President Obama rallies for Kitzhaber

        Hours of waiting led up to the moment when I saw President Barack Obama walk up the raised podium at the Oregon Convention Center in downtown Portland. My mother, sister, and I arrived at the venue at 2:00 P.M, and withstood people handing us all sorts of fliers and stickers, clustered crowds, and glaring sun before being admitted through airport-like security to the spacious ballroom at 4:00 P.M.  Only V.I.P ticket-holders were admitted to the very front area, but we were among the closest people in the area for the public, only 50 feet away from the stage. 10,000 people filled the hall, and it was a diverse group, ranging from kids to seniors, political types to regular folk.

        The rally kicked off at 6:00 P.M with a few warm-up speakers, leading up to a recitation of the National Anthem and  a stunning rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by China Forbes. The crowd broke into applause when U.S Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as Rep. David Wu, took the stage. After they briefly spoke, they introduced the subject of the rally, former governor John Kitzhaber, who in a very tight race is running to return to his office. Kitzhaber spoke of the challenges facing Oregon and pledged to bring his experience to focus on jobs and education in particular. He humbly admitted that he knew why most people was there, and proceeded to introduce the 44th President of the United Stated of America, Barack Obama.
  

     The President was met with deafening applause. When the screams of "we love you!" calmed down, Obama opened by mentioning that he had "a special place in his heart for Oregon", referencing his personal connections to the famed Oregon football rivalry. Humorous and engaging, he made a passionate case for Oregonians to elect John Kitzhaber, citing his experience and commitment to the state. He also made a broader appeal for Democrats in general, getting the crowd riled up with the metaphor of a car driven into a ditch by the opposing party, saying that it takes time to get out of said ditch. He called for patience and civility in our "big, messy democracy." Finally, he hit an even broader note, speaking to us as Americans, urging the common goal of continued progress as he wrapped it up.
        Immediately after the rally ended, thousands of people pressed together tried to move towards Obama, who was shaking hands. I got within 5 feet within the President, but then to my disappointment, he was escorted out blue curtains being guarded by well-dressed, young staffers.
       When the event was over and we were waiting outside for my dad to pick us up on an empty street, we ran into the candidate John Kitzhaber himself! He was being rushed by a staff woman, but he did stop to shake our hands. I told him that in my first vote as adult, I would cast my ballot for him, and he thanked me for my vote. He seemed tired but appreciative, signing a shirt my sister bought. I was honored to meet him.

    Hearing the President and former governor Kitzhaber speak was a monumental thing for me, politics aside. It was a great experience - although my legs are still hurting from all the standing.