Obama Fires Up Thousands in Santa Barbara

[illinoisprogressive]

Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama drew thousands of supporters to Santa Barbara Saturday for a free public rally.

The Democratic Candidate drew supporters from as far away as Santa Cruz and San Diego.

1,500 people were expected to attend the free public rally.

According to the Sheriff's Department the number that attended was more than tripple that: the crowd was estimated at 6,000.

Greeting thousands of supporters before an oceanfront backdrop at Santa Barbara City College, Presidential Candidate Barack Obama took the stage.

Wearing buttons, stickers and holding signs, crowds of people gather to hear the Illinois Senator speak during the first of three campaign stops in Santa Barbara.

"Part of this campaign is letting everyone in Washington know that the American people are ready for something new and they want a change." Obama showed a humbler side and a sense of humor when he talked about his bid for the presidency.

"I am reminded every single day by events and if not by events than by my wife that that I am not a perfect man and I will not be a perfect president."

When a woman standing near the front of the stage suddenly fainted, Obama's message to the crowd was temporarily interupted.

"Can we get somebody, we've got medical attention coming," Obama told Secret Service from the stage.

Paramedics responded, and the rally continued.

"We can fundamentally change our politics, if you don't believe that we're divided in the red states and blue states, then don't just bet on this campaign believe in yourself," he told the crowd.

Obama's supporters listened as the Senator called on a need for change. "I think it's really about changing the system and the fact that he really understands that inspires me a lot actually," said James Hansen, a student at UCLA who drove to Santa Barbara to watch the rally.

http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?S=7046262

[MethuenProgressive]

1. Nice he stopped by on his way to Oprah's mega-fundraiser

from the OP's link:
"Later in the evening, the Senator was the guest of honor at a fundraising dinner in Montecito hosted by Oprah Winfrey. Celebrities expected to attend include Halle Berry, Will Smith, Jamie Fox, and Stevie Wonder."

[snowbear]

2. He ROCKS, doesn't he Methuen?

~~~ :hug:

[MethuenProgressive]

3. His besotted fans sure think so, larissa

But he's deep as a puddle.

[silverweb]

4. He's really been on the go.

Obama's been hitting the right notes at every stop and drawing in the crowds. He excites people and inspires them, and he's got intelligent, progressive ideas on all the issues.

I'm delighted but not at all surprised to see that he drew such a large crowd in Santa Barbara. Everyone knew, after all, that he'd be there for Oprah's fundraiser tonight, so it was the perfect opportunity for a public event as well.