Posted on 08/08/2008 11:40:42 AM PDT by pissant
ORLANDO (NNPA) — The line of people at the Orlando World Center Marriott weaved through the corridors and wrapped around corners as well more than a thousand awaited the opening of the ballroom, where presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama was about to speak.
“Yesterday, the crowd was polite to Sen. John McCain here at the National Urban League Conference. But, today, for Sen. Obama, it’s more of a love fest!” reported one excited CBS Radio newsman, among the horde of reporters observing the crowd waiting for Obama.
He was right. People were waiting in line as early as 7 a.m. Saturday morning for the anticipated 2 p.m. speech. The ballroom, which seated well over 1,000 people, had been close to full for presumptive Republican nominee McCain the day before. For Obama, an overflow crowd had to be seated in an adjacent room to watch the speech on close circuit television.
“I stand here before you today feeling no small amount of gratitude. Because I know that my story, and so many other improbable stories, would not be possible without all that the Urban League has done to put opportunity within reach of every American, Obama said in his opening statement to the cheering and applauding crowd. “It’s because of the doors you’ve opened, because of the battles you’ve fought and won, because of people in this room and all those who came before you, that I come here today as a candidate for President of the United States of America.”
It was two days of raw political campaigning by both candidates for the Black audience thirsting to hear perspectives on socio-economic issues. Marc Morial, NUL president and CEO, sat on a stool close to the podium as both candidates spoke. Morial then asked them questions based on issues included in the NUL’s “Opportunity Compact,” a comprehensive report on the state of Black America, which includes extensive research data and policy recommendations.
“This election is about the 47 million people who don’t have health care — including one in five African Americans — people for whom one accident, one illness could mean financial ruin,” said Obama, promising to “guarantee health care for anyone who needs it.”
On the 2.5 million people facing foreclosure, Obama said he would support tax credits to help low and medium-income families as well as establish easier ways to refinance mortgage loans.
McCain, who received several strong applause during his speech, appeared more comfortable with NUL than he did before the NAACP audience a month ago.
“Equal access to public education has been gained. But, what is the value of access to a failing school? Equal employment opportunity is set firmly down in law. But with jobs becoming scarcer — and 400,000 Americans thrown out of work just this year — that can amount to an equal share of diminished opportunity,” McCain said.
But, McCain talked more about education reform than anything, again pitching his support for charter school vouchers, which fell on a silent audience. Most historic African American groups oppose vouchers because they take money that could go to public schools and give it to private schools. “Some parents may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private school. Many will choose a charter school. No entrenched bureaucracy or union should deny parents that choice and children that opportunity,” he told the quiet audience.
The most enthusiastic applause during the McCain speech was for his promise to reform school budgets.
Still, it was Obama who drew obvious awe from onlookers.
It was amazing, everything I thought it was going to be — inspirational and really hopeful,’’ said a beaming Latoya Hoflin, who will be “15 in two weeks.”
Hoflin, from Atlanta, says since she’s not old enough to vote, she will “inspire others and try to get other people to vote for him.”
The Obama enthusiasm crossed the age spectrum. Dennis Rahiim Watson, president and CEO of the National Black Leadership Council and the chairman of the National Youth & Gang Violence Task Force, left the speech with a broad smile, saying he too has a new level of hope.
“Young Black children can be what they see. He has raised the level of our expectations of what we can be. So, I am touched. He felt the pulse of the people, very down to earth, very clear,” he said.
It was Obama’s ability to deliver a clear message that was first on the attack list for McCain.
“If there’s one thing he always delivers, it’s a great speech. But, I hpe you’ll listen carefully, because his ideas are not always as impressive as his rhetoric,” said McCain.
But, there’s one thing on which they both agreed. When Morial asked each whether they will host a White House celebration for the NUL’s 100th birthday celebration in 2010, they both gave emphatic answers.
“How could I say no?” laughed McCain.
Obama said he would because in his administration, the White House would be “the People’s House.”
peoples??? like in you peoples??
No, no, no.
Ludicris says they’ll paint it black.
Isn’t that what the Clintons said also?
... and then they ransacked the place...
Is he going to walk up Pennsylvania Avenue after his inauguration like Jimmah Carter?
“The Peoples House” my azz, that is a hallmark of Communist countries, always referring to the ‘House of the People’, the ‘Great Hall of the People’, when the people don’t have a damn thing to do with it.
Comrade Obama’s Marxist slip is showing.
More like the People’s Temple, bring on the grape aid!
No. like in The Democratic Peoples Republic of _________
Yes, and we know the names of those people: Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn, and assorted other America haters and/or domestic terrorists. Won't they be wonderful Lincoln Bedroom overnight guests?
This isn’t exactly new behavior for Democrats who haven’t ever met an actual ordinary person and now have to pretend they like even a few of them:
Andrew Jackson stated it was the People’s House and invited them all in. And, the ‘people’ ransacked the place, having gotten drunk on Presidential whiskey in complete orgy celebration.
Yes, Andrew Jackson was a Democrat.
it will be da peoples’ house AFTER they paint it black.
When he says ‘People’s House’ I do believe he means that in the communist/socialist way - as in the ‘the People’s Army,’ etc.
Didn’t Queen Pelosi say that about the House of Representatives? Back before she started hearing things she didn’t like....
Better check out Obama’s definition of “Peoples”.
Let’s see, “Peoples Square.” “Peoples Congress, “Great Hall of the People.”
Obama could be drawing his definition of “Peoples” from Stalin and Mao, ya know.
This f’n idiot...there already IS a “people’s House”, and Nazi Pelosi has shut it down.
“Obama vows: White House will be ‘The People’s House’”
Well that would be fitting since, if he’s elected this nation will forever after be known as “The Peoples Republic of America.”
bttt
Wasn’t that what Carter said too? Remember his stroll with the “people” after inauguration?
Great. What time is supper?
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