Obama draws some 15,000 in 'red state' Idaho

That is amazing! This guy has majic! The question now is: can he defeat the machine?

As an Idaho native now living in New Mexico, I am thrilled to see Idaho's response to Obama. A few years ago, while I was still living in Idaho, a small group of my family & friends were routinely booed and heckled for standing on a street corner in Glenns Ferry every Friday night to protest the Iraq War. I watched the crowds at the stadium in Boise this morning via streaming video and was thrilled and proud for my native state. You go Idaho!
Yes we can!

Watch this, share it... Yes. We. Can. by Will I Am of the Black Eyed Peas! Wow, just wow!

http://www.dipdive.com/

It would do democrats some good to pay attention to these crowds. Obama really does have alot of cross-over appeal, and with these crowds and enthusiastic voters, he would easily win the general.

Idaho, Iowa, what's the difference, when you're the most brilliant and intelligent person in the world!

I agree with all of you. It's so exciting to bring about a change, to see Americans once again take hold of their government. Yes, we can! Indeed we can!

I live in Boise Idaho and Attended Obama's amazing speech today. There were people standing in the cold before 5:oo am and thousands could not get into the arena. In a state that is dominated by republicans- this was amazing to see and be a part of!

I just got back, and there were a LOT of people there earlier than 7 A.M. We showed up at 7 A.M. and BARELY got seats on the TOP balcony. There were 1000 people outside the arena itself that weren't able to get in. People had to be told not to sit in the aisles. I have never seen more smiles on peoples faces in one place in Boise my entire life. Not at any music concert, nothing.

People were courteous and no one was trampled in an arena that was over capacity, which if you have been to an event at the other arena the Idaho Center, it's every person for themselves, beer spilled all over you in the halls, you can't get to the restroom. People were genuinely NICER to each other in a city where everyone drives with their windows up on nice days, and won't hardly stop for a pedestrian unless they have to. No horns honking in the traffic after the event, people were talking about the speech by the time they reached the stairs when the event was over.

Ezzy, what a terrific video. It really captures the energy of the Obama movement. Yes, not a campaign, but a movement.

I too have spent a few years in Idaho and am totally awed by the turnout in Boise. It's indicative of a people who have spent too many years under the repressive rule of the Bush dynasty. Thank you for bringing this video to our attention.

Nice contemporary voices of the soul. We need to hear from our earlier messengers also: Bob Dylan, Ritchie Havens, Joan Biaz, Linda Ronstad, Carlos Sanatana etc. to close the circle.

As an life long Idahoan and a Democrat it was great to have some one pay attention to us. I was at the rally and it was magical to see a Democratic presidential candidate in person. I waited in the cold starting at 6:30am and I was in the middle of the extremely long line. There was a lot of people there who would not have been there four years ago if it was for Kerry. Obama pull all of us Democrats who have been in hiding for years in Idaho out into the open. After his speech there was little doubt in the crowd that self-identified Idaho Republicans would be rethinking their party affiliation and casting a vote in the Idaho democratic caucus. Alot more Idahoans will now be behind Obama, but the state party needs to ride the wave to help make the change and let people know they have a choice other than those with an "R" by there names.

Do you get the feeling that these campaigns are turning into a combination of Hannah Montana and Terminator I? Huge crowds, names like Oprah, Arnold and the Karate King, plus the Kennedys, Forbes and even a former Air Force One. Have to admit. It's interesting having races in both parties and some new and some familiar faces. Obviously a time to turn a corner in America.

I was there at Taco Bell Arena. We stood in line-behind many others- at 6:30 am. It was well worth it!!! I feel like the Dr Suess character- one of the Whos in Horton Hears a Who. We are here-we are here- we are here!!!!!

Okay, glad to see those turnouts. i read that they are primarily young people. the question is where will you be on Tues.?

This ol' lady, who is an Obama supporter, unlike she is pegged to be by pollsters, (!) is counting on you young people to vote. HRC still has a lot of backing. It is the youth of this country that can decide this. so, the question remains.....where will you be on Tues.?

Billary you can put the crown down now, thank you.

The local news (KTVB) reported, as I arrived home from the rally, that this was the largest event ever at BSU. The Pavilion (screw TB) was packed to the rafters and the crowd was more diverse than most that you see in Idaho.

The local volunteers for Obama are not the same familiar faces we've seen at most Democratic events in the past. This will be great for the local and state party. Oh yeah, and we'll get a great President too!

