Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: News
Rally draws 35,000 in support of Obama
Senator held his largest-ever rally at Independence Mall on Friday
Emily Schultheis
|
Despite the 85-degree heat, Philadelphia residents came out in record numbers to hear Obama speak at Independence Mall Friday night. According to the Obama campaign, the rally drew a crowd of 35,000 - his largest so far.
Obama trails his opponent, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, by 5.6 percentage points in the polls, according to RealClearPolitics averages. However, he has made considerable gains in the past few weeks, narrowing Clinton's nearly 20-point lead to the single digits.
In the shadow of Independence Hall, Obama spoke about the building's history and its role in the creation of America.
"On this beautiful night, it is important for us to remember the history behind this site," he said. "It was over 200 years ago that a group of patriots gathered in this city to do something that no one in the world believed they could do."
He spoke about the Declaration of Independence and then said America could "declare independence" from conventional Washington-style politics.
Obama's speech focused on his desire to fundamentally change American politics, but he did not address specific issues.
He praised Clinton as "a tenacious opponent and a committed public servant," stressing the importance of Democratic unity in the fall.
However, Obama said Clinton's campaign message "comes down to this - we can't really change the say-anything, do-anything, special interest-driven game in Washington, so we might as well choose a candidate who really knows how to play it."
Obama also attacked presumptive Republican nominee John McCain for his continuation of Bush administration policies, saying he and McCain have "deep differences" in their ideas on how to lead the country.
In response to the questions asked at last week's Democratic debate at the National Constitution Center, Obama said the primary is too full of "distractions."
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 13
Angela
posted 4/21/08 @ 1:02 PM EST
As a 60 y.o., I urge PA retirees to vote for Sen. Obama. DO NOT TRUST the Clintons. And, ladies, DO NOT vote for Hillary just because she is a woman. There is too much at stake for us and for the next generations. (Continued…)
Lauren
posted 4/21/08 @ 2:04 PM EST
Hillary, at the last minute, has released a new fear-mongering ad in Pennsylvania, worse than the red phone. One that uses Osama bin Laden and the war in Iraq and asks "who's ready?". (Continued…)
Lauren
posted 4/21/08 @ 2:18 PM EST
Everytime I hear a usually intelligent classmate give me the 'Hillary is experienced and Obama is just empty rhetoric," feeling all proud of themselves like they just said something mature, my mind wants to explode. (Continued…)
Matthew
posted 4/21/08 @ 2:22 PM EST
Fearmongering or not (I say not) Hillary has every right to question Obama's preparedness to be president. If Americans were certain of his capabilities, he would have wrapped up the nomination by this point. (Continued…)
Taxes will go up
posted 4/21/08 @ 2:59 PM EST
Hillary and Obama have both said that they will raise capital gains taxes (taxes paid on investments like stocks). A significant portion of middle-class Americans (those making less than $250K, according to both candidates) own stocks and have other investments. (Continued…)
Lauren = Lauren Burdette?
posted 4/21/08 @ 8:09 PM EST
Either way, stop spamming these boards. No one cares about what you think.
This isn't over yet???
posted 4/21/08 @ 8:33 PM EST
The Clinton years set the stage for baby Bush...I think that pretty much sums it up.
X Ray Vision
posted 4/21/08 @ 9:51 PM EST
Angelia and I know.
If you don't.
SORRY
Great Post's out there.
Jake
John
posted 4/22/08 @ 2:18 AM EST
Were you out of the COUNTRY when THE REV. WRIGHT story broke?? Because I know all you liberal elites savor your moral relativism with your morning lattes--but among real people. (Continued…)
Post a Comment