Primary Place Online

I arrived late, but somehow got squeezed right to the front until I was standing about 15 feet from the stage.  Actor Peter Coyote introduced Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne who sang 4 or 5 songs as a warm-up for John Edwards.  I wasn't sure why he needed a warm-up act, but I couldn't believe I was watching them so close up.  For free.  Amid a lot of drumming and background music, and Edwards came bounding onto the stage wearing a blue fleece jacket and jeans.  There might have even been pale grass stains on the knees.  He talked for awhile about growing up in a working-class family in the south. He talked about his feelings for his country.  He said, "I think it's time for Americans to be patriotic about something else besides war."  He shared his views on nuclear power and global warming.  Then he answered a few questions.  He was enthusiastic, energetic, and passionate about his cause.  I believe that he cares deeply about what he is doing, and has some good qualifications for the job.  But for some reason I was underwhelmed.  Maybe it goes back to the warm-up act.  I wasn't there to be entertained, I wanted to get an impression of him as a person.  I wanted him to take the time to answer more questions, and I wanted them answered more concretely and thoroughly.  But I'm glad I went today, for the concert and the campaign speech.