Obama's Election Night: Grant Park

...is the parable about counting chickens in order here ?

Now he is the Pope too? Will the audacity of this guy never cease?!!

It's in my planner! Just holding off politics for a second, it would be a joy to celebrate such a Chicago highlight en masse.

S Hammer - can you tell me what the Trib's article has to do with Obama's 'audacity'? He didn't compare himself to the pope - the trib mentioned Grant Park. Lighten up francis

I agree with Darryl. Obama had best not count his chickens before they're hatched!

"A poll by the Military Times newspaper group suggests that there is overwhelming support for John McCain among U.S. troops in every branch of the armed forces by a nearly 3-1 margin.

"According to the poll, 68 percent of active-duty and retired servicemen and women support McCain, while 23 percent support Barack Obama. The numbers are nearly identical among officers and enlisted troops."

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/21/poll-troops-support-mccain/

Will this be a doubleheader with Cubs World Series Championship rally?

Given the number of people his rallies have been attracting, I think it is wise of them to hold the assembly in the open. And for those saying "Counting chickens" - all politicians hold election night rallies for their supporters. It's not an uncommon thing at all.

It's called planning guys. Something Barack does. It sounds like a place for his acceptance hopefully or his concession if he does lose. Either way, it will draw people

S Hammer: I don't know what audacity has to do with picking a reasonably large area to host a very large crowd. By that logic Perry Ferrell is the Pope, Taste of Chicago is also the Pope, and JazzFest is papal also. Grant Park is a space to be used by anyone for any large event.

It's not counting your chicken's before they hatch. It's called being prepared in case he wins. You don't think McCain should be doing the same thing? In case he wins of course!

To Daryl and S Hammer:

Both pres. candidates choose sites to hold their election night celebrations...and Grant park hosts lots of events, not just papal visits.

Hammer sounds like a grumpy old man, making snide comments as the ship goes down. Wait, maybe he's John McCain?

In related news, McCain and Palin have announced they will hold an election night party at Shakey's Pizza on Rt 54 in Tumbleweed, AZ. The back room has been reserved.

Oh honestly, some of you anti-Obama people are ridiculous. Do you really think he's the only candidate who's ever attended an election night rally/party? Winning and losing candidates have them. It's being held here because this is where his home is, and that's why it's being reported.

Folks, McCain has plans for an election night celebration, too. For those who have never seen an election before, every candidate does this win or lose. They gather all their supporters and reporters file pointless stories about the mood at the celebration. So, no he isn't counting his chickens before they've hatched.

Expect an attendance of at least 1!

And yes...lighten up Francis.

It's Obama-Palooza!

Whether he wins or loses, it will still be great to have Chicago, his home city, unified to celebrate the result. Even more significant is that Grant Park will be full of people waiting for the outcome of an election. How many Presidential Elections have warranted that much attention?

I believe that the GOP plans to meet on the bridge to nowhere.

to bleu:

"The results of the Military Times 2008 Election Poll are not representative of the opinions of the military as a whole. The group surveyed is older, more senior in rank and less ethnically diverse than the overall armed services."

from: http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2008/10/military_poll_100508w/

Obama and his backers have run a very effective campaign, if they win it's because of that, and Obama's charisma and leadership potential. McCain made a good try, he's a noble man, but between his disorganization and rather abrupt choice of running mate, they lost. Period. And before anyone complains about tax dollars being used for the party, Obama has millions left so no worries, I'm sure he'll clean up after himself!!

I live across the street from Grant Park and I'm not getting Wednesday off of work. Why can't he hold this somewhere else? How about Washington Park? Then Daley can prove that it can hold an event big enough for the Olympics.

Thanks Dave for the facts on the military poll. Has anyone else noticed that when you fact check these blanket statements - and they are usually from the right- that the facts just don't support the hype?
Never trust an E mail or claim on the internet. Check it out.
Any mope can make a post.
Hey! I did.

Where's John McCain going to hold his celebration party? Phoenix? They got plenty of room, what with all that sprawl. Maybe all those crazies will show up and lament the fact that they couldn't kidnap enough voters, since that seems to be their best strategy at this point in lieu of even semi-sane policies.
Cries of "socialist" aren't fooling anyone...

