This is definitely not a high level of political commitment, but I will say this--it is a lot harder to be cynical about something when you are right up next to the stage and 500K+ people are screaming and dancing behind you. Even though we don't actually have media passes, we do have passes to the area right next to the stage. If you were watching, you probably saw me on television quite a few times. I should have worn a shirt advertising MyDD. Here's a picture of me to give you an idea how close we were.

As we started approaching the stage, people kept saying to us "this is a restricted area." We just kept raising our wristbands and they let us through, as though we were performing some sort of Jedi mind trick. Eventually, we were right up on the stage. You really need to check it out and take the actions. I have lots of pictures in the extended entry.

Just before ten, Matt and I started walking up through the crowd. Already, it was only possible to come about five blocks from the stage. It was filling up fast.

Remember, they don't want your money, just your voice.

It's about peace and love, and well positioned youth marketing.

After we snagged our credentials a few minutes before eleven, we took the subway up to 30th street and walked along the river to the back of the museum. The pathway was pretty empty. One of the benefits to being a local is knowing the back entry to everything.

Matt and I up by the stage.

This is going to be a favorite picture of mine for a while. This is Albert, from Dragonballyee and Philly Future blogging right next to the stage. Really, really cool.

Those are the Kaiser Chiefs. They have been my favorite act so far. I kept thinking htat boom camera was going to hit me in the head. Since I was right at the front, and I'm pretty tall (6' 3''), at times it was coming within a foot or so.

That is Will Smith with the actual Declaration of Independence. I wish I brought I flag, because I sure wanted to wave it when I saw that.

The Black-eyed peas. After that, my camera ran out of batteries. Its charging now though, and I'll have lots more later tonight.