It was billed as a celebration, but Sunday's Obama RadioNation event in Lisner Auditorium was equal parts political rally and discussion.
Fans of progressive talk radio gathered to hear from six different radio hosts and several other liberal luminaries. Hosted by longtime commentator Bill Press, Obama RadioNation was broadcast live on C-SPAN and radio stations across the country.
Press and talk show hosts Randi Rhodes, Stephanie Miller, Ed Schultz, Joe Madison and Errol Louis reflected on last fall's election and the role it played in Obama's win.
"There's a new sheriff in town," Press said. "We made a big difference in 2008, and we're here to stay."
They all agreed of the need to "hold [the Obama administration's] feet to the fire" and ensure that they follow through on the promises they made during the campaign. Schultz said Obama's ability to triumph over seemingly impossible odds gives him faith that he will be a good president.
"When this guy says he has a plan, I don't know about you, but I'm going to trust him," Schultz said.
In addition to the radio hosts, the event also featured Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, labor leader Terry O'Sullivan and civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton.
Introduced by Press as "America's favorite cowboy" and wearing his signature blue jeans and bolo tie, Schweitzer lashed out at those who give President Bush credit for having prevented another terrorist attack.
"While he was president, the Golden Gate Bridge did not collapse, Arizona did not invade California, and the Detroit Lions did not win the Super Bowl," Schweitzer said to loud applause.
O'Sullivan, president of Laborers International Union of North America, recited a long list of grievances against the Bush administration, which he called "the most anti-union, anti-worker administration in the history of our country."
Sharpton, who appeared via phone after getting stuck in the city's inauguration traffic, said that while Obama's victory was a great achievement, it does not mean America is free of racial problems.
Fans of progressive talk radio gathered to hear from six different radio hosts and several other liberal luminaries. Hosted by longtime commentator Bill Press, Obama RadioNation was broadcast live on C-SPAN and radio stations across the country.
Press and talk show hosts Randi Rhodes, Stephanie Miller, Ed Schultz, Joe Madison and Errol Louis reflected on last fall's election and the role it played in Obama's win.
"There's a new sheriff in town," Press said. "We made a big difference in 2008, and we're here to stay."
They all agreed of the need to "hold [the Obama administration's] feet to the fire" and ensure that they follow through on the promises they made during the campaign. Schultz said Obama's ability to triumph over seemingly impossible odds gives him faith that he will be a good president.
"When this guy says he has a plan, I don't know about you, but I'm going to trust him," Schultz said.
In addition to the radio hosts, the event also featured Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, labor leader Terry O'Sullivan and civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton.
Introduced by Press as "America's favorite cowboy" and wearing his signature blue jeans and bolo tie, Schweitzer lashed out at those who give President Bush credit for having prevented another terrorist attack.
"While he was president, the Golden Gate Bridge did not collapse, Arizona did not invade California, and the Detroit Lions did not win the Super Bowl," Schweitzer said to loud applause.
O'Sullivan, president of Laborers International Union of North America, recited a long list of grievances against the Bush administration, which he called "the most anti-union, anti-worker administration in the history of our country."
Sharpton, who appeared via phone after getting stuck in the city's inauguration traffic, said that while Obama's victory was a great achievement, it does not mean America is free of racial problems.