S Hammer
"Now he is the Pope too? Will the audacity of this guy never cease?!!"

The campaign "aid DECLINED TO SAY how large a crowd is expected, or whether it would rival the size of the pope's appearance or the Bull's celebration." That means the author or another media representative ASKED THE CAMPAIGN AID whether it would rival the size of the pope's appearance or the Bull's celebration, and he did not answer. That doesn't mean Obama says he is the pope.

Had you bothered to take the time to fully read and comprehend the article, you would see that the cessation of "the audacity of this guy" is not necessary as it doesn't exist--except in your misinformed mind.

Uh, Miller, B.O. was born in Hawaii, not Chicago. Unless of course you mean where his political career was hatched!!!

yea, we should celebrate this, after all we will always look back at this as the beginning of the second Republican revolution. With the speaker of the house, the majority leader of the senate, and Mr Socialist in the white house...the buyers remorse will be sooo huge, the republican majorities in 2 years will be enough to overide the second coming of Christ for the last 2 years.

Bleu, military families support Obama over McCain overwhelmingly. I see you are getting your news from Faux News, and that is why you are misinformed.

Should Obama not plan on having a celebration on election night? Every candidate for almost every office has a big party on election night, so why should the future President be any different?

S. Hammer,

Are you Pal-in around with Palin, the article said "The large public space between the Loop and lakeshore also hosted a papal visit in 1979", which means, i n 19 79, t h e P o p e m a d e a v i s i t t o G r a n t P a r k LOL

They should have it in Washington Park, a little closer to his home. Also, that way he will not tie up traffic on election day, preventing people who work down town from making it to the polls before they close.

Bring on the HopeTopia! (tm)

Every candidate has a huge party on election night. Obama got his start politically and professionally here in the Chi, it's only fitting he celebrate his victory or (hopefully not and mathematically improbible) defeat here with us.

I will be there. Can't wait to celebrate and hear his acceptance speech. It will be a defining moment in the history of the U.S.

Uh, Sheila, Obama is our Senator! Where else to be on election night for him than Illinois' largest city and the city where he lives.

Man, if he wins it's going to be some party.

And when Obama loses will everyone quietly go home?

Can't wait to watch it on tv. So I don't have to listen to everyone talking on their cell phones and deal with people leaving before Obama finishes his speech.

The Obama campaign obviously needs to plan for this but before everyone worries whether or not they can get tickets to this event, they should worry about getting Obama elected first. This means getting your behind over to Indiana or Ohio to help canvas those states. Articles like this worry me. This election is too important to let slip away.

McCain has also arranged for a post-election speech. He has booked a McDonalds in Phoenix and expects an overflow crowd.

Ben wrote: "Bleu, military families support Obama over McCain overwhelmingly. I see you are getting your news from Faux News, and that is why you are misinformed."

If you read the article, you would have seen that it was THE MILITARY TIMES that conducted the poll. Fox News simply reported it.

"A poll by the Military Times newspaper group suggests that there is overwhelming support for John McCain among U.S. troops in every branch of the armed forces by a nearly 3-1 margin.

"According to the poll, 68 percent of active-duty and retired servicemen and women support McCain, while 23 percent support Barack Obama. The numbers are nearly identical among officers and enlisted troops."

"68 percent of ACTIVE-DUTY AND RETIRED ...

"THE NUMBERS ARE NEARLY IDENTICAL AMONG OFFICERS AND ENLISTED TROOPS."

First and foremost- The Chicago Tribune is ENDORSING Obama. Grant Park discussions (re: the Pope's visit) are referring to logistics. Please people, he's not being compared to the Pope. Come on!
A city this large has to count their chickens first in the 'event' that such a huge event will even be able to take place.

I find convenient the that after a weekend of Biden guaranteeing we will all but be attacked by the big bad world if Obama wins (a generated international crisis" we can't seem to get back on message.

Good time for a campaign break isn't it. Both Biden and Obama are taking a break hoping that the following message spoken from the lips of Biden just fades away.

