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See… when I said we got close to John Kerry, I wasn’t kidding.

It was a pretty interesting experience and very different than when President Bush spoke. The Bush speech seemed almost confrontational because of the way the audience was arranged.

At Bush’s speech, The stage was filled with friends, major local party players, and invited guests. The stage (brought in for Bush) was also rather high above the audience. This gave the appearance of two groups clashing. It didn’t help that Bush stands behind the podium, clutching it as if it’s the only thing keeping him upright.

Kerry didn’t have a large podium as Bush did, and spent little time behind it. His stage was a small platform in the center of The Grady Cole Center. About 700 guests surrounded him. He was introduced by Jim Hunt, a former governor of North Carolina, and by former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt. Dr. Zeiss, president of CPCC, also introduced him, but from what I understand, he wasn’t originally supposed to. Kerry didn’t seem to pleased with the way things were going, at least according to this picture that Matt took.

You see the silver thing peeking over Zeiss’ shoulder? That’s my camera. I told you I was directly behind the podium!

As I said, Bush mainly stands in one spot when he speaks, but Kerry moves around. Bush also uses a full podium, while Kerry uses little more than a stand. Now, this could simply be because of their positions. Bush is president after all and I’m sure the podium has some sort of build in protection. Of course, it could (more likely) be he’s not quite as good a speaker as Kerry. Kerry moved around the stage, working the entire audience. He didn’t forget those of use behind him like many speakers who work ‘in the round’ would. He also was rather funny, making jokes to lighten the mood.

He swears he’s trying to help job growth in North Carolina, after all he’s trying to give John Edwards a promotion. He also mentioned that Emma Claire, Edwards’ Daughter, was for the Kerry campagin even though Barbie is running this year.

When he was finished, 700 people attempted to meet him. I wasn’t planning on getting as close to him as I did. I climbed on a chair to get a photo (with Matt right behind me) and suddenly there he was. about 3 foot away! I reached out my hand and he grabbed it and shook my hand. I was giddy all afternoon. I kept saying that Matt would be the one to go all TRL on Kerry and it ended up being me!

After the speech we all headed back to the Student Life area and tried to find ourselves on TV. Everyone was hungry so I made grilled cheese. And then we all tried to figure out how to take a nap with no one noticing.

I say I’ll post more pictures in the gallery later. I mean, I have 140 pictures of John Kerry’s ass after all. I say he wears briefs. Mary-Beth votes for boxers. Your thoughts? Take it to the comments!

Oh… before we go, how about some shirts for the Liberal Hipster or the Conservative Hipster?

Oh, and did I mention that before the speech that the local Fox News affiliate hounded Amanda, trying to get me on the phone for a comment. I love saying ‘No Comment’, especially when Fox is involved.