Obama rallies Taco Bell Arena crowd
Senator’s speech Saturday aimed at securing Idaho Democratic caucus
By Anne Henderson
Argus Observer
Monday, February 4, 2008 10:59 AM PST
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| Saturday morning, more than 14,000 people gathered in Taco Bell Arena in Boise to see presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (center on podium) deliver an address aimed at securing support for the Idaho Democratic caucus, which takes place Tuesday. |
Boise — The morning sun strengthened as thousands of people filed into Taco Bell Arena Saturday in Boise.
Toes and fingers were well chilled as a result of the hour or more wait — lines stretched from the entrances of the arena out and around the partially renovated Bronco Stadium. The standing-room-only crowd gathered from all over the Treasure Valley to listen to, support and see presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama.
Obama was in Idaho Saturday speaking in front of a crowd of more than 1400 people hoping to secure support for the Idaho Democratic caucus, which takes place Tuesday.
The early hour and long, cold wait did little to temper the enthusiasm of his supporters.
The crowd warmed considerably, as Cecil Andrus, former Idaho governor, took the stage to introduce Obama.
“I have not seen, since John F. Kennedy in 1960, a candidate who has the ability to bring together to unite and inspire the people of America as Barack Obama,” he said.
Andrus termed the senator a “custodian of hope” and heartily endorsed his candidacy.
Just after 9:10 a.m., Obama met the crowd with his signature measured energy. Before setting in on his proposed policies and changes, he took time to reflect on his decision to run for the office of president, which he described as an “unlikely journey.”
Cracking a well-executed joke about the people who doubted his prospects, “Some people were skeptical of my prospects — the same way they were skeptical of Boise State,” Obama said, referring to the football team’s Fiesta Bowl win in 2006.
The senator reinforced Andrus’ statements by explaining his particular hope for America.
“Hope is not blind optimism,” he said. “Hope is imagining and then working for and struggling for what did not seem possible before.”
As an example of this particular relationship, Obama referenced “the Greatest Generation,” which he said defeated fascism and also “lifted itself out of the Great Depression.”
Obama promised to do certain things if elected, including making quality health care affordable for every American, granting mortgage reductions to people who live in modest homes and establishing a living wage. He also proposed a $4,000 tuition credit each year for every person who wants to go to college, in exchange for a certain amount of community service.
“If we invest in our young people, they will invest in America,” he said.
The senator said he believes in capitalism, but proposed the economy must be one that “works for all Americans, not just some.”
To accomplish this, Obama suggested reversing the Bush tax breaks that he said hurt the working and middle class because they benefit the super-rich and companies who are investing overseas. To remedy this he promoted “tax breaks to companies that invest in the United States.”
Obama also spoke of raising fuel efficiency standards, which he said would protect the environment and increase national security by decreasing America’s dependence on foreign oil.
Commenting further on the issue of national security, Obama spoke of the sadness he has seen in Americans because of negative views and opinions that have proliferated overseas about the country.
“People love this country and want to see their cherished values and ideals restored,” he said.
Obama said he could begin to take the country back “for the people” by purging Washington of lobbyists.
“They will not run my White House, and they will not drown the voices of the American people,” he stated.
This sentence was met with thunderous applause.
Overall, Obama’s message was peppered with urgency. He spoke of the utter necessity he sees for change — championing himself as the man with the honesty and vision to lead America back into a position of respected power — and he envisions the country as a champion of democracy and human rights.
“This is the most consequential election in a generation,” he said.
Obama acknowledged the size of the challenges the country faces. He insisted Americans are ready to tackle those challenges but are in need of a new type of politics.
“I believe people are desperate for something different,” he said. “The American people are tired of a politics of fear. They want a politics of hope.”
In closing, 45 minutes after he took the stage, Obama left the crowd with the following encouragement and promise.
“This is our moment,” he said. “This is our time. If you are willing to stand with me, if you are willing to caucus for me, if you believe this is not the end of the American Dream but the beginning, if you believe we have to keep the dream alive, if you are not willing to settle — then I promise you we will not just win Idaho, we will not just win the nomination, we will win the general election and change this world.”
