FREDERICKSBURG,Va. — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and running mate Joe Biden spoke at a rally at the University of Mary Washington Saturday, attracting a crowd of 26,000.
Biden began his speech by citing Friday’s debate as proof that Republican presidential candidate John McCain is “out of touch with the American people,” claiming that “McCain’s judgment has been flat wrong” on issues such as the War in Iraq and homeland security.
When Obama spoke, he focused on the “troubling” economic situation, noting that 600,000 workers have lost their jobs since January, home values are falling, there are a record number of foreclosures, and it has never been harder to retire.
“In so many cities and towns across America, the precious dream so many generations fought for is slowly slipping away,” Obama said.
Obama stressed that in the 40 minutes he and McCain spent debating the economy Friday, McCain did not address the concerns of working-class families.
“John McCain had a lot to say about me,” Obama said, “but he had nothing to say about you.”
Scott Hirons, vice chairman of Stafford County Republican committee, said yesterday that Obama’s appeals to the working class will have no effect on voters in the area and dismissed McCain’s lack of references to the working class in the debate.
“The Democrats try to segment people into different classifications, try to develop a class warfare,” Hirons said. “Republicans, and John McCain in particular, talk to all Americans and work for the good of the entire country.”
During the rally, Obama also spoke of his plans to reinvigorate the ‘American dream,’ promising to cut taxes for 95 percent of working families, making tax rates lower than they were under Ronald Reagan and promising affordable healthcare for all Americans.
Obama also promised to improve the standards of education and to ensure every young American can afford to go to college, especially those who commit to serving their community or country.
“If you invest in America, then we will invest in you,” Obama said.
Though Obama made many promises to the American people during his speech, Daniel Keyserling, deputy director of communications at the University’s Center for Politics and former executive editor of The Cavalier Daily, noted that while the president can propose legislation and offer his opinion on legislation, it is ultimately up to the legislative branch to enact it.
“The president doesn’t pass legislation, the Congress does, so any of those [claims] have to be taken with a grain of salt,” Keyserling said.
Obama ended the rally by calling the members of the crowd to action and predicting his victory in the state.
“We will win Virginia, we will win this general election,” Obama said. “You and I together, we will change the country, and we will change the world.”
Hirons said Obama’s assertion that he will win Virginia is “laughable” and said there is little evidence to suggest it is possible. Hirons said the Republican base in Virginia is strong and active.
According to an e-mail to the Obama campaign from UMW Police Chief Jay Snipes, 12,000 people attended the rally inside the gates of Ball Circle, the campus’ main square, and an additional 14,000 watched from outside the perimeter.
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