On their way to the park, too - maybe the hats were left over from the convention?
Selling T-shirts.
The loyal opposition - 30 or so unhappy looking types anxious to persuade 23,000 people why they are wrong.
Love the sign.
This staffer invited JC, Maddy and I into the VIP section - one of the many minor miracles with which God brightens my life :)
We were supposed to wear red to the rally - to affirm our purpose of keeping Virginia a red state.
We're seated directly behind the podium.
We got there at 9 - the event would start at 10.
An unusual take.
Lots of veterans in the crowd.
Part of the VIP stands.
JC found a great place for his badge.
Spotted these friends of mine in the crowd - Ron and Mandy, owners of Brew Mountain in Purcellville - with three of their five or six (?) children.
We're listening to live country music as the crowds come in.
Secret Service
Sign in the crowd.
Another sign.
Secret Service.
We took their picture, they took ours.
It would probably surprise a lot of people to see just how diverse these rallies are.
Saw a few people with Down syndrome.
What a great looking family.
Trig for First Baby! This was the youngest of five sons.
Press Box. Glad I'm not there, but here.
JC, Maddy and I left our seats and went up to the front to stand.
The press, getting ready for the rally to begin.
Interesting having such an up-close-and-personal view of them. They were obnoxious at times, chatting during speakers, looking above it all. When McCain and Palin arrived, I noticed that the more excited the crowd became, the more depressed they looked ;)
This was a small business owner who spoke of being an Obama supporter until a few months ago, when she began studying the actual positions of the candidates. Her conclusion: McCain is friendly to small business, Obama a threat.
Our friends in the media
Fred Thompson arrives
McCain arrives
I am not zooming in. This is how close I was.
I'm seriously going to copy this hairstyle - maybe the glasses too :)
Love, love, love the red shoes. Should we think Wizard of Oz - No Place Like Home? Red states?
He makes this look so easy. Not awkward or unmanly in any way at all.
My read of Cindy is that she is very shy. It was revealed at the RNC that she is very much in the mold of Princess Di - someone who has given unselfishly of herself. The only difference is that she seeks no recognition. And the press gives her none.
Todd and Sarah.
John and Sarah as he introduces her.
Sarah introduces Todd and Cindy.
She begins by speaking of Todd's accomplishments - who he is, what he does. a real man and great father.
She is so warm and authentic and normal. So lovable.
She praises McCain. So refreshing to hear a woman secure enough in herself to genuinely build up the men in her life.
No Obama liplocks in this campaign
McCain mentioned the veterans present and they turned to pick them out of the crowd and acknowledge them.
This seemed odd.
I am not zooming, folks. This is how close I was. I didn't know whether to shake hands or snap pictures. So I snapped while JC and Maddy got the handshakes.
This was a Hillary supporter who switched because she was tired of the Dems dissing women. Proof that the single issue boters on that side (abortion) really CAN change.
