January 30, 2008

Photo Essay: When Obama came to town...

By Stan Dyer

It's easy to get excited about a candidate who talks about positive change. That is why so many candidates talk about that. Yet, when you feel that excitement growing over one candidate's message and see so many people encouraged by the renewed sense of hope, it compels you to experience the power for yourself. When I heard Barack Obama was coming to Denver, I had to be there.

Despite working nearly 20 hours straight, and barely having time to shower and cook breakfast for my girlfriend before heading out, I braved the early morning January temperatures to find my place in line to witness history first hand. I was not disappointed. For me, it was worth it just to see so many Americans banded together in support of something they strongly believed in. It was very inspirational, but I could not be completely prepared for what happened next.

The man of the hour, the man of the year, the man of the future entered the arena and I felt it. We all did. The charisma filled the arena. Through the roars of approval, my mind drifted back to history class, and I thought of the Lincoln Douglas Debates, Tippacanoe and Tyler Too, and Whistle Stop Tours. This was history and we were a part of it.

Please, enjoy the journey as seen through my eyes and my camera. Your party affiliation does not matter. Obama speaks of a unified country where all, including Republicans and Democrats, work together for the mutual benefit of the whole: A truly "United" States of America. What's not to like about that?