Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Exhale

There's no way I'm the only person who is going to write about this- after all, I've never had an original thought in my life, right?

Did anyone else notice the outrageous differences between the McCain and Obama gatherings last night? I'm not talking about the relative levels of enthusiasm between the two, either. I hope by the time I publish this the explanation for that particular difference will be apparent. No, what I'm talking about are the settings for each campaign's ground zero going into the final night of the election.

The scene at Camp McCain: a private, invitation-only party at the Biltmore Hotel outside Phoenix.

Contrast that with Obamapalooza (let this be the only time I ever use the suffix -palooza on this blog, dear god): 70,000 people with internet-issued tickets at Chicago's Grant Park, with thousands more (at least) showing up at the behest of Mayor Richard Daley because, hey, the more the merrier.

And that was before the electoral picture started coming together last night. Sure, you could say the respective sites were acting according to their prospects going in as indicated by the polls, but either way, doesn't this just say it all?

That fun little shindig in Arizona had doors that would only open for the lucky few.

Grant Park has no roof or walls or doors to speak of. All are welcome.

Now let's get down to business.

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UPDATE: I have acquired a transcript of the congratulatory phone call from President Bush to President-elect Obama.

Obama: (taking phone from precocious youngest daughter Sasha, who had been asking the president if the White House has a hot tub) Hello?

W: Senator Obama! This is the president!

Obama: Good evening Mr. President. How are you?

W: I'm good, Barack, I'm good. I just wanted to congratulate you on your victory tonight and wish you luck in the coming years...

Obama: Well thank you very much sir, I...

W: (interrupts the president-elect) 'Cause you're gonna need it, let me tell ya'. Around these parts lately it just seems to me like you're damned if you do and... ahh... you're ahh... won't get damned again, heh, heh.

Obama: Well Mr. President, I look forward to getting to work in Washington and doing whatever I can to serve my country.

W: Good, Barack, that's good. Well hey, I think I hear Dick calling me; it must be time for his foot rub. Look, y'all have a good inauguration and enjoy the honeymoon while it lasts.

Obama: We will, sir. Goodnight now.

W: Oh, and Barack? Bring some toilet paper when you come because I'm gonna be strippin' this fuckin' place bare 'fore I head back home!

Obama: Will do, sir.

12 comments:

DailyNewsie said...

I about died from cuteness when President-Elect Obama said in his speech that Sasha and Malia earned the new puppy that's coming with them to the White House. :)

As you noted, it seems Obama has consistently done more to appear open and welcoming to the public. Hell, even on Facebook and in text messages he referred to himself as "Barack" rather than "Sen. Obama." I am beyond thrilled that he was elected, and cannot wait to see this country slowly turn around.

Noelle said...

While looking at the McCain crowd, I could only think one thing: Sea. Of. White. Faces.

Anonymous said...

McCain's party was so small because he knew he was going to lose, don't you think?

shelleycoughlin said...

I can't wait to see pictures of the Obama kids' puppy ripping up the Oval Office.

Chris said...

Yeah, I can't blame McCain for wanting to lick his wounds in private. I was actually sort of impressed by his concession speech -- almost sounded genuine in calling for unity and cooperation and whatnot.

Courtney said...

I had imagined Bush's call to start off with, "WHAT UP, MAH BROTHA!" And Obama replying, "Dude, you CANNOT pull that off."

The Modern Gal said...

I also imagine Bush secretly telling Obama he was pulling for him.

When Obama said the thing about a puppy, I screamed "puppies for everyone!" cause it seemed appropriate.

Anonymous said...

I was at the rally in Chicago! It was insane!

JackeeG4glamorous said...

70,000? It was more like 125,000 (that's 250,000 votes-Chicago style) Crazy was not the word- it was a media heaven scented event!

Julie said...

Who's elitist now, huh?!

Aaron said...

That transcript would be funny if I didn't know that it was ALL TRUE!!

Laura said...

Bahhhhh. hahahaha-- that transcript was hilarious. I hope Dick got his footrub alright, their days are numbered.