Ralph Stanley Endorses Barack Obama; Brian Patton "Tweets" the Obama Rally

By: Lowell
Published On: 9/9/2008 5:06:29 PM

Brian Patton reported on his Twitter feed about 35 minutes ago, "Ralph Stanley just endorsed Sen. Obama!"  I would say that "rocks," except of course Ralph Stanley happens to be a legendary American bluegrass banjo player. :)

UPDATE: Brian also reports, "Waiting in line with Jon Bowerbank for him to go back for a meeting with Sen. Obama!!!"

UPDATE #2: Brian tweets, "Cecil Roberts is on stage now and no one is using their seats!"  Cecil Roberts is  president of the United Mine Workers, "a sixth-generation coal miner and one of the labor movement's most stirring orators."

UPDATE #3: Brian tweets, "Congressman Rick Boucher is on now....crowd going wild."

UPDATE #4: Brian tweets, "Sen. Obama now on stage and just shed his coat so "we can get down to some work."

UPDATE #5 by Brian Patton
I have just made it home from the incredible Obama event in Lebanon.  This has been a very long, but fantastic day!  

This event will always be known and go down in history for one thing: tickets.  There were 3,000 tickets printed and I suspect everyone figured that would be enough, or at least close to enough.  What happened, however, was a phenomenal demand and hunger for tickets that could not be accommodated.  

What this shows us, though, is that people are extremely energized about Obama in the far Southwest.  I think this is a great sign for Obama in Virginia.  

The event went extremely well and I believe everyone who attended was impressed.  The local staff members, under the leadership of Nick Buis, did an excellent job of getting people in and out of the venue.  

As Congressman Boucher said today, the fact that Obama has been to Southwest twice in less than three months (Bristol and Lebanon) shows how important Virginia, and specifically Southwest Virignia, is to his campaign.      

Comments



Up to the minute (kevinceckowski - 9/9/2008 6:14:21 PM)
Where is this going on Lowell? Sounds exciting:)


I believe its the event in Lebanon (faithfull - 9/9/2008 6:16:58 PM)


Lebanon, VA (Lowell - 9/9/2008 6:37:09 PM)
Brian Patton is our man on the scene.  I believe that KathyinBlacksburg is there as well and will have a full report later. Do we have it covered or what? :)


Oh Yeah! (kevinceckowski - 9/9/2008 6:50:25 PM)
U got it covered and ...Hi Kathy in Blacksburg:} Miss U. kc.


Coverage is really impressive n/t (aznew - 9/9/2008 8:39:29 PM)


Eisenhower and Senator Webb (kevinceckowski - 9/9/2008 6:25:28 PM)
This weekend, we went to an event in Culpeper, Virginia for Barack Obama with Susan Eisenhower and Senator Webb. They both spoke so well about our future, or military and our energy crisis.  It was at the home of good friend and colleague of President Dwight Eisenhower, Strauss. It was a bi-partisan event and one and all spoke highly of Senator Obama's experience and his choice for VP (big discussion of the conversations).  Energy really topped the list as well and the use of our troops.


BTW (kevinceckowski - 9/9/2008 6:52:32 PM)
I have pics, but I used a camera with film, so a delay in getting them back. kc.


Film camera? (Pain - 9/9/2008 7:12:04 PM)

They still make those?   ;)


That's what I was thinking (Lowell - 9/9/2008 7:15:48 PM)
:)


laf (chiefsjen - 9/10/2008 8:27:49 AM)
at first i was like 'wtf is a film camera'?

hehehe the times they are a'changin'!

and what a fun and exciting looking event -- thanks for these stories -- we need them to keep us going!



Well, while we're on the subject, and to be fair (Pain - 9/10/2008 9:13:09 AM)

My wife is an architect and used a film camera to get pictures of details for her projects, because the clarity  was so much better when magnified.  But, she finally had enough of the hassle and bought a digital SLR that supported all her lenses.  It wasn't cheap, but when you add up the price of film, processing and time to get it all done, it will work out in the long run.

I was joking, sort of, about the film camera, but it is rare to see them nowadays for everyday snapshots, etc.



kathy in blacksburg.. (lgb30856 - 9/9/2008 8:03:07 PM)
met her at democracyfest. along with her husband a VT professor.
What a great couple.
And film cameras rule. For clarity for sure.


Get 'em Dr Ralph (justicat - 9/9/2008 8:32:21 PM)
Anyone hear whether we get a Del McCoury endorsement? That would be almost as big.


Video from Lebanon (Lowell - 9/9/2008 9:30:54 PM)


I was there. It was fantastic. (orangeandblue - 9/10/2008 12:16:36 AM)
---Crossposted at Daily Kos---

I was present at Lebanon High School today for the Obama rally/town hall meeting.  It was fantastic to be in the room with so much energy.  Lots of UMWA support.  Lots of talk about coal sequestration research technology.  Lots of appeal for Obama's economic message.  There were 2,000 tickets distributed and every one of them was there.  The gymnasium was absolutely stifling it was so hot with all the body heat.  Before Obama could finish, many folks in the upper bleachers had to walk down to where it was cooler.  This is the second trip Obama has made to VA-9 since clinching the primary.  He did a great job firing up the crowd and people left very encouraged about our prospects in what is supposed to be the red end of the state.  The best part was when I pulled out to leave and there were two McCain "protesters" waving signs and generally looking unhappy.  The local FOX affiliate couldn't manage to pass them by and will be doing an entire feature on them at 11:00.  Typical.