Visit the Photo Place

26,000 turn out to see Obama at UMW, police estimate

Thousands brave rain for chance to attend Obama/Biden rally at UMW.

See related video

Send us YOUR photos from the rally.

Date published: 9/27/2008

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama at a rally here last night portrayed rival Republican John McCain as out of touch with average Americans and supportive of economic policies that brought on the current banking crisis.

At least 26,000 people turned out for the rally at the University of Mary Washington, standing in the rain for hours to see Obama and his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden.

Twelve thousand were permitted inside the fenced area at Ball Circle on the campus, and others listened to the speeches from nearby.

Obama focused his remarks primarily on the economy, and was sharply critical of McCain, frequently referring to things McCain said in their first debate, held the night before.

Obama and Biden both said McCain never mentioned the middle class or the working class.

“You heard John McCain make the case for the policies that got us into this mess,” Obama said. “John McCain had a lot to say about me. But he had nothing to say about you.”

He said McCain’s statement last week that the “fundamentals of the economy are strong,” which McCain has said was intended to mean American workers, was no misstatement.

“He didn’t just make a mistake,” Obama said. “He revealed an out-of-touch philosophy.”

Obama said he will push for economic policies that benefit average Americans, instead of corporations or the rich.

He proposes a tax plan he said will reduce taxes for 95 percent of Americans, and also touched briefly on plans to raise teacher pay, make college more affordable, and provide health care for everyone.

“We need a president who will change this economy so it finally works for your family,” Obama said. “We need a president who will fight for the middle class every single day.”

He spoke also of President George Bush’s proposal to use $700 billion in government money to help bail out troubled financial institutions.

Obama said he will not support a “blank check” for banks, nor vote for a bailout package that has no conditions or oversight.

“If the American people are being asked to provide a solution you’ve got a right to make sure your tax dollars are protected,” Obama said.

He also said the plan must include provisions to help homeowners, and not contain excessive compensation for CEOs.

“I will not allow this plan to become a welfare [plan] for Wall Street executives,” he said.

QUOTES FROM THE RALLY "When Obama speaks, it gets your heart pounding. He has the entire world’s attention.” —Va State Senator Edd Houck (D) “I didn’t appreciate Obama’s personal attacks on McCain. I wish the rally had been more about Obama and less about his competition. I’m sick of hearing about how John McCain was wrong. —Bethany Wolfe, UMW se nior “Just to see him in person was so exciting. I could have just watched the speech on TV, but being in the rain was kind of fun.” —Peter Hawes, UMW freshman “I got a text message from Obama just last night and decided to drive down. I’ve got the fever.” —George Thuronyi, Arlington “After his speech, I was flabbergasted. He was phenomenal. Biden and Obama make the perfect duo.” —Alexis Carey, Westmoreland County “I enjoyed the rally, but I wish he had touched on where he’s going to be getting all this money. Both campaigns need to address how we’re going to pay to fix this economic crisis. Where is this $700 billion coming from?” —Ian Scott, Fredericksburg “His speech was well worth the nine hours we waited. He touched on everything that Americans really want, especially health care and education.” —Joan Farmer, Fredericksburg “He was so inspiring, as always. Obama really stuck to the point. He knows what the people need.” —Sam Mammen, San Antonio, Texas - Compiled by Susannah Clark

Follow us on

Read more stories about Fredericksburg
Date published: 9/27/2008

Most recent reader comments: