Issue date: 5/8/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Abby Harvey Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill, speaks to a group of about 300, composed of campaign workers, volunteers and independent voters Sunday, Aug. 24 at Rod and Gun Park.

Sen. Barack Obama jogged into the Rod & Gun Park pavilion on Sunday afternoon to the tune of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change," shaking hands with the 300-member crowd.

Many in the area were disappointed Obama's second visit to Eau Claire in 2008 was invitation-only. The "BBQ with Barack" was limited to a small group of volunteers, campaign workers and independent voters.

Obama staff member Matt Lehrich said the campaign decided to host a small picnic to provide an "intimate setting," allowing the presidential hopeful to meet more of his constituents and listen to their concerns.

Obama's speech focused on his plan to rescue the national economy and to provide affordable health care. He promised tax breaks for 95 percent of Americans, shifting tax burdens instead to the wealthy. Obama also promised to subsidize higher education in return for community service.

He advocated using the $10-12 billion spent per month in Iraq to invest in clean energy and rebuilding the nation's bridges and levees. The investments would simultaneously create 7 million jobs for Americans, he said.

"We can put that money to work right here in Eau Claire, right here in Wisconsin," he said, "in ways that will help build a more secure economic future, which in turn will help us secure the country as a whole."

Obama stopped in Eau Claire en route to Denver, Colo., for Thursday's 2008 Democratic National Convention, where he will accept the party's official nomination for president with running mate Joe Biden.

Wisconsin democrats Sen. Russ Feingold and Gov. Jim Doyle also spoke at the event and encouraged the audience to help intensify Obama's campaign to the White House.

For the full story, log on Sept. 4 or pick up a copy of The Spectator's first issue on campus.

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