Obama addresses crowd of 10,000 at Dunedin rally

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

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Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama speaks in Dunedin Wednesday afternoon. (Obama rally slideshow)

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Barack Obama spoke at a rally in Dunedin Wednesday afternoon, addressing a crowd of about 10,000 at Knology Park.

Obama spoke about the economy, health care, jobs and other topics.

"I am running for president because we simply cannot afford four more years of an economic philosophy that works for Wall Street instead of Main Street and ends up devastating both," he said.

On health care, he said, I'll finally keep the promise of affordable, accessible health care for every single American," he said. "It's long overdue. If you have health care, my plan will lower your premiums. If you don't have health care, you'll be able to buy the same kind of health insurance that members of Congress give themselves."

He also talked about jobs.

"I'm also going to create the jobs of the future by transforming our energy sector," he said. "We'll tap our natural gas reserves; we'll invest in clean coal technology. We'll find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help the auto companies retool so that the fuel efficient cars of the future are built right here in America."

Enthusiastic fans

Obama fans lined up early at Knology Park to hear the Democratic presidential nominee speak.

While prepping for Friday's debate in Mississippi with Sen. John McCain, Obama has turned his attention to the economy.

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That's exactly what supporters at today's rally want to hear Obama talk about.

"I am here for Obama," said Katie Alonci from Seminole. "I believe he is the only choice. I want to know more about what he has to say about the economy and I want to hear what he has to say about the war."

"I'm a lifelong Democrat from Kentucky and now I live in the seat of Republican country," said Tom Kavunedus of Bellair Bluffs. "I wanted to see this for myself. I like what Obama has to say about foreign policy, health care, the economy, you name it."

As lawmakers in Washington continue to work towards finalizing the Wall Street bailout bill, Obama lashed out at President Bush for his timetable.

"This is not the time for "my way or the highway" from anybody involved,' Obama said. "This is not the time for fear, not the time for panic, it's the time for resolve and responsibility and reasonableness."

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