Where there's a Will, there's a way

Some pictures of things going on before the big speeches by Biden and Obama.

Uniformed security were on the tops of buildings to make people feel safe...or paranoid, depending on the person. You can click on these to enlarge.

Illinois' Senior Senator Dick Durbin did interviews on the press platform and received enthusiastic applause even without introduction.

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is interviewed by a local reporter.

Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin spoke first before everyone recited the pledge of allegiance and a local Lutheran pastor gave a prayer.

By the time Mayor Davlin spoke people would have been happy if Mickey Mouse had come out and been named the Vice Presidential candidate if it meant getting on with things. Waiting for several hours in the sun was making people surly.

Campaign Field Staff reminded everyone to volunteer.

The candidates worked the crowd for a while after the speech but I decided not to push my way up for a handshake or picture. Overall, it was another fun event with Barack Obama and a few thousands of his local friends in Springfield.