A Gripe About the Obama Event

During the Obama event, Aubrey and I went down at about 8:00 AM to set up our video camera and take some photographs of the entire downtown area. We walked up to a group of Obama volunteers and asked about media credentials. We were told credentials would not be passed out until 11:00 Am, but that we were free to set up in our designated area. We went to the iron fence surrounding the Old State Capitol on the south side and found signs hanging that said "Press Viewing Area." Our media credential confirmations that we had received via e-mail had informed us that we would be allowed to set up in the "Press Viewing Area" and that cameras would be allowed.

We set up, walked around taking pictures, and went home at 9:00 when Secret Service kicked everyone out to sweep the grounds.

We came back at 11:00, waited in line until 11:35 to get our press credential, and then made our way back to the "Press Viewing Area." No big deal. There was a water station right outside the gate, as well as bathrooms. It was a perfect setup.

We enjoyed the perfect setup until about 1:00. At that point, I left the "Press Viewing Area" to get some ice cold water for myself and the Mrs. When I returned to the iron fence, I was stopped by some Obama volunteers who told me that I would not be allowed back inside.

"But I've been in there all day," I said. "I have a camera set up, and I have people in there."

"Okay, we'll let you through this last time, but you can't come out any more for water or to use the bathroom. If you do, we can't let you back in."

This just pissed me off. "Wait," I said. "I don't want any trouble, but you're telling me that if I need water, or my wife needs water, that we can't come out and get it without fear that we won't be allowed in?"

"I'm sorry," the man said, "I'm just doing what I'm told."

"But I have a media credential for the 'Press Viewing Area'" I said.

"Yes," the man said.

"And there's a sign right there that says this is the 'Press Viewing Area,'" I said. "Why wouldn't you let me back in here?"

"I'm sorry, sir, but I won't be able to let you in any more," the man said, obviously unwilling to listen to reason.

"If anyone I know gets sick from the heat because they can't leave, this is on your head," I told him and walked off to join Micah and Aubrey.

Shortly thereafter, I grabbed another volunteer who was working the entrance to the main riser. She, it turns out, is a fan of "Just Two Guys." I explained the situation to her, and she told me she would talk to Matt, the man in charge of the "Press Viewing Area." She did, and she was told that as long as she ushered us through the gate, we would be fine.

We breathed a sigh of relief. Until, that is, twenty minutes later, when our friend came to us and told us that we would no longer be able to leave for water or to use the bathrooms with her help or not. She told us that people with the lowly "Press Viewing Area" media credential were being targeted for removal. It seems the area had gotten more full than they anticipated or something stupid like that.

Luckily, they never rounded us up. And luckily we didn't need much more water. I peed as soon as the thing was over and we were on our way out. Aubrey developed a migraine later in the day from heat and dehydration, and Micah suffered from a heat-induced headache as well.

Thanks a lot asshole Obama volunteers. Way to put logical thinking in front of stupid ass rules.

Just FYI, "Press Viewing Area" credentials were the same credential given to Jim Leach of WMAY and Catie Sheehan of WICS along with the traveling press corps. So, we weren't alone among public access weirdos or something.