Obama Attracts Masses of Confident Supporters in Philadelphia

The city of Brotherly Love came together to hear Illinois senator Barack Obama speak live and in living color at Progress Plaza, in Philadelphia this past Saturday. The chant "Yes we can" could be heard blocks from the venue.

The long wait for the gates to open didn't seem to bother Philadelphians in this key swing state.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell both spoke at the rally.

Obama's comments were brief, hitting a variety of topics and touching on Senator McCain and Governor Palin's recent comments.

"Our destiny's not written for us, it is written by us," Senator Obama said to a roaring crowd. "The American people understand what's going on. It's not going to happen; not this time -- we can't afford 4 more years."

"I don't want you guys to be fooled when McCain and Palin start putting up ads about change. Don't be hoodwinked; don't be bamboozled; don't fall for the okey-doke," Obama said as the crowd laughed.

As far as taxes, the Illinois senator was clear, "In an economy like this one, the last thing we need to do is raise taxes on the middle class."

Obama was often forced to wait between sentences as the crowd roared. "Change means investing in our cities, and taking on corruption on Wall Street and Washington -- we'll start by ending this war in Iraq," he said. "We can do it Philadelphia, because we've done it before."

Extending in lines that stretched more than five blocks, many of the Obama supporters were volunteering in various capacities for the campaign.

"We come to any speech he gives. I spend my time calling other attorneys to make sure we get the vote," Damen Thiel, Volunteer Lawyer for Counsel for Change said.

Other supporters of Obama followed the Senator to the Democratic National Convention.

"I thought today would be the last day to see Barack Obama before he gets elected as president. His take on the economy is the best approach for regulating the banks. He also has the right approach with tax breaks," LaTanya Nelson of Woodbury, N.J. said. Nelson was among the regional volunteers present at the Democratic National Convention.

"I wanted to see Barack in Person. We need someone who can turn this country in a positive direction," Shirley Rogers, an educator in Pennsylvania said. "Obama is going to win..."

Though the rally was for Obama, rally-goers were still vocal about their views on the Republican Party.

"All I know is we can't trust the Republicans with the economy anymore," said Joanna Jackson, who traveled from New Jersey to attend the rally.

Obama closed his speech at Progress Plaza amid a roar. "We have a history of Overcoming, Philadelphia," he said.

Comments

[twiggy2]

MANDELA EFFECT - SOUNDS GREAT ! OBAMA/ BIDEN 2008

[MJJM]

The only thing that has CHANGE so far is John McCain's campaign, positions and policies!!

Since Obama and McCain have never been President before, the only thing Americans can use to judge who will be better is my looking at how they run their Campaign's. John is ERRATIC and OBAMA is steadfast and unmoveable!!!

McCain/Palin are the first candidates to both have been involved in ethics violations.

[Ofactor]

You gotta love Obama....I think that all this talk about race...I bet Obama has the Mandela affect on this country...When Mandela was elected their was this same kind of racism...but by the time his term was over and he could no longer run....they say that the country both black and whites were so distraught at the fact that he could no longer preside over the country...they ended up loving Mandela..

[blaqntelligence]

What a heartwarming pov!. Thank you.
After endless discussions of the Bradley Effect, I'd love to see that crap stood on it's head and the coming generations refer to the Mandela Effect or the Obama Effect.
Excellent.

[kellygrrrl]

Thanks!

[Seeitmyway]

Wow!
What SMART, energetic supporters in PA and NJ!

I love you guys!

OBAMA '08

[Gmoney1]

Obama ROCKS - you go Philly -

[OB08]

DEMS keep helping in anyway you can. Volunteer, donate, canvassing, phone banks - we don't have much time left. Stay strong and positive and pass the word around. President Obama and VP Biden will prevail.

[wanttruth]

Great story!