As the event ran yet later and later, the sun beat down on an increasingly restless crowd, and still, no sign of Obama. The crowd had endured the strange choice of location (off the side of the Rocky overhang), being herded together with the usual masses of geriatric townies, the searing heat, and a few rounds of live easy-listening music. Finally, a respite. The Aires took the stage. As every delightfully un-instrumented melody drew to a close, one could see the crowd tensely anticipate what might follow. "What? Are they going to stop singing? No! I don't want politics. I came here to listen to a capella!" Soon, it was obvious Obama would be upstaged before even making an appearance.
Seriously, even for those of us that might still have a soft spot in our hearts for a capella (and after three years of college, I don't), there is a time and a place for it, and this was not it. Perhaps they were just stalling for time, but about an hour deep into listening to the Aires, even the toddlers around me looked bored.
Still, if the College Democrats were trying to prove that Obama is a rockstar, they did it. Though the crowd dwindled a bit during the sing-a-thon, an impressive number stuck it out to hear the man. Freshman Congressman Paul Hodes stepped up to reinvigorate the crowd and introduce Barry, who was in full form. Obama did what he does best, saying very little, yet somehow being inspiring. Obama spoke largely in platitudes, but without sounding like a politician. Though he may not have touched on anything more controversial than Hillary has in weeks past, he left the audience with the impression of a no-nonsense, above-the-fray, charismatic leader. In the months leading up to the primary, we'll get our fair share of political celebrity facetime, but I doubt any candidate can come close to matching Obama's appeal. I guess we'll find out next time the spectacle rolls into town. Until then, back to the library with me.
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ReplyDeleteNo need to be aggressive. The aires did a great job, especially considering the impatient crowd and heat. Though I'm sure you could have done a better job stalling for an hour, right?
ReplyDeleteTrue, I found out shortly after that the Aires really stepped it up, performing for a hell of a lot longer than they were told to expect. So, props to them for pulling that off.
ReplyDeleteStill, kind of an odd choice for entertainment in the first place, huh? Especially hiring the muzak band and then having the Aires come on.
I could've totally stalled better though. I've got this tap dance routine you've gotta see, I mean it just kills ever time.
We don't want to prove anything. I, for one, am a bit miffed at his campaign staff right now for ignoring several Rockefeller Center rules, elbowing the DCD out of the way, and being all around arrogant and disrespectful.
ReplyDeleteAren't campaign staffs usually like this?
You're such a fucking d-bag, Niral. There is no need to critisize the Aires especially when you have no idea what you are talking about. They were booed for doing their job -- stalling -- and doing it with class.
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ReplyDeleteWe don't want to prove anything. I, for one, am a bit miffed at his campaign staff right now for ignoring several Rockefeller Center rules, elbowing the DCD out of the way, and being all around arrogant and disrespectful. (Note: I do not blame him for these actions, they're entirely on the field organizers and advance staff.)
ReplyDeleteObama was going to speak around 2 all along. Telling people the event was at one, rather than doors open at one, was a bad idea, especially if water wasn't going to be provided given the heat.
As for the location, it was the campaign's idea. Their first choice was the Green, but the College (or maybe the town?) didn't want thousands of people trampling on it so close to Commencement. Then the campaign saw the Rocky courtyard and liked it.
ReplyDelete9:55 AM - I feel like the Biden, Richardson, and Dodd people were not like this, but the Obama and Edwards folks were, with the Obama staff far worse than the Edwards staff. I think it's a tier thing - the second tier wants to be invited back, but the first tier feels like they can afford to alienate a few folks.
ReplyDeleteSA's Assemblog is posting more often than lgb now... wow.
ReplyDeleteHey, where's Connor's farewell post?
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to Connor's post? Is there a reason he shouldn't be allowed to publicly make an ass of himself?
ReplyDeleteLooks like connor takes the L this time.
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ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous 3:34pm,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to express your sentiments regarding two of your fellow Dartmouth students. I hope it is a load off your mind and you are able to focus your attentions on making the world a kinder and better place. I see that you have your work cut out for you.
lgb is dead
ReplyDeleteLGB died on May 3.
ReplyDeletehttp://thelittlegreenblog.blogspot.com/2007/05/farewell-pending.html
Andrew Seal was at least a well-spoken opponent. I am sorry to this decay as it has.
ReplyDeletethis is hilarious. all of a sudden, you realize what you've lost, regret being so harsh and generally dickish in the comments section, and pine for just one more chance (you swear, you've changed, you'll engage in legitimate intellectual discourse this time) to be with your 'well-spoken opponent'
ReplyDeleteUmm... I get the feeling that the kind of people who start blogs aren't the kind who go running away to cry when they get a bunch of mean-spirited posters saying nasty stuff in their comments section. If you have 10 people saying nasty stuff to you every time you post, it's an indicator of how large a readership you have. Seal was intelligent and well-spoken; as a conservative, I disagreed with him but liked reading his posts. Connor and Niral were boring, stupid, and oftentimes took themselves way too seriously.
ReplyDeleteSeal stopped posting because he graduated. Connor stopped because, if we're lucky, he's dead. I imagine Shah stopped because he's fucking lazy - it's not like he posted a ton while Seal was around, so nothing really changed. I really doubt the reason this blog died was because of the mean comments. And if that is the case, then it's a good thing it died - if you can't take criticism, then keep your opinions to yourself.
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ReplyDeleteThat certainly isn't one of the Hong Kong Willie Artist Collective. We aren't that green yet. We are still taking baby steps as you can see here
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ReplyDeleteWho was that screwball. I hope he isn't in on politics in anyway. He sounds crazy. Internet Blackmail? What does that have to do with this article?
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ReplyDeleteJoe Brown of Hong Kong Willie get off your high horse and realize that this blog isn't about bashing me but about Barack Obama. I'm surprised your comments haven't been erased by the author yet.
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