Early on in 2010, Massachusetts faced a pivotal senate race. President Barack Obama visited Northeastern University on Sunday, January 27th to campaign for democratic senate candidate Martha Coakley. I don’t usually associate myself with politics, but I attended this event as part of the White House Press Pool to capture a few images. Check out some of my images from Martha Coakley’s campaign!
I heard rumors about this Saturday night, but didn’t know I would be attending until Sunday morning about 10 minutes after I woke up. The event was ‘open to the public’, but I doubt much of the public actually was able to make it into the building. I rode the green line down to Northeastern University…and as soon as I got off, the streets were packed with people. Some were there to try to attend, others were outside just to protest and campaign for Scott Brown (R).
After pushing through the crowds, getting my pass, and going through a metal detector I was able to make it into the gym. When I was trying to go through the metal detector the security guard was playing with my camera and asking me to bring up pictures he took on the LCD screen…at 1/1000 ISO 100 indoors. I tried explaining why it wouldn’t work but he shrugged it off and let me go.
So here’s the gym. The only place for the public was that space on the floor, and some bleachers off to the right.
And the media. I found myself a small spot on the risers about 30 minutes in advance.
First person to come out was a student at Northeastern University, who I suppose set the event up. I think she’s the lead of their local Democratic society, or whatever. She wanted everyone to leave and call everyone they know and demand they vote for Coakley.
A spectator records some of the event.
I didn’t know there were going to be so many ‘famous’ faces here. I thought it would be a few people and Obama/Coakely – but no, there were governors, congressmen, and the etc.
First up was Mayor of Boston, Thomas M. Menino.
After that, Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick came out and raged for a little.
I think this is Edward J. Markey? A congressman out of MA.
Next up was MA Senator John Kerry. A few other people came up between Markey and Kerry but I didn’t really focus on taking pictures of them. I was wondering how long this event was going to drag on for before the President came out.
The late Ted Kennedy’s wife, Vicki Kennedy – who some people thought would be succeeding Ted in office, but I don’t think she expressed interest in campaigning.
Someone in the crowd; his hat says Desert Storm Veteran. He was facing towards the media most of the event.
Coakley’s niece came out, seen in the picture below, and introduced her aunt.
Probably my favorite picture from this event. As Coakley came out, everyone was waving their supporting signs around and it was a bit hard to see over top all them – but I had enough height advantage to grab a few quick pictures.
Another of Coakley, delivering a short speech before introducing ‘some other guy that dropped in’, as she referred to President Barack Obama.
During his speech there were a few interruptions – mainly from this guy below, I couldn’t understand what he was screaming but it was obviously something related to abortion. The police escorted him out later on.
The disruption.
President Obama’s reaction, he was mostly laughing at the guy.
And finally the police escort. A few other people were taken out after him, not sure why.
Above is the best shot I was able to get of Obama. It’s difficult to get anything wider due to the obstructions to the left and right of the podium. I’m not sure what they are, maybe bullet proof glass? EDIT: Teleprompters. Thanks Mike.
After his speech, Obama and Coakley made this pose for literally 2 seconds. I heard some of the press photographers behind me being all “OH COME ON” and the like because they didn’t get the picture in time, maybe were looking elsewhere.
I dipped out pretty fast. Nothing much to see after the president left – I wish I had gotten some up close pictures as he met members of the crowd on his way out, but there were way too many people trying to get to the front.
A little of the crowd outside. There were still tons of people, and the T ride back to Park St. was a little miserable.
But I’m glad I got the credentials to go to this in time, and have a few photos that I can probably add to my portfolio.
And so to close out the story, Scott Brown (republican) won the senate race, which I was happy about. I’m not a fan of Coakley or really anything the people were campaigning for today. I don’t think the majority of Americans that ‘like’ the health care bill actually know what’s in it…and I already think it’s ridiculous that MA has obligatory health care. When I was doing my taxes this year it was over a $600 fine if I didn’t have health care! Ridiculous.