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From msnbc.com's Carrie Dann and Ryan McCartney:
Washington, D.C. -- It's a crisp, sunny fall day here and thousands are gathering on the National Mall for the Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear." Since noon, the crowd has been warmed up and entertained by the likes of The Roots, John Legend and the hosts of "Myth Busters."
The crowds stretch for about four blocks at this point with more people streaming in on both sides of the Mall. Unlike the Glenn Beck rally last August (which this one is seen as the counter rally), there are plenty of signs being sported today.
Some examples: A sign in Islamic script with a subtitle reading: "Relax, it just says McDonalds"; another that says "Don't you hate pants?"; another stating "Obama=Keynesian" and plenty of signs targeting Fox News.
Isaac Attias, 23, came from Brooklyn, New York and the recent college graduate wore his cap and gown and carried a sign that says: "Will trade diploma for job." A strict Democrat, Attias says, "I graduated with what I have on. This was the actual cap and gown I wore when I graduated--it served me well for 20 minutes."
Attias and his friend Mike Bradley said they were surprised at the varying ages of the attendees. "A lot of people were saying it was going to be all college-aged kids like us, but there are a lot of older people here."
One of those older attendees was Ramelle MaCoy, 85, who came from Harrisburg Pennsylvania. McCoy carried a sign reading, "Levitate if you think Fox News is fair and balanced."
McCoy said he came to protest the influence of the Tea Party in this election and says he feel confident that this rally will help turn out the vote for Democrats this Tuesday. "I feel confident with no good reason that a large percentage of the massive crowd here will vote and a great percentage will vote for having been here."
Crunched but not confused: From Carrie Dann in the crowd: A block away from the rally, it's tough to see or hear much.
It's packed the point of being difficult to move around, and the acoustics aren't good enough to make out the words coming from the stage. But it's not stopping folks from enjoying the party atmosphere.
People have climbed atop the Porta Potty's and dumpsters in order to get a better view. Folks who have climbed into trees are starting cheers and applause.
"What are we cheering for!?" many ask each other, gleefully cheering along anyway.
Yes, that might be a metaphor: It's more about being a part of the event than the content for the people who have come for the day, it seems.
There's a wide variety of reasons that people are here -- there are plenty of clever signs, a smattering of goofy costumes, and political messages of promoting tolerance and bashing FOX News, Sarah Palin, and the Tea Party -- generally with some tongue-in-cheek humor. ("Don't Tea on My Leg and then tell me it's raining")
But the common thread appears to be annoyance at the shrillness of Tea Party politics, and a general desire to be recognized as reasonable people who care.
"Just chill," is the sentiment of many a sign.
"This is pushback," said Karen, a government employee from southern Maryland who's in her 40s. "Pushback against what the right says about us, about 'business as usual in Washington.'"
This, she says with a grin, is "the political equivalent of Woodstock."
Big names -- from the entertainment world: In case you haven't noticed yet, the theme of this rally is pitting "sanity" (personified by Stewart) against "fear" (in the person of Colbert). Plenty of big name entertainers are on hand to bolster that battle, including a battle of the bands faceoff between Ozzy Osbourne and his hit, "Crazy Train" and Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens' "Peace Train." In the end, it was settled by the O'Jays and a rendition of "Love Train."
No political figures on stage, at least not yet.
More signage: Some more signs spotted in the crowd:
"I already regret choosing to carry a sign around all day"
"Bipartisanship is sexy"
"Save the dinosaurs"
"In reason we trust"
"I'm not pro-abortion"
"Green Tea Party"
"Vote lawyers out"
"Beck, putting the dumb in freedom"
Bookends: msnbc's Vaughn Ververs weighs in from afar -- There are plenty of differences between this gathering and the Beck rally back in August but also some notable similarities. Neither rally has been overtly political in terms of pushing a specific issue or policy agenda. The first was clearly conservative, this one clearly progressive in nature. Neither has featured elected officials (although Sarah Palin did speak at the Beck rally and she is clearly a political figure).
For a political season centered on anti-establishment sentiment, it's not a surprise we're not seeing a whole bunch of elected officials but both rallies serve to illustrate what can be described as a cultural tug-of-war. Fittingly, Beck held his rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Today's rally is at the other end of The Mall, in front of the Capitol. Bookends indeed.
Some final thoughts: From Carrie Dann at The Mall -- This may have been the only rally in American history attended by tens of thousands of irony-loving hipsters, Democratic-leaning middle-aged federal workers, a rap-star-turned-country-singer, libertarian pot legalization activists, a butter-voiced songster, and dozens of people in banana suits.
The "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear" was attended by tens of thousands of supporters of comedians/satirists Stewart and Colbert -- ranging from families who had traveled cross-country to attend to curious locals. The size of the event appeared fairly comparable to the Beck rally, but the atmosphere of this event was less Fourth of July than it was Halloween, New Years, the Fourth of July, and a rock concert rolled into one.
