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Large political rallies were invented during the era of Jacksonian politics, as pictured here by regionalist artist George Caleb Bingham in 1851. Note the absence of women and people of color and the presence of alcoholic beverages. |
The rally is a political tradition going back to the era of President Andrew Jackson, who invented the large BBQ rally with plenty of spirits and speechifying.
In our own time, the spirits have dissipated and the rallies are hardly as raucous as their ancestors, but the intent is the same: to introduce the candidates and their platforms to the voter, generate enthusiasm and rally volunteers.
Tonight's event will feature burgers and hot dogs for all as well as speechifying.
There will be opportunities to sign up to volunteer as well as to pick up the traditional lawn sign.
This year's calendar is also complicated by the special October 15 election to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Frank Lautenberg. That race pits Newark's mayor Cory Booker against Tea Party favorite and former Bogota mayor Steve Lonegan.
The rally is from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and the Italian-American Club is at 1976 Valley Avenue in Scotch Plains (behind the Scotchwood Diner).
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3 comments:
Attend this event to find out all of the status quo establishment figures that you should vote out...and grab a bite in the mean time.
Glad it rained tonight
The status quo (that brought us a number of do nothing politicians) has not produced results. They're comfortable - as they should be because we have not held them accountable. How much more can Plainfield take? There's a reason that the event is being held in Scotch Plains...
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