Barack Obama comes to HappyTown.

The most significant impression I have of the Barack Obama rally here in Orlando yesterday is that everyone was happy. Happy to wait in the heat in an unbelievably long line. Happy to overpay the street vendors for t-shirts, buttons and water. Just happy to be there. Happy to have hope. For those of us way in the back of line who weren't even sure if we would make it in or not, getting inside was almost irrelevant. We were just happy to be around so many other people who have hope. To watch the droves upon droves of people arriving who were also happy to take a place at the end of the line, not knowing if they would ever make it into the rally. I think people just wanted to be able to say they were there, that at least they tried to get in. I think people think we're really going to do it this time. And I think they're right.

I've tried to stay out of the political fray throughout this election season and largely I've managed to do so. The 2004 election was just too painful, too heartbreaking. But I have to admit I'm starting to feel excited.

I am proud of Orlando and I am proud of my country and it's been many years since I have said either of those things.

Some pictures: