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Obama addresses smitten crowd in Omaha

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By MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Feb 07, 2008 - 08:12:54 pm CST

OMAHA — Looking for the place in Omaha where the cheers for Bright Eyes sound weak?

This was it: The Omaha Civic Auditorium on Thursday night, the day Barack Obama made a swing through the Cornhusker State on the eve of the Nebraska Democratic Party’s first-ever presidential caucuses.

Yes, the Bright Eyes set two hours before Obama took the stage drew decent applause, especially when lead singer Conor Oberst shouted, “This Saturday is the big day, the day when we nominate Barack Obama for president!”

Story Photo
From right, Laura Baxter, Olivia O'Hara, Katherine Walters, Adam Deville, Jessica Hoppe, and Dan Cogdill wait outside of the Omaha Civic Auditorium for the Barack Obama Stand for Change Rally Thursday. (Heidi Hoffman)

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Related linksCampaign visits
  • For Barack Obama: Barack Obama spoke at a rally Thursday in Omaha. The senator's wife, Michelle Obama, will address a noontime rally Friday at the UNL's Lied Center for Performing Arts. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
  • For Hillary Clinton: Former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton met with University of Nebraska-Lincoln students at the Student Union Square on Thursday. She was in Grand Island on Thursday night. On Friday morning, she will meet with students at 9:30 a.m. at Creighton University in Omaha. Her appearance will be in the Skutt Student Center at the Fireplace Lounge, 2500 California St.

But as 6 p.m. — Obama time — drew nearer, Oberst was all but forgotten, at least for the moment.

This crowd had Obamania.

Bad.

“YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!” they screamed, waving “Obama ’08” and “Change We Can Believe In” signs, clapping wildly to an Alicia Keys beat and doing round upon round of the wave.

When the man himself took the stage at last, 11,000-plus hearts simultaneously fluttered.

“Ah, Cornhuskers,” Obama began, and the crowd went wild.

“I love you Barack!” someone shouted.

“I love you back!” he replied, and the crowd went wilder.

“What date is it?” he asked.

“Feb. 7!” the crowd screamed, wildly happy to help.

He spoke of an end to the war in Iraq, of universal health care, of raising the minimum wage. He expressed empathy for college students in debt and families struggling to pay for medications. He vowed action on climate change and promised to reduce political special interests.

The “hope” and “change” tallies climbed.

And with this crowd, it all rang true.

“He’s really charismatic. He’s a really good speaker,” said Becky Armstrong, a 20-year-old University of Nebraska-Lincoln sophomore from Omaha who attended the rally.

“He doesn’t polarize people.”

Armstrong isn’t the only twentysomething following Obama. The candidate even singled out young voters in his speech, saying 2008 will be the year turnout of the youth voting bloc surprises pundits.

Young people — even some too young to vote — say Obama has energized their peers like no politician they’ve known.

“He’s the only one (peers) are really excited about,” said Mica Pacheco Ceballos, 14, a Lincoln High School freshman who joined the Civic Auditorium line with her family at lunchtime. “Even though they can’t vote.”

Said the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s student-body president, David Solheim: “The great thing is, because of his appeal, people are getting interested in politics.”

Just what is it about the 46-year-old Obama that has young people so pumped?

Even his most avid followers can have trouble putting their finger on it.

He’s just got that... that... something.

“For me it’s the gut reaction,” Solheim said. “I instinctively like the guy.”

Of course, don’t count all young Nebraskans as Obama fans. Justin Nabity, 25, a 2005 UNL graduate now living and working in Omaha, says Obama’s platform isn’t nearly specific enough for him.

“He’s got a message that sounds good, but how he’s going to bring hope and bring positive change is unclear to me,” said Nabity, who was a member of the College Republicans at UNL.

“How can you support someone who you don’t know what they’re going to do?”

Nabity hasn’t decided who he’ll support this year. He knows it won’t be Obama.

“He presents well. That doesn’t mean he’s going to deliver well,” Nabity said. “That’s what I’m concerned about.”

Solheim has no concerns about Obama’s potential.

And he says Obama’s message resonates not only with young people, but also with a variety of demographics.

Take Mica’s father, for example, Miguel Ceballos, a UNL assistant professor of sociology.

