Last night, Barack spoke in front of a crowd of 35,000 people — the largest crowd yet of the entire campaign . . .
From the Philadelphia Inquirer:
Sen. Barack Obama launched his closing Pennsylvania blitz yesterday by traveling from one corner of the state to the other, starting in Erie and closing with a massive outdoor rally on the streets of Philadelphia. On a warm and clear spring evening, in front of a crowd estimated at 35,000, the Democratic presidential candidate told supporters that they have the opportunity to send a powerful message to the rest of the country in the primary on Tuesday. "In four days, you get the chance to help bring about the change that we need right now," Obama said. "Here in the city and the state that gave birth to our democracy, we can declare our independence from the politics that's shut us out, let us down, and told us to settle." ... The crowd - the estimate of 35,000 came from officials at the Independence Visitors Center - began assembling early, filling Independence Mall and spilling into the surrounding streets. They waited with relative patience, chanting "O-ba-ma" whenever the music stopped, until 8:45, when the rally finally started. They gave him a thunderous greeting and cheered often throughout a speech that was crafted with the setting in mind. With Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell to his right and the National Constitution Center to his left, the Illinois senator draped his familiar message in the local historical trappings. ... he said that it was time to declare independence from "the politics that feeds on fake controversy." Said Obama: "That may make for good headlines and good television, but it doesn't make for good government - it doesn't bring down the price of your gas or your premiums; it doesn't help you pay for college or bring your loved one home from Iraq any faster." ... Today, Obama embarks on a daylong, whistle-stop train ride, starting at Wynnewood and ending with a nighttime rally on the steps of the Capitol in Harrisburg. At some stations, the candidate is expected to speak from the train as it rolls by at slow speed.
From the Philadelphia Daily News:
With just days to go before the Pennsylvania primary, Sen. Barack Obama last night appeared before thousands of roaring supporters in Independence Mall, and pledged to "declare independence" from Washington politics. "In four days, you get the chance to help bring about the change that we need right now, Philadelphia," Obama said. "Here in the city and the state that gave birth to our democracy, we can declare our independence from the politics that has shut us out, let us down, and told us to settle." In his first public Philadelphia appearance, Obama stood on stage before the Independence Visitor Center, addressing a rapturous crowd of roughly 35,000 that stretched all the way to Independence Hall. His warm up acts included will.i.am, lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas. ... [Obama explained,] "I don't believe we can bring about change if we don't declare our independence from the politics that exploits our differences and inflames the divisions in our country, the politics that feeds on fake controversy, and distractions, where you keep track of how many points you score on your opponent instead of how many problems you solve for the American people."
During yesterday evening's rush hour, thousands of people converged, perhaps in pilgrimage, on Independence Mall. They stood shoulder to shoulder, filling the grassy expanse between the National Constitution Center and Independence Hall, waving, dancing, screaming and waiting for the junior senator from Illinois to arrive. "Are you ready for change?" a voice squawked over the PA system. "Yes!" the crowd thundered. Troy Pititt, 45, wearing a shirt that read "Proud to Be an American," was among the many prepared to wait hours to see Barack Obama. He had come, bearing campaign buttons, from Springfield, Ill. "All of our buttons are union-made," Pititt said. "Two for $5 and one for $3." His buttons, which bore images of Obama and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., of Obama gesturing, Obama smiling, Obama kissing his wife, were unusual, and business at Fifth and Market Streets was brisk. "I like him 'cause he's a Democrat and he's young," Pititt said. "I think we need young for change, and I think he's the one to do it. I'm not just saying that. I believe that in my heart." ... The crowd wore Obama's likeness on buttons, shirts, hats and signs. A "Boilermakers for Obama" blimp floated. A man at Fifth and Market yelled at anyone who passed by, "If you're tired of the drama, vote for Obama." Another rode a vintage bicycle with a homemade Obama sign taped to his back. ... Michael Lundy, 32, an artist from Roxborough, came to the mall yesterday to show off his work, a painting of Obama in the shadows of King. On the painting, which also bears dozens of black faces, some with their fists in the air, was written: "One Hope. One Dream. Yes We Can Achieve." It is a message he said he takes to heart. He said he has been inspired by Obama's historic achievement - becoming the first viable African American candidate for president. The piece was not for sale. He said he just brought it to show and inspire others. "Now that he's so close, he inspires me to never give up," Lundy said.
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