The Observation Deck

On January 31, 2008, the Ohio Democratic Presidential Straw Poll was held at the Lakewood Masonic Temple. Sponsored by a number of Democratic groups and individuals, Barack Obama won the vote count by a wide margin over second place winner Hillary Clinton. A straw poll is considered an unofficial barometer of the mood of Democrats in Ohio as of this date. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Lakewood's own Tom Bullock, with Lakewood also being well represented by Mayor Ed Fitzgerald. Congressman and recent Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich was also in attendance and spoke to an enthusiastic audience. Other candidates for office and their supporters shared the podium and gave their remarks as well.

Lakewood Observer columnist Gary Rice opened the event with the "Star Spangled Banner" on his musical saw.

Entertainment was provided by Lakewood's own Gary and Linda Cavano; a husband and wife vocal duo.

Gary's Photoblog will shortly follow>

Gary,

I look forward to your photos!

I started a blog just before you did about the event and wondered why no one had mentioned it! I've deleted that thread to save space and avoid having two of the same things up.

Here's what I said:

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned this.

While I forgot about the event last night, I wish I went, the turnout seemed pretty good.

Straw Poll

I thought I heard Wolf Blitzer mention that there is a Ohio Debate coming up for CNN. I can't find out any information about it, how to attend, or how to cover the event. I'd love to go. Regardless of where it is.

Any thoughts about the Straw Poll? I'd love to hear from Councilman Bullock or Mayor FitzGerald about it. And also how do people get involved with the Democratic Club? As a first time voter in the Presidential Election, I want to become involved in the government as much as a citizen can.

I have received information about how to get involved with the Democratic Club since posting this.

But I still wonder if there's anything on the schedule for Ohio as far as candidates visiting. Nothing has been mentioned on the candidates websites.

Photoblog is up. Just click HERE:

http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/ ... obama-wins

This, by the way could well be a story of national importance, as we are coming up on Super Tuesday, and this seems to be our state's first indication of intent regarding the Democratic Presidential race.

Last night was a great success and a fun event thanks to the collaboration of many people. One of the most important and helpful with Gary Rice.

Gary thanks for your help and the support with the event last night. Your stage experience, technical know-how, and sound equipment got us off on the right foot, and you and the Cavano's kicked off the event with fun music. I'm pretty sure this was the "festive" atmosphere the Plain Dealer referred to in its write up, here: http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/st ... xml&coll=2

Gary, great photos photos--looking at them now.

This event pulled people and candidates into Lakewood from across Cuyahoga. It highlighted what a fun and talented community we've got here, and I know everyone had a positive impression and a fun time.

Thanks for your teamwork!

Tom,

Thanks for your kind words. It was a pleasure helping you, Ed, and everyone else out last night.

Many hands indeed make light work. Be sure to tell those involved for me how much I appreciate their help with moving my PA system. (as well as you helping personally with that chore!) Also, I certainly want to thank my good friend at the Masonic Temple, Glen Carpenter, who was a great help with setting up everything from the podium, to the lighting situation. Thanks as well, to the Masonic Temple company, for keeping that majestic setting a place of timeless stately beauty, for wonderful events like this one!

Great people, beautiful smiles, good food, fun, and fine fellowship! This was a very good night for Lakewood. Special kudos to you and to Ed Fitzgerald, and whomever else is involved, for doing so much already to keep the Lakewood brand polished!

Gary and Linda Cavano did a great job keeping the crowd entertained, as well!

A personal commentary to all Lakewoodites:

Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, or even an independent, I would urge anyone who has been "on the sidelines" of the political process to take the opportunity to join with those already involved, if just for a local meeting. You will meet committed and caring individuals who exemplify a selfless calling to make our society a better place.

These kinds of people, up close, are a far cry from what you might perceive on TV, or with the at-times cartoonish and one-dimensional aspects of the chat rooms. Whatever your particular political persuasion, I truly believe that you will enjoy the fellowship of the people involved in grass roots politics.

Above, all, please exercise your right to vote. It's the foundation of our democratic principles.

It's been announced that the CNN Democrat debate will be held on the 27th followed by the GOP on the 28th of February.

The location hasn't been announced yet but there's been talk that it's within driving distance of Cleveland. From what I've read I'm thinking it's Akron but I don't know.

Regardless of where it is, count on me to make every attempt to be there and take photos at the event!

A little photo of Ivor the plitical animal, hanging with friends.



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A photo of Ivor, the political animal, hanging with friends.



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Yay Ivor!

Your passion for the world of politics, photojournalism, and people, will continue to serve you well in the future!

Dad and I are so happy to see you doing all of this!

Keep up the good work!

(By the way, what kind of weather is your parakeet predicting?)

Bob and Gary Rice

my parakeet is fast asleep on one leg.

I think that means "hand me my sombrero and drink, here comes the sun"

The sit down with Dennis and his wife was quite an experience.

it was my first time meeting the passionate Congressman and his wife but we had a lengthy conversation and he is indeed very passionate about helping the district.

a few photos are up

I am either voting for Romney or Obama.

Stephen Eisel wrote:I am either voting for Romney or Obama.

I have a classmate in journalism who was born and grew up in Chicago. He was telling me how everyone in Chicago is nuts over Barack.

He is a republican and said "I'm voting for McCain, but if Romney is nominated I'm voting for Obama."

Barack seems more moderate to people. I know my views on some issues are very liberal, and on most are conservative/moderate.

It's interesting that you point that out Stephen, I'm very curious to hear why it's those between two.

I'll start a post on the Global section about this, look for it!

FANTASTIC photos, Ivor,

I'll bet that Congressman Kucinich loves that portrait with his wife!

You have just illustrated one of of the truly important intangibles in the photojournalism business, that being the establishment of a good trusting rapport between you, the photographer, and the subject being photographed.

That element of trusting rapport can be seen as well, with Joe Ott's fine bird shots. The better you immerse yourself with the subject, the better the outcome of the image being captured.

I truly believe that you are following in the footsteps of greats like Alfred Eisenstaedt, W. Eugene Smith, and Margaret Bourke-White, with your approach to rapport, composition, lighting, and detail. More than that, you are blazing a few trails of your own.

I will always enjoy the memories that I have, (and at times, the pure terror! ) of the art of photojournalism. Whether documenting a wedding, or part of a day in the life of President Jimmy Carter, my own experiences have been the adventure of a lifetime.

Welcome to the world of professional photojournalism. It is an experience that will take you places that only dreams have gone.

I am jealous you got to meet Dennis AND his wife!