As the Times points out, making a speech at the University of Wisconsin isn't a breeze. It takes planning. Only two political events of that kind (one for each major party) are allowed per election. There's the matter of cleanup costs, possible damages.
Setting up magnetometers. Removing all bikes. Establishing a plan for protesters. Banning laptop computers, drink bottles, sharp objects, and bags or purses larger than a sheet of paper.
Oh, and portable lavatories. “Specifically, about the number of porta-potties,” Ms. Martin said. “There’s a potential difference of opinion of how many will be needed.”
This and other matters were ultimately resolved. By 3 p.m., a line a mile long and three and four people deep was disappearing into the distant horizon of University Avenue, an assertion that at least here in Madison, the president still rocks. Campus police estimated an overflowing crowd of 26,500.
As the crowd waited, political ideas and conspiracy theories bounced among them like so many beach balls.
Suddenly, the signal was given and the crowd rushed, thwarting many who had waited patiently in line. They passed through the banks of magnetometers and poured onto the Library Mall, where the leaves on the trees were turning and the sharpshooters on the roofs were watching.
They played music. They recited the Pledge of Allegiance. They cheered earnest student speakers. Then, shortly after 6, President Obama appeared in shirtsleeves and no tie, taking his place in front of a collection of students adorned in Badger red.
