Rally draws 35,000 in support of Obama

Obama addresses more than 35,000 people at his largest rally yet at Independence Mall in Philadelphia.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama may not be a rock star, but he can draw a bigger crowd than most musicians.

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."

ABC moderators George Stephanopoulos and Charles Gibson faced criticism after Wednesday's debate for spending the first half of their questioning focusing on various campaign missteps and non-policy issues, such as why Obama does not wear a flag pin.

But Obama said voters needed to shift politics away from those "distractions" in this election season.

"This year we can't afford the same old politics," he said. "That's the decision you'll face on Tuesday."

Obama called for those voting in tomorrow's election to "help bring about the change that we need right now."

Penn students said this need for change was in part why they attended the rally.

"I don't like the way politicians antagonize each other and tend to be out for themselves and their own power and position," said Law student Dave Gardner. "I think Obama cuts through that . . He's above the antagonism that I think pervades Washington."

Medical student Ben Kozyak agreed.

"I think it's going to be a revolutionary campaign and a revolutionary presidency," he said.

Comments (14)

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. If you do not wish to support Sen. Obama, at least ABSTAIN.

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?". This display of fearmongering is disturbing and insulting. (Google "MSNBC first read" to watch it.) Hillary Clinton "misspeaks", distorts, and fearmongers to win. Please let me remind you that Barack warned almost prophetically against the Iraq war (www.barackobama.com/judgment) and continued to opposite it during his senate run, and confronted Condi Rice about it just two weeks into senateship. Barack is also the person who wanted to go after Al Qaeda where they are -- in Pakistan -- only to be mocked by Clinton. The CIA later carried out the plan advocated by Obama, and they got the #3 guy in Al Qaeda. Obama isn't wishy washy or a soft olive-branch carrying person; he's just smart. Like he said when opposing the war, "I'm not opposed to all wars; I'm just opposed to dumb wars." For Hillary to use the Iraq war, which she supported until she ran for president, to troll for votes, is hypocritical. Watch Hillary's iraq war vote speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkS9y5t0tR0 Obama�?s speech opposing Military Action in Iraq www.barackobama.com/judgment Obama's history of opposition to the iraq war http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhpKmQCCwB8

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. To quote Jonathan Alter from newsweek, Hillary's success in this primary depends on whether Americans are too busy to watch closely and an on whether we're as dumb as she thinks we are. Please don't buy into the uninformed stereotypes that Hillary is "experienced" while Obama is "empty rhetoric". That just says that you think you're watching but you're not watching at all; you're voting on soundbites. Obama has 11 years of government office compared to Hillary's 7, and even though Hillary was the first lady, she was not involved in any policymaking after her disasterous attempt at healthcare reform during the first two years of her husband's presidency. Time magazine has a good review of Obama's experience: ¥ http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1704117,00.html While the New York Times looks at Hillary's years as first lady, showing that she traveled as a spokesperson, not a negotiator, on her trips abroad; that she had no security clearance and no access to intelligence briefings. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/us/politics/26clinton.html A Chicago Tribune did an analysis of all the candidates�? stump speeches and shows that while Obama does talk pretty, he gives just as much policy detail in his stump speech as his opponents do. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-obama-speeches-analyzed-feb24,1,3150697.story Honestly, read a few objective sources -- not from any candidate's website -- and make your decision. All but one major Pennsylvania newspaper has endorsed Obama for a reason, and it's not because they're dumber than you. Also note that Obama and Hillary have passed the same number of major legislative accomplishments in the U.S. senate: two. He got the war right. He passed a historic ethics reform right off the bat.

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. Unfortunately, Obama has no real answers to the important questions. Like a true politician, he instead decries the "politics of the past" rather than answer for his demonstrated lack of judgement on a number of issues. Or he simply distorts Hillary's record and her proposals to ensure affordable healthcare for EVERYONE, combat the mortgage meltdown, and restore America's standing in the world. Pennsylvania has a unique opportunity to speak for those voters in early states who are experiencing buyers remorse right now. I hope we seize that opportunity and deliver a big win for Hillary.

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. Sounds like the Dems WILL, in fact, raise taxes on the middle-class, despite their claims to the contrary.

MY FELLOW �?BITTER�?, STUPID, WORKING CLASS PEOPLE :-) If you think like Barack Obama, that WORKING CLASS PEOPLE are just a bunch of �?BITTER�?!, STUPID, PEASANTS, Cash COWS!, and CANNON FODDER. :-( You Might Be An Idiot! :-) If you think Barack Obama with little or no experience would be better than Hillary Clinton with 35 years experience. You Might Be An Idiot! :-) If you think that Obama with no experience can fix an economy on the verge of collapse better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) led the greatest economic expansion, and prosperity in American history. You Might Be An Idiot! :-) If you think that Obama with no experience fighting for universal health care can get it for you better than Hillary Clinton. Who anticipated this current health care crisis back in 1993, and fought a pitched battle against overwhelming odds to get universal health care for all the American people. You Might Be An Idiot! :-) If you think that Obama with no experience can manage, and get us out of two wars better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) went to war only when he was convinced that he absolutely had to. Then completed the mission in record time against a nuclear power. AND DID NOT LOSE THE LIFE OF A SINGLE AMERICAN SOLDIER. NOT ONE! You Might Be An Idiot! :-) If you think that Obama with no experience saving the environment is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) left office with the greatest amount of environmental cleanup, and protections in American history. You Might Be An Idiot! :-) If you think that Obama with little or no education experience is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) made higher education affordable for every American. And created higher job demand and starting salary�?s than they had ever been before or since. You Might Be An Idiot! :-) If you think that Obama with no experience will be better than Hillary Clinton who spent 8 years at the right hand of President Bill Clinton. Who is already on record as one of the greatest Presidents in American history. You Might Be An Idiot! :-) If you think that you can change the way Washington works with pretty speeches from Obama, rather than with the experience, and political expertise of two master politicians ON YOUR SIDE like Hillary and Bill Clinton.. You Might Be An Idiot! :-) If you think all those Republicans voting for Obama in the Democratic primaries, and caucuses are doing so because they think he is a stronger Democratic candidate than Hillary Clinton. :-) Best regards jacksmith... Working Class :-) p.s. You Might Be An Idiot! :-) If you don't know that the huge amounts of money funding the Obama campaign to try and defeat Hillary Clinton is coming in from the insurance, and medical industry, that has been ripping you off, and killing you and your children. And denying you, and your loved ones the life saving medical care you needed. All just so they can make more huge immoral profits for them-selves off of your suffering... You see, back in 1993 Hillary Clinton had the audacity, and nerve to try and get quality, affordable universal health care for everyone to prevent the suffering and needless deaths of hundreds of thousands of you each year. :-) Approx. 100,000 of you die each year from medical accidents from a rush to profit by the insurance, and medical industry. Another 120,000 of you die each year from treatable illness that people in other developed countries don�?t die from. And I could go on, and on...

