Slog News & Arts

Line Out

Music & Nightlife

« The Night: In Your Pictures | Pike and Broadway Right Now »

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

“A Whole New Generation”

posted by on November 4 at 22:48 PM

Thousands of people—mostly in their 20s and 30s—are streaming through the streets of Seattle. They are pouring down First Avenue, chanting, “Yes we can!”

At the Westin Hotel, a crowd overflowed from the grand ballroom. As Obama spoke, people hollered, shrieked, and sobbed. “I can’t recall anything like this,” says Council Member Nick Licata. “Before, at events like this, it has always been old politicians, but look at this. This is a whole new generation.”

Indeed, on the other side of the ballroom while Obama addressed the country, Angela Boone punctuated every break in Obama’s cadence with a “Yes we can!”

“This is Martin Luther King’s Dream,” says Boone, who is African American. “Not just because he is African American, but because he is bi-racial. It is amazing to see a a room of people of different ethnicities,” she says waving her hand over a sea of people. “I am so thankful to be alive to see this,” she says.

Outside, thousands of revelers poured down Pike Street, hollering for Obama. The police stayed back.

“This is our generation’s candidate,” says Jeff Wood, 27. He did a flip and the crowd cheered. Thousands of people hit drums and danced in the brick paved streets under the Pike Place Market sign. “Every one of us is involved in this change.”

“This is the first election I’ve felt like there was a candidate I could stand behind,” says 23-year-old Lauren Fellows. “He stands for everything I stand for.”

RSS icon Comments

1

I am so fucking excited.


Posted by Abbie Rae Harris | November 4, 2008 11:02 PM
2

We have done drunk their milkshake. It's no country for the old man.

Holy shit, I am in shock. Happy shock, but shock nonetheless.

Posted by Geni | November 4, 2008 11:05 PM
3

While we dance tonight, we must remember that the work is only beginning. We will need to walk the walk and dedicate ourselves to making things better for us all. As president, Obama is likely to do or say something to piss some of us off. He won't be able to please everyone all the time, and God knows he is inheriting one giant fucking mess unlike any other pres-elect.
Let's revel in the joy, but remember, we all have to do our part in helping Obama succeed.

Posted by Madashell | November 4, 2008 11:09 PM
4

no need to say "mostly in their 20s and 30s" there where also plenty of old farts and pre pubescent boys. I love the stranger except its tendency to be ageist. Everyone gets older in life. It is an inevitable part of life. Of course in any crowd that is crazy, most will be in their "20s and 30s" this is a no brainer and there is no need to mention it because there are many old farts and young tikes also celebrating in the street as much as they are able. I'm one the the ones in my 30s but let's get over this ageist bullshit. You will be old one day too.

Posted by Brandy Cakes | November 5, 2008 3:16 AM

Add Your Comments





Please click Post only once.