Over-Capacity Crowd at Barack Obama Rally in Seattle, Washington

SEATTLE, Washington -- With the Democratic nomination still up for grabs after Super Tuesday, Washington State is suddenly in the national spotlight. And while Senator Hillary Clinton still enjoys a large and loyal following, if attendance is the measure, then Senator Barack Obama is the candidate who shines the brightest here in the Evergreen State - the "Other" Washington. Where Clinton drew a total of 10,000 to her two events (one on Pier 30 in Seattle on Thursday evening), Obama attracted easily twice that number in the middle of a workday.

By the time I arrived to the Seattle Center just after 9:00am, the line on the east side of Key Arena wrapped around the the Fisher Pavilion, alongside the Center House, and all the way down to the International Fountain. We were told by one Obama volunteer there was another line on the west side of the arena as well. Despite the raw winds making a wet Seattle day even colder, there was a carnival atmosphere as the line continued to lengthen. High school students passed out pastries to hungry rally-goers, friends and families sought out each other in the crowds, and strangers struck up conversations in line. Here in Seattle, we can be a friendly bunch, especially when united through common interests.