Tired! (updated with news footage of me)

I'm running on not nearly enough sleep! I think that each night since my return on Jan. 3rd, I've gotten less sleep than I'm used to getting. But it's been worth it!

Last night the Hillary campaign had their Primary Night event at Southern New Hampshire University (the place good enough to issue my paychecks). It wasn't my first choice on an event to attend but logistics made it a good choice and it was a historic night!

I worked all day at SNHU and then had the opportunity to take part in some televised interviews about the Primary. ABC News Now wanted 6 students (that includes me, since I take classes) to talk about their opinions on various parts of the Primary process. We basically did a videoconference with the on-air personalities. Sam Donaldson was firing off questions and it didn't matter who got in his way! *laugh* He did say that our group had "a good grip on things". Nice to hear that!

First interview session (I respond to a question)
Second session (2 staunch Democrats who crossed over to vote for McCain talk, I sit)

In the end, we didn't have much time on-air and I only got to speak during the first segment, but it was quite an experience. They promised to send us links, DVDs, and goodies later so stay tuned!

When that wrapped up, I walked over to the Hillary primary party that was happening in our fieldhouse. It was the Hillary party. With the returns coming in slowly and media outlets refusing to call the outcome, you could feel the energy in the room building. I was in the overflow room, not even the main venue -- but people where I was at were really getting excited. With Hillary off to the early lead in the returns, I kept wondering if the numbers were going to start to turn -- but it just never happened.

When the Associated Press gave their prediction, the crowd erupted! Then just a few minutes later CNN chimed in and again the crowd came through with loud cheers and lots of smiles.

I had to watch Hillary's victory speech on a video screen, and people in the crowd really responded to it, but that was nothing compared to when she came out to see us. Granted, we had to wait until nearly an hour after she finished her speech.

First, Bill Clinton came through to work the crowd and keep us occupied while we waited for Hillary to finish up with the media. He looked drained -- it had been an emotional night and he probably hadn't been sleeping much! I was able to get close enough to say "congratulations" and he took the time to sign an autograph for me, along with items for probably 50 others near me. The room had maybe 200 people, but unless you were in the first 2 rows of people standing near the ropes, you weren't able to get close...

After father, came daugher -- Chelsea. Immediately, people started talking about what year she could run for President. She was full of smiles and very warm and energetic but she didn't look healthy. Her hands were overly-thin and she looked like a celeb in one of those "why is she so thin?" features.

To complete the hat trick, Hillary entered to a huge ovation (from the 200 or so in the room). Interestingly enough, the combined number of supporters was around 700 supporters in attendance as compared to about twice that number when Howard Dean had his event at SNHU 4 years ago.

So, Hillary took some time with the crowd and seemed very appreciative of people's support. A young woman beside me had made telephone calls for the campaign with Chelsea's roommate and another young man must have been very active in things too -- both got some special words on a few extra moments to talk.

I'm not moving over to the Hillary camp, but she's better now than she was a couple of days ago. I think a "kindler, gentler Hillary" is going to win over a number of people. Hopefully, she continues talking about environmental issues and in the few seconds that I had to say something to Bill, Chelsea, and Hillary, I asked them to keep that issue as a major one in the election.

A great photo essay from the night (with various candidates) by CBS news. This is the best compilation I've come across this morning.