It's so good to see everyone here! It feels like coming in out of a hurricane and seeing my whole tribe waiting for me.

I'm Late Again here, as I was there. I don't expect anyone to recognize me since I never did post any diaries over there, just lots of recs and comments.

Anyway, I wanted to share my experience attending Bernie's rally in Phoenix last night for those who aren't also on Reddit.
My downstairs neighbor and I arrived at 4 o'clock p.m. and got through security around 6 o'clock p.m. When we turned around and looked the line was just as long as it was when we got there. I would guess the line (taking into account all the switchbacks) was about 3-4 football field lengths; maybe 5-6 thousand people? The venue was about half the size of the convention center, which had 11,000 in attendance, so that seems about right.

The energy was absolutely incredible. As usual, there was a beautifully diverse group of supporters: young, old, middle-aged, children but especially Latinos and a very, very large Native American presence. He gave his standard stump speech, with a little bit more emphasis on immigration and Native American issues, which is to be expected in a state such as Arizona.

I wish I could sit the poor man down and give him some mint tea with some honey in it because he was very hoarse tonight, and was getting on a plane to another rally directly after this one. He wears me out just thinking about the grueling schedule he keeps. And he still shows up for his day job (and actually works while he's there). Just mind-boggling.

At one point a woman wearing nothing but pants and pasties got up on her boyfriend's shoulders to cheer and share her message, which was written across her chest:"Hate Speech is not Free Speech ". I turned and looked at the press box and every single camera did a simultaneous 90°turn toward her. It was funny as hell, and also a lot like watching all the radio telescopes move as one at the VLA in New Mexico. Bernie saw her too, of course, and his reaction made everyone laugh.

I don't know yet if I can post multiple images in one post (still figuring out both sites) so for now, here's the selfie I got! I also got to shake Jane's hand and thank her, as he and she started at opposite ends of the room.