Ceballos may be past his twenties, but he’s just as excited about Obama as his daughter.

Why take off work Thursday to bring the family to Omaha?

Simple, Ceballos says.

“It’s historic.”

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


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TheUrbanRevolution wrote on February 7, 2008 2:19 pm:
" Go Obama! When pollsters offer voters hypothetical matchups, Mr. Obama does better than Mrs. Clinton against Mr. McCain. For example, a Cook Political Report poll of registered voters released this week found Mr. McCain beats Mrs. Clinton, 45 percent to 41 percent. But Mr. Obama beats Mr. McCain, 45 percent to 43 percent. The latest Washington Post/ABC News poll found similar results.

Mr. Obama also has the highest approval rating of any major candidate among independents, 62 percent, according to a recent Pew Research Center poll. He also has unusually low negatives, which gives him upside potential. (this is from the NY times) "

 Kevin wrote on February 7, 2008 2:20 pm:
" While I don't condone skipping class, it's good to see students excited about taking part in the voting process. "

 mark wrote on February 7, 2008 2:25 pm:
" all of that is interesting. however, what are his positions and values with which you agree? any with which you disagree? would a black Republican be just as good with you? just wondering. "

 Sue wrote on February 7, 2008 2:31 pm:
" Thanks for the great coverage LJS! I figured the OWH would offer more coverage as it was in their city and all, but nope! They had like three sentences about today's visit. Glad to see I'm able to keep up with what is going on since I couldn't make the trip up to Omaha today. "

 Omaha wrote on February 7, 2008 3:14 pm:
" Yes You Can Skip School!

That's why little kids can't vote! "

 wait. wrote on February 7, 2008 3:32 pm:
" great article, but one small suggestion...maybe you should have interviewed people that could actually vote for Obama...not just have a crush on him. "

 Obama=Change=Hope wrote on February 7, 2008 3:43 pm:
" Thanks LJS!!

Its great to hear about this amazing time.

The political landscape is changing history is being written. "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on February 7, 2008 3:53 pm:
" While I tend to feel that Obama is a breath of fresh air (and as a disclaimer I'm a republican), I don't really care too much what 14 year old thinks!! Why not interview a few college students or something??? A 14-year old?! "

 Enki wrote on February 7, 2008 4:06 pm:
" Obama is ok. What does he stand for though?? Vote RON PAUL, I am. "

 Kevin wrote on February 7, 2008 4:12 pm:
" Technically, it would be “historic.”

Historical is an adjective. Maybe skipping class wasn't such a good idea after all.
"

 Shinbone wrote on February 7, 2008 4:13 pm:
" Do none of Obama's non-student supporters have jobs? "

 Shinbone wrote on February 7, 2008 4:20 pm:
" I already voted for Clinton in the Missouri primary, but as a former Nebraskan, I'm impressed that Obama is making an appearance in Omaha. His campaign seems a lot more aggressive than Hillary's. "

 Notahillaryfan wrote on February 7, 2008 4:24 pm:
" “We like what he stands for...” - bet she couldn't recite a single stance Obama has on an issue facing America. I know I can't. But what the heck, change is good. Right?
"

 To Matt wrote on February 7, 2008 4:29 pm:
" I was 13 when John Kennedy ran for office and barely 14 when he won the election. We were required in our history class to take part in the campaigns even though we could not vote, and we debated each other in class. I knew as much as most adults, maybe more. I was 17 when Kennedy was assassinated. I lived history. So are these kids. By the way, it was a great introduction into civic duty and the significance of voting. I have almost never missed an opportunity to vote.Judging by the poor turnout at most elections, especially by young people, we need something to inspire them. "

 Noobamafaneither wrote on February 7, 2008 4:38 pm:
" Sounds more like a Hannah Montanna concert than a political rally. "

 Laurie wrote on February 7, 2008 4:52 pm:
" Shinbone, I kind of like Obama, and I have a really good job. Why do you think he only appeals to the disenfranchised? He is intelligent and articulate, able to inspire excellence and cooperation in others, and has some well-thought out ideas- in short, fine leadership qualities. This is a refreshing change from the sound-bite self-absorbed smarty-pants cowboy mentality we are currently (not) enjoying. "

