The Observation Deck

This morning's photo essay, recording a visit to Lakewood Park by Alaska Governor and Republican Vice-Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin is posted. Dad and I joined Jim O'Bryan and others at the park for the occasion.

You may view the photos here:

http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/ ... s-lakewood

Did they have to bus those people in?

It looks empty. Were many people attending?

Wearing my "photojournalist" hat right now, I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves. You may draw your own conclusions as to the size of the crowd.

Ed Dickson wrote:It looks empty. Were many people attending?

Tens of hundreds.

Police put it at 2,500 or so.


FWIW



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Grace O'Malley wrote:Did they have to bus those people in?

School was out today, so they couldn't rely on their recent strategy of bussing in schoolkids to fill out the crowd.

Since these pics were taken outside the outside perimeter, from the looks of things- the sidewalk, they aren't a good judge of how many people were there. No offense to Gary.

The inside was packed plus two sets of bleachers and the stage.

A lot of Lakewoodites, some may surprise you.

BTW...

Gary, I totally would have let you in. Banjo and all.

It was AWESOME!

Lakewood looked good, that's national news no matter how you cut it.

I thought it was a pitiful turnout. There were almost as many Obama supporters at the perimeter as Palin supporters inside.

Same old tired message. Lakewood Republicans should be embarrassed by this morning's performance.

I hope they learn something from this. If Obama wins, maybe we'll see better Republican representation next time around. Maybe they'll have a coherent and accurate plan/message that isn't so negative. I can only hope. It would be better for EVERYBODY.

.

Yes, someday I hope to adopt Steve's positive attitude.

Where do I sign up.

I agree Colleen,

It was awesome!!! I am so glad we were there. Gov. Palin did an incredible job. The whole event went very smooth. Thanks for the shots Gary.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

Ed Dickson wrote:It looks empty. Were many people attending?

Tens of hundreds.

Police put it at 2,500 or so.


FWIW



.

yep... It was a great event...

Colleen,

Thanks for your kind words.

While I certainly understand your wanting to put the best face on the event, and yes, Governor Palin's supporters were indeed enthusiastic...

...and it was certainly a GREAT event for Lakewood! Nice work to the local state, and national Republicans for pulling it off well!

The rest of my story would be, however....

...while I was indeed at the perimeter fence, I was indeed inside the park and that was well away from the city sidewalk. There was PLENTY of room for whomever wanted to come and listen, believe me all.

I think those pictures are indeed a fair depiction of at least a part of my field of vision. Out of courtesy for the Governor, I chose NOT to post photos of the prominent Obama signs and supporters standing close by.

As for that banjo? Well, thanks as well, but not yet. I did not bring it down to the event today. I like for the banjo to be a unifying instrument, and I think we'll be needing it for after the election.

jennifer scott wrote:It was awesome!!!

I wasn't inside, so I didn't have a chance to taste the Kool-Aid.

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stephen davis wrote:I thought it was a pitiful turnout. There were almost as many Obama supporters at the perimeter as Palin supporters inside.

Same old tired message. Lakewood Republicans should be embarrassed by this morning's performance.

I hope they learn something from this. If Obama wins, maybe we'll see better Republican representation next time around. Maybe they'll have a coherent and accurate plan/message that isn't so negative. I can only hope. It would be better for EVERYBODY.

.

Stephen, were you in the media section?

Stephen,

You know you were welcome to come in. I know you wouldn't do so, but, you were welcome.