18,500 turn out to see Obama at GOTV rally in Philadelphia

[book_worm]

President Obama urged thousands of people at a rally in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood Sunday to look past their frustration with "the pace of change" and turn out Nov. 2 to vote for Democrats in the midterm elections to keep progress alive.

"The other side has decided to ride that anger and frustration without offering solutions," Obama said. "Pundits in Washington say it's a smart strategy. I think the pundits are wrong. You care too much about this country to let it fall backwards."

It was the second in a series of four planned presidential rallies in key states leading up to the election, part of an all-out effort to turn out the base that elected Obama in 2008 as Democrats fight to retain control of Congress.

Obama, who was introduced by Vice President Biden, spoke for 28 minutes, arguing that it would be wrong to go back to the Republican economic policies that "left such a big mess." He said the GOP should not be rewarded for what he called its cynical obstructionism aimed at a short-term electoral victory.

City officials estimated that 18,500 people turned out for the late afternoon event in a field next to Robert Fulton Elementary School, though it was hard to see how that many could fit in the space. Organizers said there were several overflow lots where people listened on speakers. They were all treated to the hip-hop band The Roots and DJ Diamond Cut and some red-meat political remarks

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20101010_Germantown_awaits_Obama__Biden.html

Here is a photo gallery:
http://www.philly.com/philly/gallery/Obama_rallies_Philly_voters.html

[babylonsister]

1. Dammit, why can't that man draw a crowd?

:fistbump:

[OregonBlue]

2. When his poll numbers are falling and his party has turned against him. So sad.

:shrug: :shrug:

[young but wise]

3. That's awesome. Now they need to vote.

:-)

[MindandSoul]

4. Thanks, and great link for great pictures!

Looking at those great pictures, something struck me! Have you noticed how most people attending Obama's speeches are smiling, happy, excited, while the teabaggers and GOP meetings are attended by people who are bitter, angry, and VERY rarely smiling???

Now, what kind of America do we want after November 2010???
I rather continue to smile!

[OregonBlue]

9. They really are nice pictures and you're right. The President and Vice President look so wonderful

and happy and so does the crowd. The Pugs and Teabaggers all look so unhappy and angry!

[Dawson Leery]

5. Fox "News" Channel: What rally?

[bigdarryl]

6. When was the last time the Tea kkk Party got that kind of crowd?

except Becks crowd and that was a six month promotion.This is why I can't stand the media C-SPAN was the only network that carried his rally all the way through.When Beck was in NJ last week he only drew a crowd of 300 tea baggers and was expected to draw thousands I think this tea bag shit is OVERRATED the only reason they get all the attention is because of FOX NEWS and the rest of the media

[nevergiveup]

7. AOL News said it was a much smaller turnout than in Madison, Wi.

[babylonsister]

8. They're right-different venues. I think WI had about 27,000. nt