Obama rally brings all walks of life

Illinois senator and Democratic presidential candidate hopeful Barack Obama spoke Wednesday night to a packed Assembly Hall to rally support for Tuesday’s upcoming primary election.\nAn estimated 13,000 people were present to hear Obama’s message, which included his ideas on providing college tuition credits to those who volunteer for community service, researching energy alternatives and ending the war in Iraq.\n“After kissing hundreds of babies, it’s time for change,” he said of his long campaign against Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton. \nYoung and old alike came to the rally, and enthusiasm was high throughout the night.\nBloomington resident Liz Rosdeitcher tailed behind her two young daughters shortly before the rally started as they dashed up the halls of Assembly Hall trying to find the best seats. She was initially reluctant to bring her children out, but her daughter Catherine, 7, convinced her to make an appearance. \n“She was desperate to see him after hearing so much about him around the house,” Rosdeitcher said. “I didn’t want to take her out after her bedtime, but she was determined.”\nShe added that her family are very strong supporters of Obama, especially of his “vision and understanding of race.” \nAlan and Barbara Backler of Ellettsville made the trip to Bloomington while on their way back from a trip to Michigan just to hear him speak. \n“I found his message very moving, and his personal story at the end made the whole thing possible,” Alan said. \nBoth were impressed with his ability to give concrete examples of what he plans to do to create change.\nDespite the large number of supporters present at the rally, others trying to increase support for other nominees and ideas still made an appearance. \nIU graduate student Greg Knott stood just outside the doors with a campaign sign for Republican candidate Ron Paul. Although Paul tails in the polls to Senator John McCain, he still hopes Tuesday’s upcoming primary election can bring about a comeback.\n“It would be huge if everyone could send a message,” Knott said.\nTom Phelps, another IU graduate, was also outside after the rally promoting a quick end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which he called “immoral.” Despite his disagreements with U.S. foreign policy and Obama’s ideas on the subject, he still said he supports the Democratic candidate with “unfortunate reluctance” because of his plans for education reform, specifically the $4,000 credit he plans to offer to college students who volunteer for community service. \nHis actions outside the rally, holding a sign in protest of the war, were in sync with his overall beliefs about what is important during presidential election years.\n“Voting isn’t the most important thing, it’s being out in the street and maybe even causing some problems,” Phelps said. “You gotta do what you can.”