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/20/biden-obama-tested-world-months-administration/comments/

**
Speaking in Seattle on Sunday, Biden said he could guarantee that the world will want to find out if Obama is up to the job, which he assured voters he is.

"It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We're about to elect a brilliant 47-year-old senator president of the United States of America. Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said. Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy."

"They should have it in Washington Park, a little closer to his home. Also, that way he will not tie up traffic on election day, preventing people who work down town from making it to the polls before they close.

Posted by: Greg | October 21, 2008 2:01 PM "

I am pretty sure the crowds won't start showing up in any quantity until well into the evening. The first results do not even begin arriving until after 8 or so.

Also, Grant Park is much better served by public transportation than Washington Park is.

Depending on the weather, I would likely opt to ride my bike.

Gallup today shows, which interviews all Americans, including the appropriate percentage of enlisted and retired military personnel, says Obama leads between 7 and 11 percent. The lower number will occur if people who voted Republican in the last election go back on their word to vote Obama. Gallup has been dead on in the last forty years -- including saying the last two were too close to call. But McCain supporters -- keep posting to these websites how close the election is. It will just insure that Obama supporters actually show up.

I don't think that its going to be a 'victory' party as some polls on the West Coast won't even close until 10:00 CST. My guess is that they will probably hold it earlier in the day so that people downtown for work can attend. I could be wrong, but I would assume that BO will be at his campaign headquarters or undisclosed ballroom for the actual 'victory' party.

I will be there and will be rooting for Obama all the way to the finish line!

Resident:

I live across the street too and it is doubtful there will be any inconvenience at all. If you didn't get the day off work then it really wont be a problem for you. You will be at work, not at home listening to the noise of millions of people. I will be partying with the masses.

I'll bring the champagne....

1) McCain has shown that he supports the troops, that is until it costs money. The Troops need more than empty words and rhetoric.
2) Grant Park belongs to the City of Chicago, not only 'the people across the street.' Perhaps you should reconsider your choice of residence.

Best of luck to Senator Obama!

Crain's is reporting that the campaign has sent out emails to all press, informing them of the CHARGES they will have to pay to cover said event. So all the remarks about his arrogance are correct.

And yes, while other campaigns have had events for their supporters, most have them indoors. Obama's ego demands the large crowds, hence the outdoor arena. If it were indoors, there simply wouldn't be room to have a big outdoor rally.

This is not a case of pre-counting unhatched chickens. *EVERY* presidential candidate picks out a place to watch the election returns, and usually in their home district.

I seem to remember then Gov Bush watching his returns from the Texas governor's mansion.

I'm sure Sen McCain and his campaign staff are picking out a nice place near Phoenix right now.

"Will this be a doubleheader with Cubs World Series Championship rally?"

Yikes! Did you have to mention this? I really thought the Cubs were a sure thing too, and had my Cubbie blue heart broken too often.

On the other hand, Obama is a winner and a White Sox fan. Both know how to win the top "prize" and are true winners.

See you at the park!

Me and mine will be there for the party no matter how cold or wet; and yes we have worked our tails off in Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, and on the phones to help in any way possible to help Senator Obama become President Obama.

To the poster who lives across from Grant, pull your shades that night.

Go ahead Obama, speak it into existance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're going down in history baby..see ya at the party with my Obama gear and I dare them to turn me away!!!!!!!!!!!!

OOOBBBAAAAMMMMMAAAA!!!!

What kind of fake background do you think he'll have this time? I'm at least hoping he plants a bunch of Acorn trees in Grant Park when he's done. Seems fitting...

@Beth:

As an Obama supporter and a journalist (imagine that!) I had to check on what you said, and I have to agree that this plan to charge, essentially, for access, is out of line. I don't imagine any of it has anything to do with his ego, though-- more like lousy judgement from his campaign staff.

And as for the outdoors thing since they'll probably draw more than enough people to fill the park, that's probably just prudent.

It truly is a shame how some people have a strong need to post negative comments. Enough with the childish behavior. It's time to grow up and be civil.

I see absolutely no arrogance in either cadidate. May the best man win!

The Cubbies broke my heart too. They have broken it since I was 4, I'm now 55. Barack O. will break my heart if he wins. O the humanity!!!!

