It was a crazy day in Springfield, Illinois on August 23, 2008 with Barack Obama’s announcement of his vice presidential running mate at the Old State Capitol Plaza in downtown Springfield. I didn’t attend, but seriously considered it due to the historic significance and the fact that my place of employment, Omni Communications Group, is located right on the Old State Capitol Plaza. After hearing information about the event and how it would be handled from the Police and even sharp shooters who visited the office the week prior to Obama’s visit, I decided that being caged like an animal within the area for an extended period of time during extremely hot weather (and being told not to bring anything with you, not even water) was not my idea of a good time. (I’d do that for Sting or the Police only, sorry).
Reports from the event say there were a lot of heat stroke and not enough water provided for the masses who waited hours and hours to catch a glimpse of Obama and hear his speech. The State Journal Register has some great coverage of the event, I especially like the following time lapse photography of how the Old State Capitol filled up for the event. All photos here are courtesy of the State Journal Register.