Signs abounded, as the event's hosts had urged during the run up to the event. The messages ranged from strongly political ("The Left is what's right; The Right is what's left"), to tongue-in-cheek ("Poster board is a terrible medium for complex arguments"), to just plain silly ("Grapes are delicious.")
The carnival atmosphere was enhanced by many attendees who wore Halloween costumes -- there were medieval soldiers, vuvuzelas, cartons of French fries, and Waldos, bananas, and zombies aplenty.
Many of the attendees were able to see very little of the rally. People climbed aboard portable restrooms, dangled from trees, and crowded near the area reserved for media in hopes of catching a glimpse of the stage or an audio feed of Stewart and Colbert's banter and musical performances by the likes of The Roots, Kid Rock, and Tony Bennett.
Their message was mostly one of political moderation, the common humanity of Americans of all different political views, and frustration with the media's portrayal of partisan politics. (A common sign in the crowd: "Think outside the FOX.")
While those with prime seats were rapt listeners to the comedians' sometimes-jokey, sometimes-obliquely-political jokes and observations, those packed onto either side of the mall were a combination of curious people-watchers and those content to feel like the part of a social movement fueled by moderation -- even if the message was hard to hear.
If this and the Beck rally were what the 2010 midterm elections are all about, the 2012 presidential election will be eagerly anticipated.
Leave a Comment:
We are NOT "America". We are the UNITED STATES. Unity is implied in our name. However, the right to disagree is part of our constitution. We are strongest when we view our differences as strengths rather than weaknesses. This is why so many people responded to Jon Stewart's appeal to sanity. As long as the name calling continues, and as long as we see people that don't agree as "the enemy", this country will continue to deteriorate until it is a rotten, desecrated husk of what it was.
Kudos to Jon for calling out the mainstream media and the 24 hour news cycle is right on. I've thought the same thing for at least the last 4 years, since it became very apparent. "News" programs whose only purpose is to increase ratings (and profits), combined with the "I'm right and you're wrong" mentality of politics is where most of the insanity comes from.
You're going to get all sorts of dorks posting on internet comment forums. don't take it to heart. We can't even have a middle-ground if we don't keep at least a few wingnuts on both ends around.
Make sure you all pick up your trash this time.
Someone explain this to me......A protester held up a sign that said..."God hates snuggies"...
What are snuggies????????
Blankets with sleeves. I think.
I'm with God on that one. <cheeky grin>
Very good rally. The humor was solid, although a bit too slapstick at times (such as the Colbert puppet during the "debate." However, the closing speech by Stewart should be mandatory watching for every politician and pundit.
It's sad that his words will probably have little effect on the way Washington and the news does business.
Vegas is every ones play ground right come'on you know it!
If we go down what's left of the Colorado river, by Electing Obtuse Angle everybody is going to be pissed. We need help all we are asking for is one Question, just one.
At least if you know anyone in Nevada, call them and tell them to vote Dem Please! Its for every ones sake!
Thank you Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert! Hopefully this will translate into a big help for the GOTV Campaign going into the last days before Tues.
john and stephen should take this show to the troops overseas they would love it. it reminds me of how much the troops loved bob hope and his show. music ,jokes, and just plan old fun. good job fellas.
Grateful to those who attended. I support you to the fullest.
How can anyone blame Obama for the deficit and the wars started by Bush and his cronies? Do you really expect all these problems to be solved in 2 years? Hoping the whole country goes bankrupt doesn't seem very reasonble, now, does it? More hate instead of constructive ideas.
Hiding from the free press Alive and well in Nevada, " New Moron in town!"
I'm glad the rally went well. I don't think it's going to help during Tuesdays voting. Hopefully, there are going to be a lot of well known faces we don't see much of anymore. A far as I can tell the leadership in both parties need to change. There is no compromise on either side. Sorry, but as log as there is mankind you will never get 100% agreement. But, the leaders we have are the worse we have ever seen.
Just saw faux noise clip. Out of the tens of thousands in attendance, and the hundreds in costumes, Fixed News singled out a very rational speaker, who just happened to be dressed as a devil with a severed head on a stick. That should give Beck, Billo and the rest of the brain-drain mob plenty to keep them happily fearmongering for at least a week.
Thanks Jon, you showed me that my mother Country just might not be terminally ill.
Fake news wastes no time, look up in the sky " It's the Fox spin satellite right above our heads!" Dress up as a fake new commenter for Halloween that's scary!
I WILL ASK THIS AGAIN....will someone explain this to me......A protester held up a sign that said..."God hates snuggies"...
What are snuggies????????
It"s basically a blanket with arms. You snuggle in it. It keeps you warm...:-}
Me-824303
I WILL ASK THIS AGAIN....will someone explain this to me......A protester held up a sign that said..."God hates snuggies"...
What are snuggies????????
Snuggies are the bloomers women wore in the old days.
"Snuggies" are a commercial product sold mostly on late night TV. A snuggie is a blanket, cut and sewed, poncho style with snaps, to be draped around a person while lounging in a home with the heat adjusted economicaly. (under a blanket with hands extendable, to keep warm yet reach with minimal effort)
People are rallying around comedian's for a political rally??? Hindsight is 20/20....not hard making fun of what happened or pointing out someones mis-steps. How about a theory on how to fix America...such a brilliant idea!
