Thousands of Barack Obama supporters stream onto the American Legion mall at the moment, some in the sunshine, some not.  The Secret Service agent who screened me on the way in complained about how cold it is.  Parkas and stocking caps are common sights.  Jill Long Thompson forgot her coat, according to her communications director.

Parking in this part of downtown is nonexistent.  Many of the rally attendees are at two hour meters.  Will the parking police crack down?  Will they give people a break in the name of democracy?  Are Obama supporters willing to pay a fine to see their candidate?  Jill Long Thompson only has to walk two blocks from her headquarters. 

With a giant flag stretched out at the south end of the mall, Obama will use a stage at the north end.