There were some impressive turnouts: 9,150 in Jacksonville (per Fire Captain Rick Embry), 25,000 in Charlotte (verified by David Dunn, UNC Charlotte Vice Chancellor) and well over 90,000 folks in Manassas (according to Fire Battalion Chief Matt Smolsky).
It was at this huge rally in Virginia that Barack held his last election rally:
"Let me start by noting that this is our last rally, Virginia. We've been doing this for nearly two years. We've gone to every corner of this country, from here in Northern Virginia to the rocky coast of Maine; from the open plains of Texas to the open skies of Montana. And I just want to say that whatever happens tomorrow, I have been deeply humbled by this journey. You have welcomed Michelle and me into your homes. You have shared your stories of struggle. And you've spoken of your dreams. Along the way, in talking with all of you about your own lives, you have enriched mine. You have moved me. You have inspired me. And you have filled me with new hope for our future. In the places I've gone and the people I've met, I have been struck again and again by the fundamental decency, and generosity, and dignity of men and women who work hard without complaint to meet their responsibilities every day."
But was also a day tinged with sadness, as Barack learned of the passing of his grandmother this morning, a woman who helped raise him. He took time out to remember her at the rally in Charlotte, and to tell the crowd a little bit about who she was and what she stood for.
Barack described Madelyn Dunham, a person not unlike many struggling Americans, as a silent hero:
The polls open in a few short hours. It is so important to remember why we are struggling so hard, and who and what we are fighting for. Please vote tomorrow, and remind your friends and family to vote as well.
Arun ChaudharyNovember 3rd, 2008Manassas, Virginia
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