I was trying to get Fired UP and Ready to GO to see Obama & Oprah at the stadium. Wanted to see Obama in person and see if he could fire me up. Plus I didn't want Oprah giving out cars or her "favorite things" and miss it. But I really didn't want to get in that parking mess and huge crowd. Then I remembered my ETV credentials, grabbed my camera (to get those special press privileges) and parked right next to the stadium in the ETV lot. YES! The two gianormous guys guarding the press gate waved me off with my ETV badge and said I needed an "official" press badge that I could get on the other side of the stadium. That didn't work quite as I planned, the crowd continued to swell and I was getting a little lost in the shuffle. Then I saw Craig Melvin and decided to shadow him to see if I could gain a little more access. I was "Craig Cam" for a while. He was looking for folks that were there for Obama and not just Oprah. Most everyone I heard him speak to said they were there for Obama and that Oprah was an added bonus. Craig headed back to the press area and I slipped in behind him through the gate, crossed the field to the press area. Phone was ringing as I crossed the field.
Got stopped a couple of times by "official" people and after showing my ETV badge several times they told me we had an area up on the press stand. "Thanks so much." I love special treatment. Message from sister Lori - "I can see you right now! Walking with Craig Melvin across the field! What are you doing!?" Lori and Pete are BIG Obama fans and were in the stands.
Arrested Development performed and the crowd was into it.
There was a ton of national & local press and I just blended in and took in the event. I finally decided to see how easy it would be to get an official press pass and walked across the field in search of the press entrance. After not finding my name on the list the guy just had me sign a sheet and gave me my pass. The press stand was really crowded so I stationed myself on the stairs of the stand and watched the crowd grow. Michelle Obama came out first, then Oprah who introduced Barak. I like what Michelle said that we needed someone that would make us feel differently about each other. Barak's speech was inspiring and entertaining. I find it amazing that people like Obama(s) and Cinton(s) can talk for 20 - 45minutes with no notes and not much stuttering and come off intelligent.
Oprah did not give out any cars, darn it.
I thought of my friend Cecil Williams and the time as a young black photographer he met up with JFK as he announced his candidacy for president. After being turned away at the door JFK himself told Cecil to come sit in the front row. Can you imagine!?. Cecil has lovely photos of JFK from that day. The moment Obama walked up the steps to his own soundtrack (U2) and paused, seemingly to take in the event himself, (of course it may have been very rehearsed but he totally pulled it off I think) I was thrilled to be witnessing it and capturing it on tape. I was happy I'd gotten my butt out the door. My heart felt full to witness the evolution and hopefully revolution this country is experiencing at least for the moment.
RILEY & CLINTON
My old Chernoff buddies asked me to work the Gov. Riley dinner that featured Bill Clinton as the speaker.
I have always loved Gov. Riley and his public service work. He was sweet that night when he took a moment to speak to me. Heidi Mehltretter was there to photo it. Heidi and I were partnering that night. I love working with Heidi and always enjoy her company.
We had access to the VIP room where Bill appeared for photos.
After a long wait Bill came through the door 2 feet from me and I was able to shoot a little bit of video before his guy politely told me I couldn't shoot any video.
I did pop off a couple of stills and then taped his speech. That man is incredibly inspiring, smart and charismatic. BC can hold a crowd.
My dear friends Marvin & Anastasia Chernoff had their moment with Bill.
Bill Bill Bill Bill
