Yesterday I got off work around 3:15 and drove the 20 minutes to Apopka for the Romney rally. It was sunny and HOT (Florida does not recognize autumn). As we wound our way through the lines I watched and listened. I heard latinos/hispanics talking about what socialism is like and how it’s unbelievable to see it happening here. I saw a great many YOUNG people with their kids in hand. I saw about 50% WOMEN- none of whom appeared to feel there is a war being waged on them. As I listened to conversations I was amazed to hear how WELL INFORMED this group is...they KNOW.
Because we got there early we were able to get seats in the shell. The wind changed and serious clouds approached from ALL directions. We’ve been deluged every day with horrendous thunderstorms lately and it looked as though we were about to get slammed. And yet...it never happened. All around us were storms, but not over us.
The amphitheater where we sat is surround by acres of open fields. I couldn’t tell how big the crowd was so at one point I stood on my chair and looked behind us. HOLY CRAP!! As far as my eye could see were people...THOUSANDS of people. It was breathtaking. I’ve been to many political rallies over the years...but honestly haven’t ever seen something like this. People parked their cars TWO MILES away and walked to the amphitheater.
After suitable crowd-pumping by local politicians, Mitt and Ann came out. The crowd roared. Literally. Endlessly. On our feet..it went on and on.
Romney’s stump speech has improved considerably and it has red meat for us- and personal stories for indies and undecided. What struck me while listening and watching...there wasn’t a teleprompter ANYWHERE IN SIGHT!! Romney knew what he wanted to tell us- he didn’t have to be prompted by anyone. Nor did Ann, nor any of the other speakers.
By the time Mitt came out, the clouds literally had broken up and the setting sun was lighting the evening sky..
Regardless of ideological differences some of us might have with Romney, I think it is clear that despite the criminally insane lamestream media’s take, he has proven to be a solid campaigner who has made very few mistakes along the way and is winning support wherever he goes.
did you get pics?