News-Letter

Media Credit: Jessie Young Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama addressed a crowd of 1,500 supporters Wed. night, calling for all Americans to unite as a "new generation."

A rally in Prince George's County for Illinois Sen. Barack Obama­ Wed. night may have been the only chance for Marylanders to catch a glimpse of the candidate before the start of the primary season.

The event, which campaign officials said was designed to increase Obama's visibility in Maryland, drew a crowd of about 1,500, including a bus-full of supporters organized by the newly formed JHU Students for Barack Obama.

Americans "are frustrated with an administration that treats our constitution as a nuisance to be avoided, as opposed to the foundation of our liberty and our democracy," Obama said.

Obama was introduced by Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler and U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, the co-chairmen of his Maryland campaign. The crowd, armed with posters of "Obama '08," "Hope" and "Obama Rocks PG [Prince George]," cheered as the politicians appeared on the makeshift stage setup near the athletic field against the backdrop of an American flag.

Speaking in front of an audience of suit-clad supporters mixed with students in jeans and flip-flops, Obama commented on the diversity of the crowd before him. In reference to his broad support, he said, "Let's face it, it is a reaction to George W. Bush."

Obama's anti-Bush sentiment set the tone for the first half of his speech. Obama played on supporters' frustration with the current administration, attacking Bush's economic and foreign policies that have "diminished our standing in the world." He then shifted his focus, however, to his vision for the future, calling for Americans to unite in ushering in the beginning of a "new generation."

"People are yearning for justice and they're hungry for change," he said. "It's not going to be enough to change parties; we've got to change our politics."

Obama addressed a variety of issues ranging from reducing America's reliance on foreign energy to overcoming special interest in Washington. His main emphasis, however, rested on fixing the health care system, withdrawing troops from Iraq and improving America's education system. His promise to make college more affordable and accessible drew shouts of "yeah" and "that's right" from the crowd.

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