Chicago tax dollars at work!!!!

In response; from the seal on the podium, to the paint on his plane, from the European (pre)presidential tour to the snickering at McCain during their debates, Obama's arrogance, portraying himself as if he were president is most unsettling. While he has never called himself God, others clearly have identified his demeanor as "god-like." In any event, I apologize here in that Obama nor his staffers claimed that he was the Pope.

I wish I could come -- to share in the sheer enthusiasm and joy that this guy can generate. Win or lose, Obamas's done more for this country than I ever could have dreamed. We NEED this guy. Oh, man, do we need him.

You're right Matt, I believe it was in Ayers livingroom!

OBAMAPALOOZA 2008

[Trademark Pending]

Maybe Congress will declare Wednesday, Nov 5 "Barack Obama Day" a national holiday and we'll get the day off!

Don't hate, participate. Think of it like this New Years Eve early.

Great idea.

I hope he wears his Sox cap!

The fact that the Obama campaign is charing the press is brilliant. The news media holds the bill for the event instead of the Chicago Park District. Arrogant? Hardly. Smart? Yes. Wake up people - Obama and the people who work for him are pretty intelligent folks. This is one of the many reasons he'll have my vote.

I sure hope to be there. It'll be very different from the usual hotel ballroom thing, a much more ordinary average folks crowd.

Now, both Bush and Gore did the outdoor thing in 2000. But Austin and Nashville actually have nice weather on Election Day. Here in Chicago, however, we're going to have to bundle up a bit. Especially in view of a 15-day forecast high in the low 40s for Election Day, about 10 to 15 degrees below normal.

Made a deal with Zeus, the god of
controlling political outcome, exchanging the Cubs' playoff hopes for
'08 for a certain and convincing Obama victory. Made the same deal last year and was able to pay off my mortgage.
The chicken have hatched, Chicagoland, Plan on flying to Chicago
from NY to be part of the Grant Park celebration. mnyc

Ummmm Beth?
If it were indoors, there simply wouldn't be room to have a big outdoor rally.

Stop complaining on web site and make sure to get out and vote and vote early if possible so you won't have to deal with any BS at the election posts Nov 4. I voted early and it took all of 15 minutes, no lines, no issues, no intimidation.

It is outside so Oprah can bring her entourage.

S Hammer,
Too many sour grapes today? As for your response to ALL those comments about your baseless talk, just some simple - minded talk. Snickering, how bout the rolling of the eyes at BO or the fact that he wouldn't look BO in the eyes at the second debate. That's what's unsettling. European (pre)presidential tour? Did you miss it when McCain went overseas after he sealed up the Republican party primaries? And I don't know about everyone else, I was always told to act the part of the job that you want obtain. To bring your "A" game to the table at all times if you want to succeed. As far as I'm concerned, I don't want some grumpy bickering man attacking other heads of state, deciding our international fate for the next 4 years. I want the guy who keeps his cool, with his game face on, not showing his cards.
You sound like a Republican Party Candidate. Take a story, spin it so that it says what you WANT it to say and then try to tell people what it "REALLY" says.

Obama is going to slam Mc-Lame. Anyone doing the math knows this is a forgone conclusion. Even the trib knows it. And you can bet your bottom dollar that Colin Powell knows when to get off a sinking ship! If he leaves...start packin! Obama already knows what to wear on that night and everything. He is going to hire Hawk Harelson to say "Put on your dancing shoes Chicago because this election is OVAH!!!"

Polls show Obama favored 4-1 by service people stationed in Europe and stateside.

Beth, there would not be room indoors to have a big rally and his ego all in one place indoors or out.

There are no chickens, nor are there eggs. McCain will have a rally himself, just like every other candidate has had a rally in the past... We're just hearing more about Obama's rally ahead of time because people are actually excited about it -- that's all.

Ruth....I have no doubt you believed Obama launched his campaign from Ayers livingroom. You probably believe all the lies the McBush campaign feeds you. The truth? Obama’s formal kick-off to announce his run for state senate was at the Hyde Park Ramada Inn on Sept. 19, 1995.

Ego? Yes. That is a pre-requisite in politics.

