The last time I experienced Barack Obama at a live event was in Manassas, Virginia. It was the night before he was to become the President elect, and the excitement was palpable; like Christmas Eve and VE day and the moon landing all at once. Okay, maybe it wasn't that great, but it was a night I will not soon forget.

Those were heady times, but now that our infatuation has fizzled; our feet firmly planted on earth, all that's left is hard work, big sacrifices, and small victories.

It's not that I need to be thrilled by my President, or that I think his presidency is diminished by the lackluster enthusiasm he now compels. I'm a grown-up. I understand. But after witnessing his rally in Maryland, I must say as a matter of fact; the thrill is gone. Perhaps Mr. King can convey my dismay.

For the Bowie assignment, I was joined by my step-daughter Taylor, who had never attended a rally of any kind. As we traveled north, I regaled her with stories of the rallies I had attended during the 'o8 campaign. In each instance, I was so far away that Obama was but a brown speck in the far-off distance. Ensconced in a sea of humanity, there was no hope of even photographing the man I could hear but barely see. I just stood there and soaked up the communal joy--ahh, the crowds, the snarled traffic, and the hope so thick you could spoon it up and eat your fill.

By the time we hit the Maryland state line, my young companion was fired up and razzle dazzle ready.

But then too high expectations are sure to be dashed. As we approached Bowie State University, the traffic was minor, the air; a mere whiff of hope. Even the parking was breezy easy. We stood closer to the President than I ever had in previous rallies. It was nice to be so close, and as a Marylander, Taylor was proud to support her state party, but it was not the Obama rally experience she expected. I reminded her that it was not an Obama rally per se. He was stumping for Maryland Democrats, and besides, it's a mid-term election rally. You should always expect a much lower turnout for mid-terms, I explained.

Obama's speech was preceded by a Delegation of Maryland dignitaries and officials up for reelection this term including:

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown-- "We've held tuition down for four years in MD schools."

Sen. Barbara Mikulski--"I'll work my earrings off for you."

Rep. Elijah Cummings--"I don't want commotion and emotion with no results...what are we gonna do?  Vote!"            

Rep. Donna Edwards--"Prince George's County is my home, and home is where we raise our good families and our strong communities."

House Maj.Leader Steny Hoyer-- "We can make it in America, if we make it together."

In common stump speech fashion, the Maryland candidates presented a laundry list of democratic achievements and aspirations including:

Education ( Pell grants increased by 25%, and better loan terms) Healthcare (benefits for college students extended to age 26)  Financial reform (enhanced regulatory safeguards for Wall Street bankers) 

                                  The Maryland Gubernatorial players

                               Governor Martin O'Malley (D) 

The Maryland Governor's race is hot and heavy with a hell ova back story. Incumbent O'Malley took the Governor's mansion from then Governor Ehrlich in the '06 election before he was ready to vacate. Ouch!

                                     Fmr. Governor Bob Ehrlich (R)  
                                                    

Losing to O'Malley after only one term as governor, Mr. Ehrlich vowed to defeat O'Malley in a rematch. It seems that he is most eager to recover his old digs, and he may just get his wish. In a state that leans 2:1 in favor of democrats, the O'Malley/Ehrlich race is too close to call, with only a three point lead for O'Malley. This one is a nail biter.

                                                      The Headliner

 President Obama spoke about the importance of bridging the enthusiasm gap between democrats and republicans. Other than extolling the virtures of O'Malley and the other Maryland dems on the ballot, voter turnout was his main message."Don't make me look bad," he implored, "get out and vote."

From my perspective, the gap Mr. Obama referred to was evidenced by the low excitement level on the ground where we stood. Staged in the heart of Prince George's County-- a predominately black section of the state-- the demographics skewed heavily African American, but the church-style hooping and hollering one might expect from a crowd of loyal black democrats was somewhat muted. Maybe it was just me, unconsciously comparing the rally to rallies past. 

                                                   Dramatic Footnotes

"About three dozen people fell ill at the rally, complaining of dizziness and fainting, according to Prince George's County fire department spokesman Mark Brady." At least one of those swooners took a dive in  view of Mr. Obama. He was quick to take action, "hey, can we get a medic over here...just give her some space, she'll be alright."  I wondered...should he be making diagnostic proclaimations from the stage?

Of course no rally would be complete without at least one heckler in attendance. A young white man  screamed "you're a liar," as the The POTUS explained that it would take "more than a couple of years to climb out of this recession."  Hmm, a smallish white guy disrespecting Obama in the midst of a large black crowd-- not a good idea. After being shouted down with a chorus of "shut-ups," one man could be heard to say, "you better get outta here boy, before you get hurt."  Thankfully, he was ushered out of the crowd without further incident.

We ended the day with interviews, three of which are included above. My Obama footage was shaky, distant and over-long. The editing required was over my head, so I decided to scrap it and include a professional clip...my apologies. 

* See links for more detailed information about the candidates.

*See The Green Papers-for a complete list of MD Democrats and their Rebublican opponents.