We walked, we waited, and my 4-year-old never gave up hope she might see Sen. Obama until we discovered we were around 200 people short of making it in. We migrated with the other turn-aways to the soccer field. Of course her little legs and my little-ish legs just couldn’t run fast enough to get a front row view, and we certainly couldn’t see over all the adult heads.

Thank you, thank you THANK YOU to the members of the crowd who, on my spontaneous plea, graciously parted to let two little African-American girls see Sen. Obama for a brief moment before he went into Mac Court.

With their shoulders pressed against the police tape and tears in my eyes, I said to the girls, “Remember what he looks like right now and that this is a special day. Remember this so when you are old ladies you can tell your families about it. We are so lucky to be here.”

The full magnitude of what it means to be “here today” is incomprehensible to them right now at their tender ages, but I know they have a keen sense something big is happening. It is about suffering, struggle, hope, opportunity, healing and a new reality within reach.

I hope Sen. Obama wins. Even if he doesn’t, I hope we continue to recognize and nurture this new reality: That people of color can indeed lead in our country and there are more people committed every day to making liberty and justice a truth for ALL.

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.