Big Sky Blog

Many Montana bloggers were excited about Barack Obama’s visit to Butte, America on Independence Day; here are some of their recollections:

Miss Bonkrood, one of the longest-running Big Sky Bloggers, got to shake his hand, and experienced both joy and disappointment:

Then about 5 minutes or later we realize that he is, in fact, making his way down our side of the street shaking hands and holding babies. Both my camera and my friend’s camera had died by then. Elation + disappointment…I’m so glad we hauled our asses out of bed and went out there and stood in front. What an awesome day. Sunburn: totally worth it.

Another veteran blogger, Patia Stephens, was pretty emotional about seeing Obama:

It was at that moment that I got verklempt — choked up — and tears came to my eyes. Why? I don’t know, exactly. Maybe it is because Obama’s candidacy has given me hope for my country after years of disappointment and sadness. Maybe it’s because I believe he has the potential to restore justice to the United States of America, as well as our reputation in the world.

The Smith family traveled from Great Falls to see Obama in person:

After about 30 minutes at the exit to the museum, (we) spotted a small group of people leaving the museum, walking across the tennis court about 50 yards away. Sure enough it was Barack and what I would assume was a group of Secret Service agents. Everyone that was waiting in the area we were in jumped out of their cars and I took a couple of pictures. Even though we didn’t get to see him in the parade, or very close, it wasn’t a bad trip at all and we got to see Barack.

And Big Sky Cairn tells of visitors from Idaho, and also offers up details about the other politicians that were on hand (click to read it all):

A group of people seated near my family had driven all the way from Post Falls, ID only to find out that morning that Obama would not be riding in the parade…Other than some inconvenience to local residents, businesses and the like, the Obama Fourth of July extravaganza seemed to run smoothly. And my family was able to secure our usually parade viewing spot without incident, so we were happy.

ADDED: Maleesha and her family also got up close & personal with Obama:

So when we told 3 1/2 year old AJ that Rockobama was going to be in Butte’s parade, he jumped up and down like we were going to Chuck E Cheese. Long story short: after 2 hours of cheesy floats, local politicians, line dancers, and the annual Pirate Bus, we all got to shake Mr. Obama’s hand.

By the way – for the record, I am not an Obama supporter. I’m just trying to gather up some first-hand accounts of his visit.
All in all, it sounds like most people got what they wanted out of Obama’s visit. Another big “get” for Montana in a crazy election year!