[QUOTE id="3bbd587f-a42f-4009-b330-3518bb51ebd8"]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[/QUOTE] I'm not sure if I follow this. Americans are unsure of Obama's preparedness to be president, as evidenced by his not winning enough delegates to wrap up the nomination. Therefore, we should vote for the candidate who has won even less delegates and primaries? The philosophy department still offers a class in Formal Logic, doesn't it?

[QUOTE id="50a02956-4437-44f4-bf6b-222c60ce7b0d"]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. If you do not wish to support Sen. Obama, at least ABSTAIN.[/QUOTE] More sock puppets, yawn.

Either way, stop spamming these boards. No one cares about what you think.

The Clinton years set the stage for baby Bush...I think that pretty much sums it up.

Angelia and I know. If you don't. SORRY Great Post's out there.

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...I should say...real WORKING people Rev. Wright and Rev. Meeks little hate romps are NOT going to play so well. Did you miss McCain's presumptive TV ad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-QYIP7o2-A) And, of course, Wright will be small potatoes indeed when the media starts doing their job and reporting on Obama's cousin? President Raila Odinga of Kenya.(it's not a good thing to campaign for your Kenyan cousin when his supporters torch churches burning people alive)--and APPARENTLY, (Who knew?) all that big HOO-LA if anybody called him a muslim? Well, turns out--he WAS A MUSLIM. Golly, jeepers. Lots of folks in Montana and such like won't be too happy to hear about that. http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Politics/12745.htm http://www.barackobama.com/2007/03/06/obama_man_of_the_world.php �?Another Obama Pastor Under Fire for Racist Talk�? http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId;=59735�?another

[QUOTE id="f4a83808-fe91-4f5d-86ca-66e8ad6a8501"] Also note that Obama and Hillary have passed the same number of major legislative accomplishments in the U.S. senate: two. He got the war right. He passed a historic ethics reform right off the bat.[/QUOTE] Lauren-Citing Clinton-hating Alter as an authority on anything...is just well, embarrassing. Alter called for Clinton to withdraw before Ohio--so not too much credibility. As to legislative accomplishments--let's talk about that--But you know, you all--You might not really want to BRING UP the whole OBAMA/legislative EXPERIENCE angle. After all, he voted present, how many times? 20? 30? 40? Oh, my gosh--I FORGOT! ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY TIMES!!. And, of course, how many times he did what? PUSH THE WRONG BUTTON? 7 times. I mean, that's a little EMBARRASSING, wouldn't you say? (it's a pretty big button, after all). In the Senate, he has PASSED TWO BILLS: to promote democracy in Africa and to name a post office. He has only been present 20% of the name. What usually happens if someone doesn't show up for work and does NOTHING when they're there? ?A PROMOTION? LOL H. Clinton, by contrast, worked with the unions, educators and other stakeholders to overhaul the ARKANSAS PUBLIC EDUCATION system--taking it from one of the worst to one of the best. She worked for the CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND to overhaul the foster care system-not just in Arkansas-but nationally. She improved HEALTHCARE IN ARKANSAS getting all kinds of early warning and prevention programs in place to decrease the number of number of uninsured ER visits (which saved Arkansas taxpayers millions of dollars). That's just what she did in Arkansas--as a VOLUNTEER.?For 8 years, they trashed the Clinton's for a Co-Presidency--claiming she was just as responsible as him or any other member of his staff. She was examined, called to testify before committees and subcommittees--And now, you all make it sound like she was choosing china patterns. YOU CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. No, her role was examined so minutely because she was his most important POLICY ADVISOR--because she is brilliant, she is hardworking and she does her homework. Does David Gergen have 'no experience'? Stephanopolous? Of course, not. They have all made it clear, she was a key member of the team-as involved and as important as anyone. Did she agree with everything B. Clinton--decided? No. Gergen said on CNN she was opposed to NAFTA--she was not the final decisionmaker. But does she know what it's like to sit in the hotseat? Does she know the issues and personalities involved? ABSOLUTELY. If Gore was qualified (and Gore was awesome)--Hillary is qualified.?(fyi-caps are for emphasis-only--not yelling) Look at the Church they attend (Trinity United Church of Christ)--it's a black power church that supports Farrakhan. Here's the video where they give him a 'lifetime achievement award' (www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXs_YrYpO7Q). It's all about supporting AFRICA (not the US). What about Obama having dual US/KENYA citizenship? His first cousin (Odinga in Kenya) supporters just torched a church in Kenya-burning 100 women and children-ALIVE. Will Obama get us out of Iraq only to intervene in a civil war in AFRICA for his cousin?

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