Bleu - Your statistics are from FOX News the most bias network for Repubs. Come on.

This could hardly be considered counting one's chickens. Both parties must certainly be making their election night plans.

What would you say to the candidate who didn't make arrangements for election night. I would argue that to be a lack of preparation.

I presume both parties will write both a victory and a concession speech.

First of all, it says Tickets, but there are such things as free tickets to keep numbers down. I for one love Obama, and love Chicago, and My country. Pro America, IN A BIG CITY! Imagine that! I love reading these posts just to see some of the dumb things people say. I go to most events in that park, the city park, the common green for the people, and the yuppies in their condos complain about EVERYTHING that goes down there. Damn that Daniel Burnham for keeping an open space! It should all be condos!
And when he wins. why shouldn't it be one of our biggest events ever? When was the last time we had the chance to send a great man from our political system to the White House? More power to him. Yes, an outdoor rally, for the people. I would hate to be shut out because I didnt have the connections to get into the usual little places they have these. Obama, Chicago. WOW. A president that will revive our standing in the world, renew and refresh our image abroad, so I don't have to be ashamed of our leadership when I travel abroad. Who knew? No more of the same, this is someone real, and I give him and his decisions full props.... For now of course. We shall see.
OBAMA 2008!!!!

Unfortunately it appears there's a lot of haters posting notes on this story. I don't understand why. we should be glad if Senator Obama is elected. Its a new/fresh start. who would want 4 more years of republicans running our economy through the dirt.

The celebration will be in Grant Park (in the heart of the city) because thats where it should be. After all he'll be speaking as our President -elect. Give him a chance to lead. I hate to burst your bubble folks but barring a major screw up, he's going to win so deal with it and stop hating. There's always has to be a haters around......

I'm in! Will they serve beer or do we have to bring our own?

I was disappointed to read the military supports Mcain 3-to-1. Mcain wants to keep the troops in Iraq for "100 years". I support the troops but I am starting to wonder just how smart they are. They have lowered the standards.

Do you think BO will carry all 57 States in his victory?

I'll be at work making money for me and the 55 % of the people who will get a tax credit for not paying any taxes.

When they trash the park is Obama going to pay for the clean up ?

Daniel Burnham said "Make no small plans" and why should Barack?

DB: McCain is not going to live to be 172 years old.
Wake Up !

Well, it's not like they're using it for a Cubs World Series rally, or anything.

Wonder if Comrade Obam will make more Socialism promises at his victory speech
or harp on changing the world-

So would those who are talking about chickens hatching prefer to see Obama that night on TV, win or lose, in an empty room, just he and his wife? Duh..that's not how it works. Did you watch baseball? Notice both teams always have t-shirts ready for a playoff win? Immediately following the game they are wearing CHAMPS shirts and hats. Is that bad? No! You have to plan for either case. SOunds like a lot of sore people over the pathetic campaign that is McSame/Palin

The election of Barack Obama as president would be a noble and courageous act on the part of the American populace. It would send a needed signal to Americans of all ages, ethnic groups, levels of income and to members of both gender groups. Namely, that if a person works within the system and takes full advantage of all available educational resources, then he or she will have an equal opportunity of reaching the highest office of the land.

Of course every American child cannot grow up to be president but the election of the superlatively qualified Sen. Obama would send a message, especially to the young men who are
caught up in the vicious cycle of crime and poverty in the inner city, that it is cool to study and stay in school. And the young
men and women of the inner city would likely be motivated to be-
lieve that if they did study and finish school then they would have an equal opportunity to become accountants, lawyers, nurses and physicians, etc. Such an attitude would pay significant long and short term dividends to all of America.

The first African American to be elected president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, Barack Obama has also demonstrated a great political aptitude. He, unlike Republican V.P. nominee Sarah Palin, was rigorously vetted in the primaries
and did not have the luxury of refusing to answer questions
from the press. Moreover, he defeated Sen. Hillary Clinton in the primaries with one hand, intellectually, virtually tied behind his back. This was necessary because most of his advisers feared a big political backlash if he rigorously attacked or criticized the political positions of a woman candidate.

