Obama Distances Himself From Clinton, on Her Turf

[Ethelk2044]

Senator Barack Obama implored thousands of admirers who gathered last night in New York City to set aside their distrust in politics and believe in the long-term possibility of his presidential candidacy even though, he conceded, “there are easier choices to make in this election.”

In a giant rally in the backyard of Senator Hillary Rodham, Mr. Obama, of Illinois, drew distinctions between himself and his leading rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, insisting that only a fresh candidate could truly change Washington. Twice, he singled out Mrs. Clinton.

“Even your senator from New York wasn’t clear about the Yankees,” he said, laughing at his own joke. “I know who I’m rooting for!”

Mr. Obama was referring to a moment in the debate Wednesday when Mrs. Clinton, who grew up in Illinois, said she would alternate sides between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs should they ever face each other in a World Series. He broadened his criticism, suggesting voters should be dubious of any candidate who declined to acknowledge the prospect of raising taxes to fix Social Security

Mr. Obama, bathed in bright flood lights as he stood on a stage before a crowd stretching across Washington Square Park, struck a sharper tone than he has through much of his campaign, particularly when he stands alongside his Democratic rivals. The arguments he made, before an audience of supporters, were not articulated during a debate one night earlier.

“There were folks on the stage that said Social Security is just fine, we don’t have to do anything about it,” Mr. Obama said last night. “There are those who will tell you that getting out of Iraq will be painless, we’ll do it in a snap, not acknowledging that there are no good options in Iraq. There are folks who will shift positions and policies on all kinds of things depending on which way the wind is blowing. That’s not the kind of politics that will deliver on the change we are looking for.”

The racially diverse crowd included Obama devotees who said they came specifically to increase attendance; Greenwich Village residents who had heard the commotion and followed it with dogs and yoga mats in tow; and nostalgists who beamed at the sight of thousands of mostly young people filling the park for a liberal, antiwar cause.

Though Mr. Obama and the other candidates have spent most of their time in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, the rally last night underscored efforts to look ahead to Feb. 5, when New York and 20 other states hold primaries. Mr. Obama has made at least 17 trips to New York City this year.

[zulchzulu]

1. I have a couple friends who were there and said there were many that didn't get in

They were way, way, way in the back. Nice crowd...

[flpoljunkie]

2. Over 20,00 signed up online for the rally! Two more photos from the rally!

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama waves as he leaves the stage after speaking to a large crowd during a rally at Washington Square Park in New York, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)


Democratic presidential hopeful Sen.Barack Obama,D-ILL, greets enthusiastic supporters after speaking to crowds during a rally at Washington Square Park in New York, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

[Scriptor Ignotus]

5. I got there late

and was way, way in the back. I couldn't even see him. It was packed and it was great.

[snowbear]

6. Ah ratz!

Bummer that you couldn't get up closer and get some photos Scriptor.

Sounds like you still had fun though!! Now THAT is a street party ~~~

[Bitwit1234]

3. Yep yep yep...next stop the moon.

[Capn Sunshine]

4. The change we are looking for

that's what this is all about , and what the American electorate desires.

[FlaxieB]

7. Steady as she goes, Go Obama!

[AtomicKitten]

8. Some friends attended and were blown away.

It seems Obama is clearing away the cobwebs of dashed hopes and is breathing life into Americans all across the country.

Bravo!

[illinoisprogressive]

9. Sounds like obama took a big bite out the big apple. and set it on fire.

[Colobo]

10. Let's kick this!