12,000 people (according to the Burke Lakefront Airport Commissioner) waiting.
Cameras prepare on the Cut Riser. This is the riser used for profile shots. The Main Riser views the podium head on. All of these political events are set up this way for media cameras.
"I need you, Ohio!"
The President's voice was quite hoarse at the end of his marathon 48 hour coast-to-coast tour. He still managed to croak out a crowd-pleasing speech.
After listing some of the things that define the best parts of our American culture, he said, "That's who we are." An audience member yelled, "We never quit!"
Obama continued with:
"Our destiny is not written for us. It is written by us."
"Ohio, I believe in you."
"We're going to finish what we started."
Sound booth.
Preparing to leave. I saw a military officer carry a large black bag to the plane. Reminds me that the President is on call 24/7 for any emergency.
Sleeves rolled up, a quick wave, a run up the steps to the plane, another turn and a wave, then inside. As soon as the stairs were pulled away, Air Force One started moving toward the runway. Once there, it took off without delay.
I watched the take-off and headed for Lakewood.
It was difficult to get home. I had to head east out of the lot on the North Marginal, all the way to East 55th, then south to St. Clair, then a zig-zag home through downtown. The Shoreway was completely closed for the event. Police were everywhere. All along the airport fences, heavy city trucks, like snowplows and dump trucks, were parked to block access.
When I got to my house and settled in, I turned on the TV. A news broadcast showed Air Force One landing in DC. I barely beat Obama home.
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