 Wilfred Marks wrote on February 7, 2008 5:03 pm:
" We can!!! I have not seen a candidate generate this much enthusiasm in 40 years! Go OBAMA!!! "

 Old Obama Fan wrote on February 7, 2008 5:06 pm:
" I use to be a HUGE Obama fan, actually all the way up today, I've been listening to both campaigns, and after hearing Chelsea Clinton speak, I have defiantly changed my vote. For a young women to give up part of her life to campaign for her mom, means she truly wants to be the daughter of another U.S. president. She talked about Health Care, Education, and many other great things, she even apologized for her mother not being able to come, as she was very busy and couldn't make it AS OF NOW, maybe LATER?? Chelsea was very informative of her mother's ideals, and if you didn't know it, you would of thought she was Hillary! All I can say, Is I've defiantly changed my stance! "

 no one of voting age? wrote on February 7, 2008 5:18 pm:
" was this just an excuse to skip school? Seriously. interview some well-rounded ADULTS who can actually VOTE. not kids who found a reason to ditch class. "

 caringnurse wrote on February 7, 2008 6:30 pm:
" For Your INFO, ItFigures, Hillary was in Washington Dc doing her job voting for a stimulus package to help the econmy and Bill is campaigning elsewhere.. "

 JT wrote on February 7, 2008 7:00 pm:
" You guys who are all over these kids for skipping class are lame. Where do you think they'll learn more, in Algebra I or at an historic speech? Which do you think they'll remember in 20 years? Vote Obama! "

 He's More Liberal than Ted Kennedy wrote on February 7, 2008 7:10 pm:
" Period. "

 Independent voter wrote on February 7, 2008 7:50 pm:
" Mark,

Show me a Republican of ANY color that has the same message of change and hope for a better America, and I wil give him or her my whole-hearted support.

As it stands now, the Obama "movement" is truly historical. I don't see how anyone can deny that.
"

 change wrote on February 7, 2008 8:01 pm:
" We need change it is time to end the Clintons and the Bush people in the White House. It is time for Obama he is very intellegent. Hillary in her debates has changed her word so many times and she didnt even campaign nicely and the Way Bill acted it just shows even more the nasty person he is and I dont want him in the White House anymore. I can tell that Obama cares and will work for change. Hillary accused him of taking money from Lobbiest but its funny that when you look at the statistics she is the one who has recieved the most money from lobbiest of all the candidates. GO Obama we need someone new who we can give the opportunity to believe in. VOTE Obama "

 Kash84 wrote on February 7, 2008 8:17 pm:
" To CaringNurse: Hillary attended the $10,000 per plate fundraising dinner here in DC, and was not in the senate at the time when he traveled to Omaha; To be fair to her, she doesn't see Nebraska as a big enough state, due to lower delegate count. Right now for both the candidates- it's about delegates. Obama being new is try to win every vote possible is every state. Hillary is shooting to do big in big states. Please don't paint Hillary as picture of angel, she is just being a politician.BTW he is a politician as well just a different kind. "

 Nabity's right wrote on February 7, 2008 8:49 pm:
" “He presents well. That doesn’t mean he’s going to deliver well,”

Well said. The sooner people actually press him on the issues and the press doesn't give him a free pass, the sooner he'll be exposed. Ever stop to think where this magical universal healthcare is going to come from? "

 Christine wrote on February 7, 2008 9:05 pm:
" For YOUR info, Hillary had many opportunities to stop in Nebraska and did not choose to exercise any of them. I want to thank Obama for stopping and showing he acknowledges us, our caucus, and our part of the nation. He is an inspiring man, and I'll be proud to vote for him.