A victory for Obama would also send a message to the global community, especially to our allies, that the United States now
recognizes that even a super power can’t always act alone or unilaterally when taking strategic actions such as the deployment of military force. Most observers believe that the solution of the problems that have arose in connection with the global credit crisis, which many believe originated in the U.S., will require extensive co-operation from the global community.
This in and of itself is a crystal clear illustration of why America needs to improve its image in foreign lands. Obama has shown a willingness and an ability to accomplish this objective without compromising our national security. And speaking of national security, especially in the after-math of the recent comments by Joe Biden, Obama’s running mate, about Obama’s “spine of steel”, we have no reason to believe that Obama will react in anyway other than to respond with decisive and appropriate military action, in the event of some “testing crisis” that may be precipitated by the enemies of America. And in view of Obama’s expressed desire to seek, except in situations that require an immediate response, a multi-lateral response to crisis situations, the international community will be supportive of any military response on our part in reaction to a “testing attack”.

The belief that Obama is a trans-racial figure is not negated by the fact that he enjoys a level of 95% or more support from the black community. It is simply an undeniable fact that white presidential candidates have received 100% of the Afro-American vote, from the black people who participated in the voting process, in every single previous presidential election.

It has been often mentioned that Sarah Palin, like Bill Clinton when he first ran for president in 1992, came from a state with a relatively small populace. But it also must be remembered that Clinton was a Rhodes Scholar. Obama answers that with a distinguished scholastic career at Harvard Law School. On the other hand, Gov. Palin has an eyesight that is sharp enough to shoot Moose and also to see Russia from her Alaska front porch. And she also moves to a Rap beat, while seated, pretty well.

Fantastic. Bring the riots to the loop. Absolutely fantastic. REGARDLESS of whether Obama wins or loses, if the results are known that evening, there is going to be chaos. The only hope is that the results are delayed because of a close call.

Well, I guess, that and/or the force of Mayor Daley. If anyone can ... 'quell' a riot, it would be Richie. But still, this is a recipe for disaster.

I can't think of a more suiting place for Obama's victory party.

Shiver me timbers! On the one hand, I'd like to attend, to be part of history. On the other hook, this promises to be like Freaknik and the '68 Convention combined! Arrgh!

i wonder what kind of drinks will be served?? Kool-Aid maybe? =)

Polls show McCain leads by almost 70% of our Military. We do need go leadership. Say no to BO.

YES the course is kool-aide and chicken!!!!! I wonder if his dear friends bill ayres and osama will be in attendance, along with jeramiah wright. O thats right i 4got all the influcncial figures in his life are on most wanted lists or pubibcly hated

Let's take a look at the practice Obama voted for.

The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedures:

A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby's leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)
B. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
C. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head.
D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.

God help him. God help us! Please!

In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning wrong - to name a few, then economic concerns will soon not matter.

http://obamakillsbabies.blogspot.com/

S Hammer says Obama thinks he's the pope simply because the **article** (not the Obama camp) notes that the pope also said Mass there 30 years ago? Grant Park is not a cathedral. ANY public figure can use it.

I'm interested in knowing, S Hammer: is it very difficult walking around with your head up your a$$? Do you bump into things a lot? Do tell.

Those of us who don't remember the Pope's visit might remember that Radiohead played at Hutchinson Field. As with Lollapalooza, the sound is projected out towards the lake to minimize sound bleed for those who live near Grant Park.

Yes, the Obama campaign would pay a rental fee to the Park District that covers cleanup.

As an Obama supporter from Hyde Park, I plan to go to Barack's house (or close to it) and wave an American flag. It will be a great day for America!

Man! I just moved from Chicago to CA. I wish I could be there with ya!

Bill, what in the heck has Obama done for this country? Let alone IL.

He voted present on hundreds of issues, he can't make up his mind and the only thing he voted on was rasising taxes! this is the kind of man you people want in the White House my gosh, Wake up people! Neither choice is good but at least McCain has experience.

Wayne, Move to Iran where abortion is not toleratated.

Just how many children have YOU adopted lately?

How many ophranages have you donated time and money to?

Just wondering.

I'll be there. Sharing an exciting event like will be an exhilarating experience no matter what the outcome. This is also a chance for Chicago and Illinois to put their best face on not only for the country but the world. The whole world again will have its eyes on Chicago.

