When I saw all the supporters, I felt the energy of everyone who believed in him,” she continued. “I know he must be a pretty inspirational person to get a crowd like that.”
Many of the students who went to the rally have volunteered in the past at local Obama offices, but some even considered the going rally another way to help out the campaign.
“Because we can’t vote, going to the rally and showing our support is the next best thing we can do,” said Callie Guy (’10), an Obama volunteer. “I hope that all the other people at the rally saw our spirit and enthusiasm and felt more excited about the Obama campaign.
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