Barack Obama Makes Campaign Stop in Louisville

Barack Obama Makes Campaign Stop in Louisville
Mwabi Murdock

Democratic Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama made his first campaign stop in Kentucky since announcing that he would run for President in Louisville on February 25. Three thousand tickets priced at $25 went on sale last week and 2500 tickets were sold in just 12 hours. Supporters lined up outside the Marriott as early as 4 PM in the rain. Doors opened at 5:30 PM and the fundraising event was scheduled to start at 6:30 PM. Sen. Obama did not get to the podium until 8:30 PM.
The mood of the standing room crowd remained celebratory despite the wait. The crowd consisted of young children with their parents, teenagers, students, couples, and professionals from all races. 42nd District State Representative Reginald Meeks attended the event with his granddaughter.
“I am excited and looking forward to seeing a more mature Obama and for him to generate excitement even after he leaves Kentucky,” he said.
As soon as Sen. Obama took the stage he apologized for the delay and explained that he had to drive to a remote location and take a plane from there since the Chicago weather kept him catching his plane there. He immediately made the crowd feel appreciated while explaining his grassroots campaign.
“I love my big donors but I would rather raise 10,000 $100 donations than 100 $10,000 checks anytime because that means people are behind you.”
Sen. Obama laid out his platform which included strengthening America overseas, a plan to end the Iraq War (redeployment of U.S. forces no later than May 1, 2007 with the goal of removing all combat brigades from Iraq by March 31, 2008), cleaning up Washington’s culture of corruption, meeting America’s energy needs, honoring our veterans, improving our schools, creating a healthcare system that works, protecting our homeland, strengthening families and communities, protecting the right to vote, and reconciling faith and politics.
He was met with loud applause whenever he spoke of the war and how American people are ready for change.
“We are less safe now than when the war started. There is core decency to American people. They can’t always pay attention but when they pay attention good things happen.”
Sen. Obama has heard all the talk about how inexperienced he is.
"Some people might ask, 'How can this guy been president? He's only been in Washington for two years.' Let me tell you, I've been in Washington long enough to see that things need to be changed," he said.
Sen. Obama spoke for 35 minutes and that was just enough for excited attendees to feel like they were a part of history in the making.