All I can say is: wow. There’s just nothing like hearing Barack Obama speak in person. Combine that with one of my other favorites, Bill Richardson, and you have an outstanding rally.

The two hour wait in the cold, and then another two hours of waiting in uncomfortable seats, was definitely worth it. It was even worth braving the packed crowds (I’m quite claustrophobia and have stopped attending some events because of it).

I’m going to save much of what I have to say about his speech for use in my item on why I’m supporting Obama to be our next president. But some of my favorite parts included him talking about how he’d taught the Constitution, know what it stands for, and will make sure this country once again follows what it stands for; about making our country a leader in civil rights, equal rights, and the return of habeas corpus; and about investing in this country – from high speed internet to education to alternative energy. How upping car mile per gallon standards to 40 mpg would cut our use of oil enough to completely cut our need for oil from the Persian Gulf. How many in this country are wondering who Congress is more interested in protecting – home buyers or banks. And how making changes to improve our environment, improve our infrastructure, etc. will mean more jobs for Americans.

At times during the rally, people were so focused on what he was saying, you could have heard a pin drop. Other times, the cheering and clapping was so loud you wanted to cover your ears.

It was especially great that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson not only endorsed Obama today, but traveled to Oregon to express in person why Obama should be our next president.

I highly encourage everyone to listen to his speech from today. I’d imagine that the news stations will have it online soon. Plus it’ll probably end up on YouTube. But I also highly encourage people take any chance they have to hear him speak live. We’re at a turning point in this country, and we need a president like Obama to bring in the hope and change needed to get the job done.

Video from today’s rally:

Watch Barack Obama’s Portland speech live on KATU News or online at KATU.com starting at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. If you can’t catch it then, we will also stream his Eugene speech live on KATU.com (online only) at 9 p.m.

Get more details here at KATU.

I just wanted to let everyone know, since we’re getting a ton of e-mails (and I’m sure the campaign is getting swamped) with requests for more tickets.

The Eugene event is not listed as being full; however, tickets were never listed as being required. So I highly encourage showing up early to the event to ensure you get in – I’m certain more people will be there than there is room. A lot of Portland and Salem people who missed out on events in those cities will surely be heading towards Eugene on Friday.

I just got word – it’s official, there is now an Obama campaign office here in Oregon: 3016 SE Division, Portland (a former Wild Oats location).

The campaign is in need of supplies and volunteers:

- Immediate volunteer help

- Desks

- Chairs

- Trash cans

- Clip boards

- Comfortable lawn chairs

- Folding chairs

- Duct tape

- Other assorted items that you think might be helpful getting an office up and running

From the campaign:

If you can volunteer for a three hour shift tomorrow, Wednesday, or any day this week, it would be greatly appreciated. The sooner the office is set up, the sooner we can start canvassing, phone banking and direct voter contact that will win the campaign!

I’m a bit hesitant to post the phone number and e-mail on here… e-mail opens up people to spam and the phone number I’d imagine is a personal cell since the office is just setting up. Since they’ve not said “go and post this info everywhere,” I’m more comfortable saying contact me, and I can give you the contact information.

Editor’s note: Sorry, there was a problem with the link above to contact me. It is now fixed.