[mthq]

October 4th, 2008. Besides being my birthday, Anchorage was the site for a McCain/Palin rally in the new Dena'ina Convention Center while Obama supporters took to the Delaney Park Strip two blocks south. It is indeed a safe conclusion that Alaska will go for the McCain/Palin ticket one month from now, but before Governor Palin was chosen, the Obama campaign considered Alaska a swing state and the polls showed it. Since then with Alaska's governor on board and many Alaskans still dedicated to Obama, it's on!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/19a.jpg

at the convention center for the McCain/Palin rally:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/33b.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/32b.jpg

local singer Hobo Jim warms up the crowd 30 minutes before showtime
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/1a.jpg

Can't forget the student band from Anchorage Christian School
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/2a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/21a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/20a.jpg

Meanwhile 2 blocks south:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/17a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/13a.jpg

now that's.. just..... creepy
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/15a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/18a.jpg

Meanwhile at the convention center
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/27a.jpg

Former mayoral candidate Jack Frost does some introductions:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/8a.jpg

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have arrived!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/9a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/10a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/11a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/12a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/23a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/22a.jpg

The Kimball building in the foreground was built in 1915 (the city was founded in 1914). It's the only building remaining in its block after the rest of the buildings were demolished to make way for a park.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/24a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/26a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/28a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/29a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/14a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/5a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/6a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/7a.jpg

I have a postcard in which this neat little church was surrounded by cottages and yards. Times have changed..
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/30a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/31a.jpg

Over to Midtown Anchorage where women who oppose Palin's stand on womens rights issues protested 3 weeks ago
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/34b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2859322498_1af374126a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2859322736_993477f27c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2858494883_b72e8cc034_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2859323492_cc5bce5d8a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2858495711_508bda7216_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/2859323998_3e34d63b7b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2859324506_676da8b009_o.jpg

counter protesters across the street:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2859324744_f5d2b87cd3_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2859325212_2fbe126c44_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2859325676_82359910bd_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2859325906_6edfc4ba8e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2858498165_9662d0f477_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2859326682_163e03a475_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2859327158_f5b962f66b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2858498841_c2d8209824_o.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/36b.jpg

Thanks for viewing
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/35b.jpg

In the end, a local NBC affiliate is reporting 300 people to have attended the McCain/Palin rally in the convention center, while 1200 people were at the Obama/Biden rally. 1500 people attended the Women Reject Palin rally.

Later during the McCain/Palin rally, Todd Palin made a surprise appearance at the convention center.

[Evergrey]

it's nice to see politically active small children...

and this girl rules
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2858494883_b72e8cc034_o.jpg

[JackStraw]

I like you showing Obama Supporters in her own State. I was watching some out of touch dumb ass talking about S.W. PA being for McCain. Don't make me laugh.

Great shots!

[LMich]

It's so cool to see a state most people don't ever think about being thrown into the mix and on such a national level, and to see how the people up there are excited to be noticed. I've probably learned more about Alaska in the past month than I'd learned in my enter life up until then.

This was my favorite one:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2859324506_676da8b009_o.jpg

Oh, yeah, Anchorage looks great. At least a lot more modern and together than my town.

That said, where are all of the Native Alaskans in this thing? I haven't seen a one interviewed on television, not a one isolated town canvassed by the media to gauge their reaction. Nothing.

[giallo]

Great thread. Palin isn't getting much love from her homies.

[hudkina]

Well considering McCain/Palin are leading by 22% in the polls, I would say these people are the minority in the state. But it does go to show you the whole idea of "red state/blue" state is ridiculous.

[denveraztec]

Thanks for sharing your shots. Love the "Don't Insult My Pittbull' sign.

[theWatusi]

Awesome thread.

:5: BTW

[LSyd]

great pics, happy bday. palin sucks.

-

[Top Of The Park]

I guess Sarah isn't totally beloved in her home state, but I like the pics

[glowrock]

Yes, happy birthday, mthq!

Nice shots, too!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[tdawg]

I think I just saw Russia.

[MolsonExport]

Awesome photos. I like this one:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/14a.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

Great pics, and yes, Anchorage looks good. Happy Birthday, mthq.

[mthq]

thanks for the responses and birthday wishes!

LMich: There are some natives here and there that are into politics, but just a scant few. I did see a decent amount of natives at the Obama rally. Some more here:

http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/10/04/mccain-palin-rally-vs-obama-biden-rally-in-anchorage-the-blow-by-blow/rallies20/

[Chicago Shawn]

Really awesome thread, I had a couple of good laughs. Thanks for sharing and Happy Birthday.

[Mr. Franks]

I had no idea there were that many libs down there.

[Buckeye Native 001]

You didn't shoo any Russians back to their homeland? :tup:

Happy birthday, btw

[LosAngelesBeauty]

I love this pic!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/realmthq/14a.jpg

Your thread has redeemed Alaska.

[POLA]

awesome, this was like a city thread meets photo essay.

[Nickelplate]

Politics and skyscraper forums... don't mix. But I love the diversity. Good shots.

[mthq]

You didn't shoo any Russians back to their homeland? :tup:

Happy birthday, btw


Nah. I decided to invite my Russian homeboys to Denny's for Moons Over My Hammies*.





*[see Skybar Coffeetalk thread for reference]