Election Night 2008 in Seattle - Pictures

[saavedra77]

What follows behind the cut is my photographic record of election night, 2008, as it unfolded in the streets of Seattle, more or less illustrating the merry ramblings of my last journal entry:


The painted Obama sign in the window of the hipster clothing outlet Zebrahead, on Pike St., is actually one of my favorite pieces of political art to emerge from this campaign. It's really just a warmer version of the HOPE poster you see everywhere, but the brighter colors and psychedelic patterns just make it for me, brightening the grey autumn streetscape:


Supporters of Barack Obama and other candidates occupy the street corners near Westlake Center at Rush Hour, waving their placards and hoping to motivate those last few stragglers to get to the polls:




A McCain-Palin activist stands a lonely vigil in enemy territory:

(At one point, I'm pretty sure that heard him disparage the Obama people around him as "lemmings.")

Three hours after my friends and I settled into the Showbox's Green Room, CNN calls the race for Obama:


My friends and I are here basking in the realization that our candidate has actually won:






Obama delivers his acceptance speech, looking every bit as much the role as I'd always known he would:


After the race was called for Obama, this human tsunami began pouring out into the streets:








And when I finally got back to Capitol Hill at around ten, people were still dancing in the streets:


No doubt about it: Best. Election. Ever.

Comments

[delerium69.livejournal.com]

Those photos capture people's emotions perfectly. I'm looking forward to the inauguration here.

And that painting of Obama is quite beautiful. It reminds me of the wonderful murals in San Francisco.

[saavedra77.livejournal.com]

I imagine inauguration day is going to be pretty special: like spring coming three or four months early. (If this were a John Boorman film, the cherry trees would break into blossom ...)

Cool photos!

[dlasky.livejournal.com]

I am a tired old man, and stayed at home to watch it all on TV. Thank you for helping me live vicariously through these photos. (And please just ignore the fact that you and I are about the same age.)

Re: Cool photos!

[saavedra77.livejournal.com]

Just between you, me, and everyone else reading this: All night dance parties make me feel sorta old and tired, too. My aching joints and lowering fatigue threshold leave me mostly enjoying these things vicariously. :)

That's nice to hear

[dlasky.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it's not just me. :)

[serenity-valley.livejournal.com]

Hi...over from verbicide's journal, and just had to tell you I love your pictures.

My husband and I live in North Portland, a lower/working class area of the city (and one of the most diverse), and there was the same kind of spontaneous celebration in the streets in our wonderful neighborhoods. No doubt in other parts of the city, as well. Horns honking, firecrackers, shouts and dancing and music and cheers. It was like a big hug from humanity.

Best. Election. Ever. Indeed.