Another piece of info: I know some Lincoln Public Schools did not have classes today; therefore, some kids went and joined an important moment that they can learn from. If you don't feel like listening to another person, why did you even finish reading this article? To complain? Respect other people, no matter how much you discredit them for their age. "

 whatever wrote on February 7, 2008 9:18 pm:
" Obama will easily win the Nebraska Caucus. "

 Johnguy wrote on February 7, 2008 9:30 pm:
" Obama or Clinton... one will get nominated and run against the Axis of GOP. But can Obama fight like he needs to? I mean, these God fearin, Military loyal GOPhers "swiftboated" a decorated war veteran! Can Obama rise to that? Clinton said: "I assure you, I will not be swiftboated!" Can Obama assure us of that? Can he fight the savage, bloody fight that the GOP will serve up? Or will he do like John Kerry and "rise above" the fight... only to lose? We need to know Senator Obama... will you only take punches, or will you throw them back? I am tired of voting for a party that won't go toe to toe with the opposition... "

 GramMar wrote on February 7, 2008 9:48 pm:
" I am a 70 year old grandmother...and I think Obama is the greatest thing in politics in a long time...I remember the Dewey/Truman election, so have seen and heard many candidates over the years. Obama rings truer than any others I have heard. And he presented his views and plans to achieve very concisely and logically. Go Obama! "

 Bee.Eess. wrote on February 7, 2008 10:22 pm:
" Old Obama Fan: Why would Hilary Clinton even consider coming to NE after the caucus? She'll lose the caucus so bad she won't consider it, don't count on seeing Hilary in the cornhusker state at all.

caringnurse: Obama flew to Washington yesterday to cast the vote for that particular piece of legislation, he just cares more about Nebraska, that is why he came. "

 M wrote on February 7, 2008 11:08 pm:
" even you can't believe that people would see color before character. A black Republican, Alan Keyes (sp), ran for the GOP nomination and lost. This "Christian" also disavowed his lesbian daughter. No, I would not vote for Alan Keyes, but I wouldn't vote against him because of his skin color. You sound like a hypnotized neocon. You need better friends. "

 JPS wrote on February 7, 2008 11:21 pm:
" Trust me Lincoln....you didn't miss a thing!!! This guy will turn us into a secular nation depended upon welfare,
and no armed forces to defend us, and the economy will totally collapse. "

 smitten wrote on February 7, 2008 11:26 pm:
" A "smitten" crowd, Oh brother! How pathetic "

 Obama on the Issues wrote on February 7, 2008 11:28 pm:
" For those complaining that they "don't know what he stands for" - don't be lazy and do some research. His detailed policy proposals are all available on his website and any number of other places.

Those of us that were at the rally, including this 29 year old with a Master's degree - I can vote and am educated - weren't there for a policy speech. We were there to be inspired. When was the last time you were inspired by a politician? If Obama doesn't do it for you, great, but understand that he does for us. He has a message that resonates and has the potential to transform our political culture.

And no, Hillary couldn't be bothered to be here, because she knows that Obama has killed her in Nebraska organization and has had staff here for weeks, she's running out of money and probably can't afford rallies like this, and Nebraska just isn't important enough for her. Barack campaigns in all states - not just the big ones because he cares about all Americans.

Again, look up the policy proposals - they are there and not that different from Hillary. But as a Democrat, do you really think that Hillary can win anywhere that Barack can't? No, but he can surely compete in places where a Clinton on the ballot would be the end of Democratic chances. "

 Rosie wrote on February 7, 2008 11:45 pm:
" It figures, she's not a kid, she is a young woman. She has worked hard to complete her education, and her career.
She not a drop out!

Her mother, Hillary, has been the best at the debates, she
has explained her experiences, her records, and her solutions for the many problems we now have. She has
been on track about the issues of this economy.

Obama says he is not represented by special interest, but
he is like all the candidates, he takes the money.
More so from federal lobbyist when he was in Chicago.

Her is why Hillary will bring about change, she will
from day one start to create jobs, to bring the soldiers home, to get health care for everyone, & special needs
of our injured veterans & their families as well educational
improvements across the Country. But it is also that
she will change for the good around the world, and in
your community. She has been a long fighter of human
rights.

