OBAMA!

Two weeks ago, Barack Obama visited Mizzou to speak before the election. It was indeed a historical and memorable event, for those of all ages, races, and backgrounds. I waited in line for nearly, plus the time it took to stand around and wait for him to speak...but it was worth it. I felt like i was witnessing history seeing the possible future president (who, as it would turn out only a few days later, would in fact be elected the next president of the United States) one last time before his long campaign came to an end. 

Barack Obama is such an inspirational speaker. He has the ability to silence an audience of thousands, quiet a crowd of cold, tired people, and inspire a range of emotions. I viewed this wide range of emotions at the rally. Hope, awe, disbelief....the people around me expressed these emotions as they eagerly watched him speak, straining their necks, desperately standing on their tiptoes, even balancing on each other's shoulders (much to the dismay of the grumpy woman who at one point yelled to the students giving each other piggy-back rides "GET DOWN!"). All of this just to get a better glance of one face. One man. 

Obama inspired some negative reactions as well. While passing Speaker's Circle on the way to the rally, i noticed a group of 10 or so "protestors" (if you would even call them that...they were quite lame compared to protestors in my hometown). These anti-Obama students held up signs saying things like "I'll take my guns and God - you can have Obama". My personal favorite was a sign that read: "Obama loves Kansas" with a picture of a jayhawk. A few of the protestors argued face-to-face with Obama supporters, trying to each get their points across but failing to do more than create a scene and inspire taunting and laughter. It was, nonetheless, entertaining to watch. 

Despite the minor theatrics from the protestors and the craziness that over-swept the awed supporters, i believe Obama's appearance had a significant effect in that it caused so many students to take a closer look at politics and realize that even though we are in the middle of Missouri, in the middle of the United States, we still have a voice and play an important part in the election process being a swing state.