I attended Barack Obama’s rally at the Memorial Coliseum this morning. I arrived just over an hour before the event was scheduled to start and found quite a crowd gathered in line to get in. The police presence was only eclipsed by the volunteer force stumping for their local candidate or particular cause. The “Hooked on Novick” guys were out in full force.

Once I got through the metal detectors (which I as usual tripped inviting a vigorous pat down) I wandered around looking for the best vantage point. I quickly realized that I had two choices. I could either sit relatively close but behind him (and would have to get a seat immediately) or I could get some caffeine in me and find a more comfortable vantage point.

There was a great and diverse crowd to cheer on Sen. Obama, and the Coliseum was pretty much packed. I ended up finding a seat straight across from podium about halfway up with some 20 and 30 something couples and families. There was a great deal of energy in anticipation of the Senators arrival. Rep. Earl Blumenauer came out about 9:15 to get the crowd fired up (like that needed to happen).

I loved the choices in music mostly 60s and 70s soul. There were super long lines at the few concession stands open and I waited for roughly a half hour to get a 4 dollar 20oz coke. Does that qualify as a campaign contribution? At 9:45 and they show the “Yes we can” video but there was still no Sen. Obama in sight. Everyone seems to be in and seated I hoped that we would get going soon. There were lots of cops inside and outside although they were most visible outside, what with their rooftop spotters and a police dog in the crowd going ape shit over ever patchouli soaked college student. It reminded me of the plot line of the first season of 24. Read my full play-by-play after the jump.

At 9:50 Sen. Obama and Gov. Bill Richardson came out together to a wonderful ovation. Gov. Richardson went into praising Sen. Obama’s speech on race. Gov. Richardson talked about Sen. Obama appealing to the best in us. He spoke of how Sen. Obama’s campaign was inclusive and positive and how that appealed to him especially as a Hispanic (he then spoke a short passage in Spanish) in relation to the demonization of immigrants (illegal or otherwise) as tough times for our country have put us in search of a scapegoat.

Gov. Richardson reminded us of our need for a leader to bridge gaps and bring people together in order to move forward as a country. At this point I heard the first mention of clean energy by the Governor and I guessed prior to attending that this would be the buzzword of the day. Then he finally touched on Iraq bringing up boilerplate criticisms to a big ovation at his suggestion of ending the war and returning our troops home.

He then relayed a funny anecdote of situation that occurred at debate the Governor attended last year when he was still seeking the Democratic nomination. The Governor was sitting on the dais next to Sen. Obama and started chatting with him after the Governor answered the moderators few questions. Then the moderator came back to the Governor but he hadn’t been paying attention to the moderator since he just finished answering a few questions and figured he would be on the sidelines for the time being. Sen Obama then whispered “Katrina” in his ear and he was able to bluff through a response that at least addressed the subject of the question, if nothing else. The Governor finished by saying he’s proud to endorse Sen. Obama, the crowd gave a standing ovation and began chanting “yes we can” in both English and Spanish.

More on Obama’s speech coming soon…