How about not voting "Backwards."
I like my Secular country just the way it is, Twenty first century is fine, really do not need 18th anymore move along now,move "Forward!"
Stewart / Franken in 2012. Seeing as how the comedians are making more sense than the 'professional' politicians....... I'm just sayin'......
I'm from Minnesota...trust me, Franken has nothing to offer regardless of what side of the fence he's on. He's done nothing but make a fool of himself.
I missed some of the show on my computer. Caught the last 45 or so minutes. I wish it was mandatory that every person had to see Jon's remarks before voting on Tuesday. They may make a few people think. The whole country needs to take a deep breath and vote for the most qualified person.
Do the republicans and tea bigots (from another post) really hate President Obama because he is black? Don't you think they ought to give him half a chance. The "idiots" seem to have forgotten he's half WHITE too.
This is a dangerous time in our country's history. We can either move forward or return to a darker time. We have met the enemy and he is US. We are doing to our counrty what no foreign country or terrorist could do. We are destroying ourselves for the greed of a few people. Please EVERYONE ---- VOTE ON TUESDAY and VOTE RESPONSIBILY.
People don't "vote responsibly". They vote for the people who give them handouts.
The government has been spending like there is no tomorrow. Voting for any of these people is incredibly irresponsible but you can bet that many liberals will be re-elected on Tuesday.
I just got back from DC and I really need help.
How to you wash out the smell of marijuana and dirty unwashed hippie from your clothing?
Sure, Sleeves cut off sweatshirt, arm pit smelling, scary Conservative Zombie!
Make a sentence first, then try and insult an unwashed hippie.
WOW !!
Bill Jenkins,
I am totally impressed with your ability to express yourself using humor!
You are a comic genius!
Larry Linville would be so proud of you.
That you would make the effort to mingle with us here is gracious of you,
and I will assume that the weed you inadvertently ingested at the Rally was the
cause for your desire to mix again with people whose ideas are so antithetical to those of your own.
Stick around, we need you like Beck needs Obama!
B.S.
It was refreshing to watch a wonderful "unbiased" televised event. What Jon said in his speech is so very true. We have to come together as a people and as a nation and stop this "hate" talk and slanting of the news both right and left. Those flash pictures of the news media spokespersons really hit home. If we as a nation--the UNITED States of America are to survive, we must do so with honest disagreement and not hateful, nasty words. For if we are to remain "one nation" we must make sure we hear both or even three or four sides of a story and make up OUR OWN MINDS and not leave that privilege to someone else to do for us. Without our own minds, we are nothing but empty shells. Thank you Jon and Stephen for a delightful afternoon of music, comedy and the wisdom of reflective thought. ** PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VOTE ON TUESDAY, 02 NOVEMBER 2010**
Don't Care: You call Pepublicans/Tea Party/Conservatives racist. The MSM just (as usual) wants to give a pass and go. NO! What Barrack Obama said about the Reps getting in the back of the bus was one of the most racist comments ever made. Coming out of the mouth of the President that is just to much. A whole Civil Rights Movement was built on Rosa Parks not sitting in the back of the bus. For Obama to say that is not a Freudian Slip. That goes right to the heart of who that man is.
Wasn't it the "back seat of the car they had driven into the ditch"? Did Obama say anything about a bus? I am fairly certain that he did not and you won't have the intellectual honesty to review the tape.
I loved watching Kid Rock,a very activeRepublican, & S.Crow,a very active liberal, performing a very moving song, Rock wrote, about coming together & caring about each other.I was really moved. It comforted me.It gives me hope that America can pull it together as a united nation & help each other,care for each other during these troubled times.I'm not even going to react or listen to any of the negative responses from negative tv talking heads who didn't care the message about non-partisan caring for each other, but instead bash & make fun of the Rally.I care about them, as human beings too.
When this 60K crowd dissipates and leave, you will see the real foundation they stand on - GARBAGE. They talk GREEN, ENVIRONMENT, SAVE THE PLANET, blah-blah-blah and yet the amount of litters and rubbish they left behind is just too disgusting. Even in cleaning up their mess they entrust it to the government.
They are worthy of the name LibeRATS.
Is this some FAUX News talking point you feel the need to parrot?
You be singing a different tune when you finally get to High School Jim792457,
they force you to use your own brain there....
You won't be able to pass off disingenuoscity as injury, everyone there see right thru that smoke screen
and being into self-victimization is viewed as childish at best.
I'd recommend you try out for hard contact sports where hard headedness is
an advantage...Chess would appear to be outside your realm of focus, just my guess.
Thank you, Stewart and Colbert. This is enough to get me to walk to my desk, pick up my tattered California mail-in ballot, and vote instead of chucking it in the wastebasket out of frustration.
Mission Accomplished, as they say....
Good to see there are that many people with that much disposable income to travel for a rally.
wash your clothes and take a shower, are there any other problems you need solving?