I just returned from a fundraiser at the home of Derek and Susan Johnson in Harlem. Their lovely historic townhouse was packed to the rafters. On hand were a number of local politicians and community activists. Corey Booker, mayor of Newark and Dr. Cornell West were also present.
Senator Obama gave a great talk and then had time to answer three questions. (He was due at the Apollo Theater for a sold out audience of 1500.) He started off his talk by joking about how crowded it was and how we must be breaking some codes somewhere. He noted though, that the windows were open and we were on the ground floor, so if anything happened, we could just jump out. He mentioning a few people in the crowd who were friends and supporters of his from way back. He mentioned only one campaign worker, Joyce Johnson, who heads up the New York petition drive, which is a laborious and byzantine process. (Go Joyce!!) His earnestness and passion were apparent to all. The audience members were thrilled to see him and paid rapt attention.
As the senator was leaving, I was able to shake his hand. (My husband got a picture of the back of my head and not much more.) When I figure out how to upload my other pictures I will post them.
