The invitation was just like the one to the Tim Walz rally.
Doors open at.... go to Table.... no this that and the other thing allowed within... wear comfy, campaign related attire... you can't share the invitation....bring a picture id. I expected all of that.
When they got to the no designated parking information I began to worry. I'm familiar enough with the area to know that means a walk of a mile or so, unless I parked at Amster's and Ubered back and forth.
And then there was this: **Please note that this is a primarily standing rally - there is limited seating for ADA guests ***
Doors open at 1:30; I'd have to be there a lot earlier than that. It is billed as a late afternoon early evening event; I was exhausted just figuring out how long I would be on my feet. 7 hours, conservatively.
After discussing the situation with family and friends and my body, I've opted out.
Comfortable on the couch, I'll make a point of watching it all on television. It will be harder to feel the energy, but Mr. Obama has never had trouble bringing me to tears and to hope and to action. That's been true since his DNC speech in 2004 up to and past the time he spent talking to me in my hospital bed in 2011.
I was up close and personal with the man. That's going to have to be enough.
I am in total sympathy. Standing on a concrete floor for 7 hours would be hard, no pun intended. And the crowd! I cannot handle large crowds. You amaze me with your ability, after the life you've lived, to be able to do it.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry the event turned out not to be suitable for you, but I am glad that you found out ahead of time and not after you arrived.
ReplyDeleteThe young people I know who went are totally energized for a final push. I'm already as amped up as I can be. It was a good decision.
Deletea/b
A wise decision. I have been to only one presidentail campaign rally, and the time spent and the protocol to be observed for security and the endless standing did it for me. Those also serve who only sit and watch, on the couch.
ReplyDelete"Those also serve who only sit and watch, on the couch."
DeleteOne of my favorite comments of all time.
a/b
I am a little late to the party on this post, but it has made me feel so much better because I have also chosen to miss out on so many opportunities to attend campaign events in person. While I was working, I never had time to do things like this and I imagined that I would be SO active once I retired. Too bad that we just can't comprehend when we are 50 what we will feel like in later years!! "They also serve who only sit and watch, on the couch" - I might have to take up cross stitch for that phrase!!!
ReplyDeleteNina