Cheering Obama (Bralley)
Barack Obama hosted the largest political rally in Albuquerque history Saturday night at Johnson Field at the University of New Mexico, attracting a crowd that television stations estimated at 35,000 and the Associated Press put at 45,000. Whatever the number, it was a once-in-a-generation political event and if it had any predicative powers for what what will happen Election Night John McCain is in for a world of hurt. The Obama rally outdrew McCain's rally held earlier in the day at the NM Expo grounds by a margin of 35 to 1. (McCain made a second NM stop in Messilla in the south.) The line to get onto Johnson Field, slowed by security checks, snaked down Redondo Loop from Popejoy Hall across the heart of the University campus and into residential areas. Spectators waited as long as three hours to get into the event. Finally, security relented and with the approach of Obama's speech, allowed everyone onto the field.

Comedian George Lopez loosened the multitude up before Obama came on, joking about the Frontier Restuarant, a 37 year old institution across from UNM, "I've been drunk having breakfast at the Frontier," he said.

Thanks to Mark Bralley, Steve Cabiedes and Eric Lucero, we have local photos for you of the Obama and McCain events.