Boston may be the home of the original Tea Party, but the conservatives who hijacked that proud Yankee name were nowhere to be seen on the Boston Commons today, as thousands of pro-reform Obama supporters filled the popular park.

Speaking in strong support of a public option were Congressman Ed Markey, Senatorial candidate Martha Moakley, Boston mayor Tom Menino and others. Notably absent - Senator John Kerry, whose legislative partners are unlikely to include a public option in a final bill.