Thursday Night Scenes

By Rep. Robbie Wills

What a day. After a quick lunch, we parked about a half mile from the stadium and walked toward the stadium. Cresting the last hill before the stadium, we were faced with the longest line I think I've ever seen. The picture at right doesn't really do it justice. The line snaked through the parking lots around the stadium for at least a mile. Most folks lined up waiting to enter were very courteous, others ...not so much. It took three hours to get through the security checkpoints. I'm not kidding: there were about 10 magnetometers through which tens of thousands of people passed. One wag in line noted that FEMA must be in charge of security.


Once inside, the "community credential" I had wasn't much help as the section in which I was to sit was completely full. Thanks to a last minute "Hall Pass," I was able to get up to the blogger's lounge in the press box with Steve. I relieved him so he could go downstairs and grab a bit to eat. Then, I made it over to another area where several folks from Arkansas were watching and saw the speech from the perspective at left. We had a great view of the jumbotron and could see Sen. Obama from the right and slightly behind. We could also see part of the backstage area and were once again impressed with the coordination that goes into putting on a convention like this. All I can say about the speech is this: Barack Obama met every one of the high expectations set out in advance of this night. I've reread the text and watched it again on the CSPAN replay and it just confirms my initial judgment during the event itself: this was a truly great speech.

Finally after the convention closed, I couldn't wait to get out of the stadium. However, the one and only exit from the section I was in was blocked by Oprah Winfrey (left), who thought it would be cool to have her picture made with just about everyone who was within forty feet of her. Between her, her fans and her bodyguards, we were bottled up for at least 15 minutes. But, as I know some of you wanted more pictures of celebrities so...here ya go. The day started at 6:00 a.m., the time at the stadium was roughly 2:30 to 11:00 p.m. and we are just now getting back to the hotel. It's been great, but I know I speak for the entire Arkansas delegation when I say "get me back to Arkansas!" I can't wait to sleep in my own bed. For that matter, I can't wait to sleep.