Suddenly there is a light, Obama is carrying the beacon for the new generation of Americans. Together they will restore the promise of America and transform the world.

to ezzy: watched the video, double wow!

Okay, glad to see those turnouts. i read that they are primarily young people. the question is where will you be on Tues.?

This ol' lady, who is an Obama supporter, unlike she is pegged to be by pollsters, (!) is counting on you young people to vote. HRC still has a lot of backing. It is the youth of this country that can decide this. so, the question remains.....where will you be on Tues.?

Billary you can put the crown down now, thank you.

15,000? Oh my?
This man is on fire....

Unmentioned by The Swamp, The Official Obama Campaign Blog: Obama panders to the gun nuts and the fundamentalist religious nuts --

Barack said, "..there are people who say, 'well he doesn't believe in the Second Amendment,' even though I come from a state - we've got a lot of hunters in downstate Illinois. And I have no intention of taking away folks' guns."

and

"I've been going to the same church for 20 years, praising Jesus."

I am very happy for my American neighbors! You are so fortunate to have this Man. I pray for the Soul of the Democratic Party, and HOPE that good wins out. What a GLORIOUS day that would be! Canadians are enthralled by this new JFK...He is mesmerizing for his honesty, intelligence and good heart. Good Luck, America! The World is watching...

Compare the excitement of these rallies with Clinton's in San Francisco. Hillary couldn't fill up the 2200 seat Orpheum theater in her CA stronghold!

Democrats, please vote for Obama. He will be a powerful force for down-ticket races, especially in the 'red' states. How many promises will be negotiated away if there is no clear voter mandate? Obama will win a clear mandate in November.

President Hillary = GOP Congress

Me too, I was there. Got in line approx 7:15. We couldn't see the pavillion from where the line ended and people just kept coming. We got in just in time for when they droped the drapes and opened up the extra seating so we were able to snag.

Obama is multi-generational. Our small group was composed of ages 8, 46, and 67. An no we would not have come 4 years ago for Bush-lite Kerry. Maybe Edwards.

Biggest thing was seeing all those other "probable" liberals. Around Idaho we tend to whisper because the news media tells us we are the only ones.

Power of the people. Caucus night is going to be a madhouse.

It's all razzle dazzle unless everyone who is registered gets off their butts and votes on Tuesday!
(If you are in Chicago remember to vote twice!)
Go Obama-Time for a New America!!

I got there a little too late and didn't make it inside, BUT am still so glad to have been a part of the crowd and the enthusiasm. I witnessed a great thing in Boise, hopefully the start of a big change. It's exciting. Can't wait for the caucus.

WOW! From Santa Cruz, California. I just spent all afternoon on the phone as a volunteer for Obama and reading about Boise makes me feel even more excited! I spoke to some people who were still undecided and urged them to keep leaning toward Obama.. Please share your enthusiasm with all of your friends and family who didn't attend!

As a native Idahoan, this morning was truly an uplifting/energizing experience. I knew after his first speech at the Democratic convention that we would soon see him on the national scene. Let's work to make not only a difference at the national level; but let's see change in our local elections come November! DEMOCRATS/INDEPENDENTS get out and VOTE!

Obama has the ability to light the world on fire. I watched his stump speech from St. Louis. I've come to two conclusions. First, he's the most gifted politician I'll ever see in my lifetime. Second, the Democratic Party would be completely foolish to nominate the divisive and unelectable Hillary when it has this guy to stand for.

Finally, the "dream ticket" is really a "nightmare ticket." It'd immediately tarnish Obama's appeal to moderate Republicans. And it'd banish our party's most talented politician to the hinterlands of the Vice Presidency. Exactly one sitting Vice President has been elected President in the past 172 years...

"15,000? Oh my?
This man is on fire....

Posted by: Feb Moria | February 2, 2008 3:06 PM"

Boise is a small city and 15k was a record for that venue.

My mom and I were standing outside the Taco Bell Arena at 6 am. We waited an hour in the cold until they let us in at 7. Then it was another two hours of watching the seats fill up before Obama delivered his speech. It was exciting to be apart of, couldn't believe all the people that showed up. There was definitely a buzz of inspiration amongst the crowd. Shoot the guy sitting next to us shook my hand afterwards. That's when it hit me that we had witnessed something extraordinary.