It was definately a good morning to stand outside for a little bit. I showed up and got to look around the scene first (including 4 McCain supporters who showed up and got photos on the AP Wire) [Note to future protesters: Don’t just stand on a street that was blocked off by the police, and if you’re aiming for more than a photo-op, actually stand in an area where people are located]

Any how.. how about the actual speech?

You can view the speech here:

I did get into the speech due to an early win in the “Barack Obama Trivia Contest”, and then I got a decent seat in the blue section (which means close to the stage, and without a spotlight shining on me)

Here’s a few things you may not notice without having been there.

1. The speech was conducted in what is essentially like a high school gym (you can see pics of it in Michael’s posts)

2. The lines on not attacking others patriotism, and defending himself from those attacks both got quite a bit of applause (that appeared to come across on the CNN video I saw of the speech)

3. “As Twain once wrote, patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it” did get a long ovation (as noted by Prime Buzz), although I think there were a few long ovations and standing ovations before that. (Yes, we slightly went into State of the Union mode at points)

4. The crowd was a pretty big mix of people young, old, and all sorts of skin colors. Independence voted for Hillary Clinton in February, and i’d imagine it will vote for Obama by a healthy margin.

In general, the speech was pretty good. Despite the panicking about Obama and Clark, the lines on attacks on patriotism got a good response here. Also, the people selling buttons and t-shirts had a very good day.

All in all, it was a pretty good visit by Obama to Independence.

Extra note: No Washington Post, Independence was not Harry Truman’s birthplace (that’s Lamar, MO).