An estimated 30,000 people flocked to Bascom Hill on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus on Thursday, with 6,000 more being turned away from the campaign event for President Barack Obama.
Two students (who only identified themselves as Alex and Alaina) bide their time in line 30 minutes before the gates would open for President Obama's visit to UW-Madison. Students were in line before 7:00am in some cases, for an event that wouldn't get started until after 2:00pm. Many classes were also cancelled, with many buildings closed on campus.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Members of the media crammed in tight on riser space, with people traveling in some cases more than 6 hours to provide coverage for the event. The story later in the day would turn to the media, however, as the charter plane for the national press that were following the President was delayed by an hour and a half. As the cars rolled up and the press were able to get their gear ready, students had almost completely emptied out of the area.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
A few brief spurts of rain threatened to put a damper on the day, but most came prepared for the weather.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
A young boy is held on his father's shoulders for a better vantage point. For most, the slope of Bascom Hill provided much relief and allowed people to more easily see over those in front of them.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Senator Herb Kohl, in what may be one of his final, and likely largest recent public events as a sitting United States Senator, hugs Democratic US Senate Candidate, Representative Tammy Baldwin as she comes to the stage.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Just minutes before the President took to the stage, all eyes were on the air, a Blackhawk helicopter swept the area.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
President Obama took to the stage to a resounding round of applause and cheers. Many that had been waiting for hours were starting to chant for him to come out and even groaned when new speakers or new songs started and signaled that the program had not reached the main speaker.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's men's basketball team met with the President prior to his speech. Zach Bohannon, a recent transfer to the team from the US Air Force Academy, tweeted at the President a few times, challenging him to a pickup game. The President would not oblige, though through official channels the team was invited to meet him.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
A sea of faces watches from up the hill as President Obama addresses the crowd.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
President Obama speaks in the shadow of Bascom Hall on the UW-Madison campus.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Jerry Miller of Madison, a Korean War machine-gunner, shows off the challenge coin that he received from the President after shaking hands with him at the event on Thursday. Challenge coins are often collectible, with higher ranking members of the military, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President's coins being hardest to find.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
Chris Martin of Boston, MA, a senior at UW-Madison, watches the passing motorcade on Park Street in downtown Madison. Martin was wearing a replica jersey of the one worn by President Obama at Punahou High School while he lived in Hawai'i.
Photo By: Mark Kauzlarich
The President's motorcade passes the Mosse Humanities Building on the UW-Madison campus after speaking on Bascom Hill, Thursday October 4th, 2012
