More than 15,000 gathered to support Barack Obama. (Photo: Eric Gray/Collegiate)

Obama rallies in Grand Rapids
By Yirssi Bergman
Managing Editor

Over 15,000 people congregated in Calder Plaza and its outskirts on Thursday Oct. 2, to listen to Senator and Presidential hopeful Barack Obama talk about his plans for the country.

Cloudy skies and the cold temperature didn’t seem to bother the supporters, as they chanted slogans such as “Yes we can” and repeated Obama’s name over and over again.

Obama’s speech concentrated on the economy, focusing on the crashing market and his support of the bailout plan that has been passed by the House of Representatives, and signed by President Bush.

“The fact that we are in this mess is an outrage, because we didn’t get here by accident. This is the direct result of the greed and irresponsibility that has dominated Washington for years.

“We need to pass the rescue plan that’s before the House of Representatives... Democrats and Republicans need to deal with this immediate crisis,” Obama said.

Obama said he fought so that the rescue plan protects “Main Street,” and so that it becomes a long-term plan for the middle class. He also explained that building a strong middle class was key to making a strong economy.

Andy Bowne, Associate Vice President for College Advancement was present at the rally, and believes the bailout plan is “a significant piece of the answer.

“We need something to reestablish confidence in our investment structure so that the stock market will once again gain and so that people in businesses will get access to credit, and get the economic market going again, because we are stalled right now.”

During his 30-minute speech Obama also addressed issues such as the war in Iraq, which he says would end under his term, and tax relief. He said he would cut taxes for 95% of all working families.

He said that his "tax rates will be lower than under Ronald Regan... If you make less than $250,000 you won't see a tax increase during an Obama term. "

Obama also spoke about education, talking briefly about his college plan: If a student puts in 100 hours of community service they will receive $4,000.

“If you serve your community... I will guarantee you can afford to go to college. We will provide you the money you need. You invest in America and we will invest n you,” Obama said.

Bowne believes his plan “aligns with our vision at CC” since it combines student engagement and service learning.

Elias Lumpkins, former Dean of Student’s Services, found the rally and historic, albeit a little cold. “Obama warmed up people,” Lumpkins said.

When it comes to Obama’s education plan he said he finds that its needed, and it’s similar to the service learning program in which a student gets $1,000 for 100 hours of community service.

Nadia Medlig is a part time sophomore who said she loved the speech, but wished she could have shaken his hand.

She said that she likes Obama because “comparing the two, Obama’s the best. He’s very much for the middle class, and I’m middle class.”

Later that day Obama conducted another rally in Lansing, and his wife Michelle spoke in Saginaw and Macomb County. On the same day, McCain announced he was retreating and giving up on Michigan.

(Back to Index)