The rally for Rep. Harold Ford Jr., featuring special guest Sen. Barak Obama, differed in several distinct ways from other recent political events held at the University of Memphis campus.

For one, Sen. Lamar Alexander’s visit last month didn’t attract multiple TV crews or require a full marching band to announce his arrival.

Nor were dozens of people with confirmed reservations (like those pictured above) turned away at the Alexander event.

And when Ed Bryant, another candidate running to replace Bill Frist in the U.S. Senate, made an appearance at the U of M last summer, the presentation did not conclude with a politican shouting “I WILL FIGHT FOR YOU EVERY DAY,” Kerry/Edwards style.

I’m sure there were plenty of other differences on display yesterday, but as I said — several people with confirmed reservations were prevented from getting a closer look.

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Ford Jr and Obama were the keynote speakers, by the way, of the 2000 and 2004 DNCs. Their speeches are worth reviewing, if only to remember a time when Democrats didn’t consider praising Sen. Joe Lieberman taboo. I would wager most conservatives will appreciate Obama’s speech more.

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FYI: Harold Ford Jr. said he would have voted for Chief Justice John Roberts but against Justice Samuel Alito.

Sen. Obama voted against both.

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If you have a report from Jr’s rally yesterday, please drop us a note. We’ll be checking the blogs and papers for more coverage throughout the day.

Commerical Appeal - Illinois senator lends credibility at Ford Jr. pep rally

Pro-Ford blogger Chris Jackson - Let’s Get It Started! The Dynamic Duo, Congressman Harold Ford Jr. and Senator Barack Obama Rock Memphis!

WMCTV - Harold Ford Jr. makes campaign stop in Memphis and Barack Obama appearance draws large crowds in Memphis

WREG - Obama joins Ford at Senate campaign rally

News anchor Cameron Harper - Memo To Ford Campaign… No offense, but you’ll have to do better than that to manipulate us.

Pro-Bryant blogger Jay Bush - Ford Opens Campaign Rally With Rap Song Degrading the Mentally Challenged

Memphis Flyer’s Jackson Baker - The Twain Meet: Obama and Ford campaign together briefly in a pairing of Democratic Party stars.