but what, exactly do you mean by a 'europization' of America?

What an awesome sight!

I'm so glad I have never tried drugs. Wow. 60-40? What country is thi diarist thinking of? Last time I checked the majority of Americans were not depressed.

Just saw the pics on NBC.

More than double anything he's had before.  Funny how NBC contrasted with hillary---she had nearly empty streets at her rally today.

Gives me heart to know there are so many people out there who dare to believe in a better future.

Is this live on CNN, MSNBC are they reporting it???

Very exciting!!  Politics needs some new blood after the voter antipathy scourge of recent years.  

What people don't understand is the longterm impact the Obama campaign will have for the Democratic party. All those young peeps registering for the first time as Dems will benefit the party for generations to come.

The largest rally in presidental primary history was in Portland today.

What % of Portland is black, or are there whites in this crowd?

You know what they say about enumerating chickens. eh?

Remember, those special election pick-ups were with a much smaller electorate.  They will have to be defended again in the fall with a full presidential race electorate in districts that trend strongly GOP.

As for your voting percentages - a little clarity would be helpful.  % of registered voters or of voting age population.  In 2004, those numbers were, respectively - RV 73%, VAP 56%.  In 1992, with three candidates and an intense level of interest it was 78% and 55%.  So, even though the percentage of those registered has risen, overall participation - as a percentage has not.

It is informative that in 1968, RV was 90% and VAP was 61%; however, that was prior to the 26th Amendment - 18 year-old voting - and when more difficult voter registration self-selected only the most willing voters.  By 1972, RV dropped to 80%, VAP to 55%.  By 1980, 77% and 53%.

http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/

Since 2004's 56% VAP was the highest VAP since 1968 - the highest since 18 year-olds have voted, since the VAP has been consistently in the lower 50s throughout this period, what evidence do you have - other than a nice crowd in Portland - that this long-term and entrenched political trend will radically change?

The crowds at Obama rallies are truly impressive--people from all walks of life, all demographic groups. He is a leader who inspires us to be a better, more united nation. Most politicians talk about what they want to do when they are elected-- he talks about what we the people will do together with his leadership. Obama really can transform the electoral map-- moving beyond the slice and dice politics of the past couple of decades.

seeing this kind of a crowd.

Here's a live feed (recorded) from the rally.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI&a mp;ObamaRallyMan

Simply incredible!

that is amazing,

75k people...

It was a beautiful day in Portland. That NEVER happens!

to see so many people excited for positive change in our national politics.  There must have been a tremendous feeling of community at that event.

Must be a slow day in Portland.
Everybody loves a rock star and being part of a "happening".

yipee.

I really enjoyed this post, the comments and the music video post (hadn't listened to it lately).

But wouldn't it have been more appropriate at Dkos?

I spend more time there as an Obama supporter, and I didn't see this there. I don't think you should post this sort of thing here right now.

unfortunately, it still attracts people on both sides who feel most comfortable barking and snipping at each other.

more posts like this, and how we can fight mccain, and perhaps mydd might turn out to be an interesting site again.

This is my first reccomended diary. I'm bursting with pride. Thank you for everyone who Rec. this.

MissV

very nice.

Always good to see

It's a great day to be Barack Obama, or one of his supporters. All he has to do is outwork an old and tired McCain. Anyone notice that Obama hardly ever gets off task for too long, states his points and moves on. Carrying out his message to the people, this is why he is so likeable and electable. As more people get to know him, more people will jump on the bandwagon.Expect more rallys with this kind of turnout.

Doesn't mean diddly-shit.  Lots of people got behind really bad leaders in the past.  The number of people showing up at an event has nothing to do with proving honest and sincere leadership.

Look at past history.  It's an insincere measure.