Obama at the beach

By: Brandon Hunter Puster

2/9 C.H.A.N.G.E. VA

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Droves of people, thousands, wrapped around the Virginia Beach Convention Center in a long winding line to see Barack Obama give a campaign stop speech two days before the Virginia primary. Several hours before he was to speak, a crowd of well over 10,000 people stood outside on the blustery approaching night. Many wore Obama shirts, hats and buttons, as a helicopter hovered over the complex. Police were everywhere: on horses, on foot, on bicycles, and secret service was there as well.

Entering through the press area we had to remove objects from our pockets as a police officer waved a metal detector up and down our bodies and extremities. After this we then entered another room where we had to place our cameras on the ground as bomb sniffing German shepherds sniffed them.

Finally inside, people were already starting to crowd the stage area around a large banner that read: 'Obama: Change We Can Believe In'. Music was playing very loudly, predominantly hip-hop, and the bass from the massive speakers was reverberating as people had to lean in and shout into each others ears to be heard. I talked to an older woman (who was press for CBN) who kept complaining about how loud the music was. I told her I felt as if I was waiting to see a concert.

The masses of people pouring into the venue were predominantly African American, many were clutching Obama rally signs. There had been an announcement prior to the event that no signs were allowed into the building, so they were supplied at the door.

A group of Ron Paul supporters stood across the street from the center, holding signs and bullhorns. Information was being flung upon the crowd waiting in line, whether they liked it or not. The man on the bullhorn was discussing matters such as the CFR, the Federal Reserve, Pakistan, and had clever sayings such as: "We want change too," and "you're Ron Paul supporters, you just don't know it yet".

Another group was talking to the crowd about 9/11. Specifically asking them if they remembered reports on 9/11 of explosives and bombs going off. The crowd was receptive and responsive as they agreed that they did in fact remember. He posed questions such as: "Why did they mention it on that day and not ever repeat it again?" Some of the people in line knew exactly what they were talking about, and offered their input.

Soon after the Secret Service jumped in and grabbed this individual by the arm and asked to speak to him. They said that they had received reports that there was a "white guy was standing outside talking about bombs." The agents asked him what he was doing, who he was with, and other personal information.

Some obviously thought it was a racial issue when it in fact was not. He was simply a concerned citizen informing people.

The Secret Service swooped into the press box and questioned my press partner about his involvement with the individual outside (as he was video recording the event and questioning). They took his personal information, as we decided it was time to leave…