Crossposted at DailyKos, [1] One Million Strong [2] and The Albany Project. [3]
Just a quick photo-recap of last night's fundraiser at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Barack drew an overflow crowd of supporters and soon-to-be supporters.
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Apologies for the quality of the photos. My little digital is not up to the task of taking photos in a dark theater from 15 rows back. Well, you'll get the idea anyway.
As is always the case with Obama events, people started lining up early. I was there 1 1/2 hours before the doors were scheduled to open, and the line in front of me was already quite long. A friend who was with me, who is still undecided for 2008, was amazed by the crowd, remarking, "How does he do this? It's incredible that he attracts all of these people!"
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There was plenty to occupy us while we waited to go in. Volunteers were collecting (even more) ballot petition signatures, people were signing up new volunteers, and we even got some free entertainment in the form of the Harlem4Obma drum band; they were terrific.
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There was entertainment of all kinds inside the Apollo as well. The Harlem Gospel choir was one of the evening's musical acts. Powerful stuff.
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After introductions by some NY Obama supporters, including State Senator Bill Perkins, the first NY elected official to endorse Obama, a special guest was introduced: Dr. Cornel West. What a passionate and inspiring man he is! We knew that Barack was about to come on stage, and were disappointed when Dr. West told us that he wasn't coming on quite yet. First we had to welcome America's most talented comedian, CHRIS ROCK!
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(video of Chris Rock at the Apollo) [9]
Chris introduced Barack, who was met by an overwhelming applause. He delivered his new, powerful stump speech, the one that blew them away at the Jefferson Jackson Dinner in Iowa. He blew them away in Harlem too!
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Obama stuck around for a while after the speech, shaking hands and signing autographs.
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Cornel West and Bill Perkins joined Barack on stage. Here West and Obama are waving at the audience in the balcony.
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Harlem is FIRED UP!
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