Obama Rallies Overflow Crowd at James Madison U: "No State Is More Important in This Election Than Va."

Barack Obama came to the Harrisonburg Convocation Center at James Madison University in Va. yesterday and drew overflow crowds. More than 10,000 people waited in the brisk weather for more than 4 hours.

Unable to squeeze into the indoor venue, roughly 1000 people were diverted to the UREC soccer field. Obama spoke to the crowd briefly, the Secret Service detail and security convoy a ballet-in-motion.

A token rally by local Republicans was largely ignored. In contrast to the event in Pottsville Pa, captured on YouTube and rocketing around the web, the meeting here seemed mild, even cordial.

As the sun set, the remaining crowd chanted "Obama, Obama, Obama" as a Virginia State Trooper in special ops gear scanned the scene and exchanged banter. He said he's looking forward to some rest and relaxation after the stress of this long campaign. Agreed and well-deserved, Trooper!