With this economy, with this recession, we are all going
to have to sacrifice to get the job done, she's listening
and needs our help. "

 Say no to drugs wrote on February 7, 2008 11:49 pm:
" Anyone that is weak enough to succumb to the addiction of drugs, is not STRONG enough to lead this Nation. Anyone that makes one of the worst, most selfish, and careless decisions in life (to use drugs) is not responsible enough to lead this Nation. Obama has admitted that he didn't just use drugs (cocaine and other substances), he used them for several years of his life. The last thing this country needs is to put ANOTHER former substance abuser in the White House. Look at what has happened to this country the past 7 years with a former substance abuser in the White House. We cannot afford to turn our country over to another person that was weak enough and irresponsible enough to decide for a period of YEARS in their life to use drugs. Show me what Obama has accomplished for this country that qualifies him to be our next President. He lacks the experience and the responsibility to become the leader of this Nation. Hillary has the experience and also brings with her the most valuable asset that any President could want, a former President that led this country to stronger allies and a stronger economy. Vote Hillary - she is our only true hope in turning this country back around in the right direction. "

 Douglas wrote on February 7, 2008 11:52 pm:
" Go to his campaign website and study for a few short minutes. That;s all it takes becasue there is NO substance. HE is promising the world and there is not enough money to deliver his promises so what does that mean? More taxes to try and no results. He really knows how to campaign and get people excited but if he is President the results of reality in his wild plans will be 10x more dissappointing. I am a lifetime voting and registered Democrat and I am extremely disappointed my party is failing so miserably. I would vote for GW Bush if he were eligible. He is proven barrel of bad apples I can live with as opposed to the possibility that any Democrat candidate might actually live up to their campaign promises. "

 joseph wrote on February 8, 2008 12:22 am:
" Great style. Little substance. He speaks often of change, but is rare on specifics. Not a fan, but he'll win. A few catch slogans and a good delivery works like a charm. And what a shocker: Bright Eyes is voting DEMOCRAT??!! I'm curious: Which song about being depressed did he play to work the crowd into a frenzy? "

 rac wrote on February 8, 2008 12:42 am:
" Please nominate Hillary, all you good Democrats, so we can continue to have a Republican in the White House "

 So THIS is the strategy to stop Obama's surge. wrote on February 8, 2008 2:00 am:
" ... Basically, run Dubya's 2004 campaign against John Kerry. Theory: If you say "he doesn't stand for anything" long enough, hopefully people will start believing it. I can understand the GOP sleaze-machine producing such vile talking points -- I'd expect no less -- but Hillary supporters should be ashamed of mimicking such cynical politics. But then again, the Clintons always were good at out-Republicaning their GOP rivals. She should be careful with this latest campaign strategy, however, lest she get heaping spoonfuls of her own medicine, given a number of her Senate votes, especially regarding the invasion and occupation of Iraq. "Does Mrs. Clinton wear nothing but flip-flops? Hmmm?" See how easy that was?

Let the old-guard, 60-plus, stuck-in-the-sixties establishment Democrats bark. Let the hateful, myopic, homogenous right-wingers scream. They're only loud right now because they're scared, and they've finally realized this guy's not a cute little novelty candidate any more. Clintonite Vernon Jordan summed it up best: "It's hard to run against a movement." "

 Heather wrote on February 8, 2008 7:18 am:
" Obama is great, but I especially after hearing Chelsea yesterday, he doesn't yet have the same know-how to provide specifics. Our country is a mess, and I we need someone who really knows how to be president to fix it. I say Hillary for 8 years, and Obama in 2016. He'd be 54, and if he has that special something now, he should have it then, too, only with more experience. Are people willing to delay charismatic instant gratification for the long-term needs of the country? "

 WCG wrote on February 8, 2008 7:47 am:
" Hey, it's not just the kids. I'm retired, but I've never been this enthusiastic about a candidate. The Republicans run on a politics of fear. This campaign is the exact opposite. Obama is showing us, after 7 terrible years of Bush/Cheney, that we can move FORWARD again, not back - that we can be proud and enthusiastic about our country again. Clinton wants us to return to the 90's, with the same old politics and the same old people. It's Republican-lite (and her supporters are really looking back through rose-colored lenses). We're Democrats, after all. We should stride boldly into the future, not return timidly to the past. The Republicans are divided and discouraged, but nothing - NOTHING - would unite them like nominating Clinton. They don't like McCain, but they'd absolutely work to defeat Hillary, who is just HATED (for no good reason, but it's still true). Her nomination would be the biggest boost imaginable to the GOP. But Barack Obama can win not just the Democratic base (New York is going to vote Democratic anyway), but swing voters - independents, moderate Republicans, and part-time Democrats. You think it's bad that he gets people enthusiastic? What, do you WANT to lose? And don't sneer at the young people. They are our future, the future of the Democratic Party and the future of our country,... if we don't blow it, if we don't turn away from hope, turn away from promise, turn away from enthusiasm, and retreat to the past with a candidate who has the highest negatives of ANY politician, outside of Bush himself. Clinton makes a very good Senator, but only Obama could make a GREAT president. "

 sdm wrote on February 8, 2008 8:27 am:
" To those who say “He speaks well. That doesn’t mean he will deliver well” I ask you to take a look at just one of the things Obama has already done.

