Obama For America's Future?
A hungry, liberal audience at the Campaign for America's Future Take Back America Conference spent their lunch hour today listening to speeches from Barack Obama and John Edwards. Prior to their appearances, progressive activists gathered alongside supporters of the two top tier candidates in the lobby of the Washington Hilton Ballroom. However, a quick glance into the crowd would have led one to believe this was purely an Obama event. A lone Edwards staffer stood in the middle of the lobby handing out campaign signs amidst a sea of "Obama '08" t-shirt clad volunteers at surrounding tables. The trend continued in the ballroom when a faint Edwards chant was quickly overshadowed by a roaring O-BAMA, O-BAMA!
Obama immediately appealed to the progressive crowd in his refined preachy-style. He highlighted his role as a community organizer on Chicago's southside and his decision to "turn down those corporate job offers" after law school to return to Chicago, painting himself as something "we haven't seen in years." Obama: "On paper it is impossible that I'm here as a U.S. candidate for president. ... I know it's possible." It felt as if the crowd was on its feet before Obama even finished each policy point.
Edwards was greeted with a less boisterous welcome (with some of the crowd parting early for the afternoon's Employee Free Choice Act rally on Capitol Hill) but received hearty applause for his harsh criticism of the Iraq war and Congress' "broken promises" of withdrawal. Edwards: "No more pontificating. No more vacillating. No more triangulating. No more broken promises. No more pats on the head. No more we'll-get-around-to-it-next-time. No more taking half a loaf." In addition to his usual policy pitches surrounding poverty and an increased global awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDs and other issues, Edwards called for the creation of "green collar jobs" and a "patriotism" for environmental conservation versus war.
Where were the Edwards supporters today? Probably busy getting ready for the party at MCCXXII tonight! [AMY DUDLEY]
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