Obama and 'Change' Hit the N.C. A&T Campus |
By LaShawn Parker - Black College Wire | |
Democratic contender takes message to packed audience Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama felt the love at the War Memorial Auditorium Wednesday, March 26 during his campaign tour. The audience filled the 1,600-seat theater, after many stood in line for hours outside, then waited patiently for over an hour inside before Obama approached the stage to speak.
Obama said foreclosures lead to a decrease in property value, which leads to a decrease in purchases, which causes the economy to become stagnant. The economy has also been heavily effected by the war in Iraq. "We don't need more Bush," said Obama. "We don't need a third Bush term and that's what John McCain is promising." Obama also spoke about treating veterans right and using the military wisely. His views on healthcare were plans to either decrease costs by $2500 for households or subsidize health care for those who cannot afford it. He also offered a health care plan similar to that of Congress. He wants to give war veterans better benefits as well. He feels politics should lift people up and lobbyist in D.C. don't represent real people as Senator Clinton has said. "They shut out the voice of the people," Obama said, referring to lobbyists. Obama then delivered a backhanded compliment to Clinton saying, "Senator Clinton is a smart and capable person." then explaining why he disagrees with her about lobbyists, evoking ovations about how "the people" fund him. "I got one money order for $3 from a woman and I appreciated it," Obama said. The senator also addressed his views on poverty in America. "We have to remind ourselves that in a nation as wealthy as this, there shouldn't be deeply impoverished people." He added that basic needs for food, shelter and healthcare should be met but for any of that to happen a change had to come from the American people. "In the end, we can't do this unless all of have a change of heart about what America is all about," said Obama A brief question and answer session after his speech allowed his supporters to get a better understanding of his views and his signature personality which is what has attracted many young voters. In preparation for the Democratic primary in North Carolina on May 6, the Obama campaign has opened a Greensboro office on Friendly Avenue. There will also be a statewide college tour to encourage voter registration before the April 11 deadline, especially with the unprecedented increase in youth involvement in this year's election. Actors Shawn and Marlon Wayans are helping Obama in his efforts in N.C. by speaking at Wake Forest, WSSU, UNCG, A&T, NCCU and N.C. State. LaShawn Parker writes for the North Carolina A&T student newspaper, The Register, which originally published this article. Mike McCray, editor in chief of The Register, also contributed to this story. |
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Posted Apr. 08, 2008 |
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