He is not like the average politician he is not afraid to let Americans know what their government is up to. He brought forward a bill and got it passed to create a public website where you can view how our tax dollars are spent.

usaspending.gov

I encourage you to visit this site and check it out. This speaks volumes about what kind of person he is and what kind of president he will be. Remember this is only ONE thing he has done in his SHORT political career. I can’t wait to see what he can do if we give him a chance.

As for Clinton, I just don’t want to see the next four years turned into “Public Scandal 101” that is about all people remembered from her husband being in office. Our country needs help and I don’t want that over shadowed by tabloids.
"

 MarkyMark wrote on February 8, 2008 8:30 am:
" I really cant believe anyone voting for Bush twice could actually critique anyone! If you haven't been paying attention, let me educate you. You have no credibility. "

 Dave wrote on February 8, 2008 8:32 am:
" None of the really matters does it? everyone knows McCain will win Nebraska come November and that is all that matters. "

 jewel wrote on February 8, 2008 8:33 am:
" Before we all run to obama, maybe we need a little info. He says he is for all AMERICANS, unity,ect But! lives a differant view "

 a different viewpoint wrote on February 8, 2008 8:34 am:
" Have any of you read the book "The End Times"? It's quite interesting. It foresees the end of the world as having a charismatic young leader rise up, seemingly out of nowhere, to charm the people, become president, and "unite" everyone. Everything is good for a couple years until it all falls apart and the world is in more chaos than it ever has been.
The Obama campaign is spooky to me because of the many similarities. Here is a leader who was virtually unknown until a couple years ago and everyone raves about him. How do we know he's not the beginning of the end?
Sign me, just another kook from Lincoln "

 mark wrote on February 8, 2008 8:35 am:
" lovin' the commercials of Ben Nelson pumping Obama as a man of great christian values. did the DNC approve that ad? I'd vote for him if he changed his slogan to "Change in which we can believe." Not good to be smitten by a dangler of participles. "

 Just...WoW wrote on February 8, 2008 8:55 am:
" So Obama did drugs when he was in high school. BIG DEAL. At least he has the guts to admit it, unlike Bill Clinton (I didn't inhale!) and G. Bush (alcoholic, DWIs, etc etc). I want someone to represent my country who has been there, who knows what it's like to be human, who can safely say "I am an American just like you." I want someone to lead my country who is real and honest.

I'm done with the Clinton family. I'm done with the Bush family. I think it's time for someone new to bring our country in the right direction. "

 JR wrote on February 8, 2008 9:11 am:
" Obama is young and energetic and definitly a breath of fresh air from what we have now. Having said that, let me ask this. How "exactly" is he going to "end the war in Iraq" or "Univerisalize Healthcare". He says these things, but never offers as to how he is going to implement them. Answer this for me and he can have my vote. "

 DrewMissouri wrote on February 8, 2008 9:43 am:
" I'm proud to be a cornhusker and now live in Missouri. Even though it is great to see BO in Omaha, my vote goes to Hillary. She has the strength and backbone to take America back to thinking about the future and leading us forward again. Barack is a nice guy and can sure motivate a crowd but he has no substance to his plans. Hillary has the plans and can stand by her word. VOTE HILLARY...SHE WILL BE READY ON DAY ONE AND WILL HEAR YOUR VOICE!!! "

 Nebraska 4 Obama wrote on February 8, 2008 9:49 am:
" This guy Nabity who is quoted in this article will vote Republican. I have voted for 4 Republican presidential candidates in my lifetime- going back to Reagan. However, the GOP has accomplished nothing positive in the past 8 years. Our country has regressed in all facets under the Bush Administration. Obama, not Clinton or McCain offers the best hope for a recovery. "

