Speech draws local DemsWest Wings becomes hub for nearly 100 who came to watch historic address By Robert Behre (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Friday, August 29, 2008
Nearly 100 Charleston Democrats packed into West Wings late Thursday to watch the man they hope will take over the real West Wing early next year. If cheers alone could propel Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama to the White House, he would be more than halfway there given the ruckus made inside this restaurant off Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. The loudest whooping came when Obama talked of his willingness to lead the nation's troops, saying its soldiers "have not served a red America or a blue America. They have served a United States of America." Alta Hill of West Ashley voted for Sen. Hillary Clinton in the primary but changed her mind after reading Obama's books. That's why she decided to attend the first political gathering in her life. "I wanted to be with people that had my hopes and dreams," she said. J.A. Moore of Charleston, a restaurant manager, showed up to witness history and watch a speech given on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. "What I like about this campaign, not just with me being an African-American, is what this election could mean not just for this country but all over the world," he said. "I think the world wants to embrace him." Vic Rawl, a retired judge and Democratic candidate for Charleston County Council's District 6 seat, said he hopes the excitement from Obama's campaign means Democrats will vote on Nov. 4. "I think that's what it's going to take for some of us locals to (get) elected. We need to take advantage of the Obama phenomena," he said. Carol Privette of Summerville wanted to watch the speech with others who would be as excited as she was. "This is the first time in a long, long time that I've been able to be for a candidate instead of choosing between the best of the rest," she said. Patrick Labbe, who heads the presidential support committee for Dorchester County Democrats, hoped Obama reached out to the working class. "I think he needs to reach out to the working class people, those making less than $50,000 a year," he said. But if most in the restaurant were there to witness history, at least one showed up to watch history repeat itself. "I wish South Carolina was doing better," said a man watching one of seven televisions tuned in to the Gamecocks' season opener. Obama's speech appeared on only six, but most of these screens were bigger. The fan was sad his team got off to a slow start before Obama's speech began but added, "That's the thing about being a Gamecock fan. There's always next year." Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com. |
Article toolsSponsored Links |
|
Notice about comments: Charleston.net is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Charleston.net does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not charleston.net. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Full terms and conditions can be read here. |
Comments
This article has 6 comment(s)
Posted by cwmcpa on August 29, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How can anybody with half of a brain say anything deragatory about this young, articulate, clean, inspiring, legendary, messianic man. Oops I think I just answered my own question. Excuse me I have a tingle in my leg.
Posted by lillycollette on August 29, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
duh -- TRY READING:
http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/aug/...
Obama outlines his vision for America
Friday, August 29, 2008
Quote: … “We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This, too, is part of America's promise, the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort.”
Posted by lillycollette on August 29, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byq13Lm9m...
Posted by crankyyankee on August 29, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
After listening to BO speak at the convention, one thing kept ringing in my head. My father told me when I was very young that "If something sounds to good to be true, run don't walk away from it!" After BO's speech that's all I could think about.
Posted by JRob on August 29, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Slow start but most Gamecock fans will take 34-0.
Posted by gneubeck on August 30, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Have you noticed how frequently an alarmingly narcissistic Barack Obama, with an obvious sense of entitlement, tilts his head back; and, with an angry countenance, looks down his nose at the audience! A characteristic which was front and center in Obama's comments about bitter folks in Small Town America who "Cling to their religion." Obama’s inflated sense of his own importance; and, his pretentious demeanor should be of concern to all Americans. Do you recall another infamous politician who exhibited precisely the same characteristic? If you guessed Benito Mussolini, you're right on. As Bill Clinton so aptly said of Obama: "He's simply a typical Chicago thug." America best wake up to the dangers that such a warped individual represents before we let him get anywhere near the White House. It's incredible that the Democrats have nominated Obama, the least qualified Presidential candidate in American history, for the leadership of the free world. May God protect us. Greg Neubeck