It’s not even 12:30. Reporters, after going through a few layers of security (including an aggressive volunteer at the press entrance, who barked orders), are grumbling that we’re three hours away from actually seeing Barack Obama. The Decemberists are going on at 2:30, followed by the presidential candidate.

But it’s to be expected that we’re going to wait that long. The line to get in, according to one cop I spoke with, stretched from the waterfront—where the main entrance is next to the Marriot—to Park and Main half an hour ago. He estimated at least 20,000 in that line, and the doors hadn’t even opened yet. The railings alongside the Esplanade have become impromptu bike racks, as all of the regular racks and parking meter poles for blocks are already taken up.

One of the communications folks herding the press says they’re expecting 50,000 people at the waterfront today—Obama’s biggest crowd ever. (He pulled in a record 35,000 in Philadelphia, four days before Pennsylvania’s April 22 primary, and he’s had a 30,000 crowd when Oprah took the stage beside him. Take that, Oprah—the Decemberists have you beat!)

Sadly, there will no liveblogging today. For starters, you’re probably already here, listening to it live. Second, there’s spotty wifi at the waterfront. And finally, in some circles, Sundays are a day of rest. (But never fear, I’m recording the Decemberists and Obama, and will post the audio ASAP.)

UPDATE: It’s 1:05, and the Decemberists just took the stage. And they’re singing a song about Valerie Plame.