Obama Rally

Went to the 2012 kickoff Obama rally down the street at OSU. Historic event some say.

Although it was a more than a 1/3 empty (they moved people down to the empty floor seats so it would look good for TV), for security reasons they locked the doors hours before the president spoke (I didn't get the memo), so all I got was a close look at the very cool but empty presidential limo and to hear the speech from muffled loudspeakers outside with a surprising small handful of others.

It seemed, at least from my perspective of the frustration of being outside listening in, a bit sad and dull and officious and of course like all well planned political events anywhere in the world from the left or the right, completely prefabricated and contrived with no surprises or spontaneity. Like at a losing Columbus Blue Jackets game, the crowd started leaving early to beat the traffic.

I was disappointed by the lack of content and spectacle and emotion.

What actually made the biggest impression was the overwhelming well oiled security team.

I am sure my review would have been different if I had been in the arena and I own that. Next time, perhaps.

Like Kennedy, this president does best when he came seen and not just heard.

Left in time to hear, for me, a much more helpful and pertinent lesson taught by a local rabbi on the wisdom of the sages from two millennia ago: He quoted: "A person's character can be judged by the way he handles three things, his drink, his money, and his anger. And some say: by the way he jokes." J Talmud.

Guess I am in big trouble.