 Amen, "So THIS..." wrote on February 8, 2008 10:00 am:
" Couldn't have said it better myself. If people would take five minutes out of their day to visit the Obama campaign website, they'd see that he DOES talk specifics. He just doesn't during a rally- because that's not what rallies are FOR. Their purpose is to make people feel uplifted and excited. I also walked away feeling moved and inspired- and I can't say I remember a politician in America making me feel that way ever before. It's high time we had a leader who could inspire us and move us that way!!! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! "

 nupolitico wrote on February 8, 2008 10:43 am:
" 1) hes a great guy sure, but his policies are going to cost all of us money and ecentially say that the past 5 years and 3000 deaths in Iraq were for naught. Very sad.
2) This man has no ability to lead a nation, remember people he is the Junior Senator from Ill. and alot of you want him to run the largest economy, strongest military and most deverse nation in the world.
3) Wake up!! "

 ac minnesota wrote on February 8, 2008 11:27 am:
" Please remember, a vote for McCain, is just like voting for Bush all over again. Some people never learn! "

 ted wrote on February 8, 2008 11:41 am:
" Dream on! He offers no specifics for how he will pay for all this. What will happen when he is elected and he can't make all these things happen, because that is the reality of this phenomenon. If you believe all this pie-in-the-sky you will be very disappointed. Hillary has a better chance to produce actual results. "

 new to Lincoln wrote on February 8, 2008 12:52 pm:
" Obama, Clinton it won't matter either one is the best thing for the Republican party. "

 Hope rocks! wrote on February 8, 2008 2:03 pm:
" I saw Obama last night, and his wife Michelle today. Wow! They are the real deal and have my vote & my whole hearted support. "

 Sue wrote on February 8, 2008 3:43 pm:
" The plan is easy. The only way we are going to fix this country is to get out of Iraq. An Economic Stimulus Bill is not the answer. For too long Bush has kept us scared and in debt. Bush's answer to all our problems was to go out and go shopping. Its time for unity and change! Obama can help us achieve that! "

 Say NO to Hillary wrote on February 8, 2008 4:54 pm:
" To those wondering how Obama is going to provide and pay for universal health care and end the war in Iraq, Clinton has made the exact same promises. Why is it when Obama says he'll do it, some of you say he'll never be able to do it, never be able to pay for it, but when Clinton makes the exact same promises, suddenly she's the second coming. Obama has a genuineness about him that transcends race, gender, and political party. I don't get that from Clinton. I think she's in it for herself. And, based on the past, I simply don't trust her. And believe me, if you knew me, to say that I believe ANY politician--and I believe Obama--that is HUGE. I'm a life-long Democrat, and I'm looking forward to going to my first caucus and literally standing up for Obama. "

 Doc wrote on February 8, 2008 5:22 pm:
" Okay Class. Point by point. Wants to raise minimum wage. To what. $8/hour? $10/hour? Why not $25/hour? Any figure mandated by gov't is too high. The free market will work. If you are worth $25/hr. the employer will pay that, 'cause if not, he knows that you'll take your vast skills down the road. If you're not worth the money make yourself more valuable. National health care. Paid by whom? Social Security shows how well that will work. A ponzi scheme at best. Get out of Iraq. Do we immediately prove how tough we are by cutting and running or what? Sorry obamma, where's the beef? "

 Chill out wrote on February 8, 2008 9:58 pm:
" Good God! There were barely three sentences about a 14 year old. The article was full of responses from voting age individuals. Some of you people are really searching for things to complain about.

And learn about the candidates health care plans before you do the whole, "how will the government pay for everyone's health care!" They can do it by offering subsidies and tax credits to help make it more affordable for everyone. It won't be the same as socialized medicine because there will still be aspects of a market system. Our taxes won't go up as much as people think. Our current system is much closer to the free market model and it has proven to be a disaster. Changes need to be made. Even if you're not for universal health care, surely you acknowledge that the current system is broken. "

 Rose wrote on February 8, 2008 10:58 pm:
" Thank you corn huskers.

As an Obama supporter in NY, I've got to tell you, I'm JEALOUS you got to attend an Obama campaign event. He was at an event in New Jersey but it was too far for me to drive, so believe me you are quite lucky.

I hope you guys put him over the top tomorrow. Good luck. "

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