A celebration OR a riot?? Either way, count me in!!!

This Obama....I LOVE THIS MAN!!! I'm ready to celebrate with him!

Obama couldn't celebrate his victory in a better place than Chicago. Since his dishonesty in every part of his life and campaign have roots in Chicago it's most fitting for his victory celebration. As Obama rips apart the very fabric that this great country was founded on and as this country totally falls apart with Obama at the helm; make sure you piss on yourselves first before you try and lay the blame somewhere else.

WHO CARES WHERE OBAMA HOLDS HIS ELECTION NIGHT GET TOGETHER. REMEMBER IF HE WINS, ALL AMERICANS ARE LOSERS.

Obama is the next president. It's a sealed deal already.

Wow, all of the haters on here!! I will be there celebrating because for once in a great while, Barack stands for what is right, instead of what is popular .

P.S. Did everyone on McCains campaign fail to mention constant blinking is a sign of lying??????

i HOPE WE ALL WILL HAVE A ELECTION NIGHT RALLY OF SORTS IN OUR HOMES AND IF I WHERE IN CHICAGO i WOULD TRY TO BE IN GRANT PARK.. IT'S SOMETHING THAT ALL AMERICANS CAN DO WE JUST HOPE AND PRAY THAT OBAMA WILL WIN AND TRY TO PULL ALL OF US TOGETHER.. MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF US NO MATTER WHO YOU VOTE FOR PLEASE JUST VOTE

Wayne,

Thanks for the overview of abortion practices...I'm a democrat but i'm also pro-life for myself. I beleive the choice is between me, my god and my doctor. Not mccain or obama. You are forgeting one small thing...the responsibility for the abortion lies on the two people that made the baby. Its high time we started holding them accountable for having sex if they dont want a baby. If it was rape etc.. then hold the rapist accountable. If it was a teenage pregnancy make the parents responsible (grandparents like palin). If they make a baby then why hold politicians responsible? We wouldnt have the problem if we actually spent money on educating kids (about unplanned pregnancy)..but that would mean spending money...So being pro life would mean spending money but that would mean being a socialist...hypocritical dont ya think??? I hate when an old man calls me his friend...gives me the creeps... Or paying for his vp to shuttle her kids when i cant afford to visit mine on thanksgiving due to the economy....

Ummmm Beth?
If it were indoors, there simply wouldn't be room to have a big outdoor rally.

Bleu - not to discredit your Fox News polls or anything but you might want to take a look at other unbiased accounts of each candidate's military support.

http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/08/troops-deployed-abroad-give-61.html

VOTE EARLY - VOTE TODAY

I'll be the one with an Amish hat in that crowd of 1 million.

We write History !

Regarding the comment that the military is 'overwhelmingly for McCain'. This is just not true. The person who wrote it quotes from Fox News, which might explain the distortion. In fact (and you can fact check this easily) more military family and workers donated in higher dollar amounts to Obama than to ANY other candidate. THey know the war is a sham and they want the troops home. People need to look beyond Fox and get the FACTS.

Y'all need to quit sniping at each other, eh? Dems, don't be quite so gleeful. Repubbas, stop with the whiney, childish, sour grapes bit.

McCain ran a lousy campaign and picked a horrid running mate. He lost this race pretty much all on his own.

Obama ran a smart campaign and picked a mate of presidential stature. He won this race by outsmarting his opponent.

Don't let's all get prissy and be nasty to each other because our surrogates did this or that. Remember that on 5 November we are still all gonna be Americans and we have to live and work together. We make a society together whether we want to or not, so behave that way, kiddies.

Oy.

Because of security considerations, I recommend the Obama rally be held at the United Center.

I'm trying to get a cheapish flight out from the west coast of British Columbia. The man inspires us Canadains, too. If he wins I think you'll see both Europe and Canada cheering. Perhaps the days of hard line 'you are with us or against us' are over.

how dare he hold a rally! i can see why everyone is criticizing him! i refuse to vote for any candidate that can draw a crowd

I cannot wait for this night. He is going to change this country for the better. I put him right