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JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama wrapped up his Election Eve campaigning in Virginia, after stops in North Carolina and here on the First Coast.
The Jacksonville visit is Obama's second to the First Coast since September as Florida is shaping up to be a key battleground state in the November election.
The crowd greeted Obama with the chant, "Yes We Can! Yes We Can!" Obama responded to the roaring applause, "We are one day from changing the United States of America!"
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson told the crowd that Northeast Florida is critical in this election for Obama to carry Florida.
"There is a movement going on and you are part of it," said Senator Nelson.
Obama spoke for nearly 30 minutes outlining his vision and spelling out why change is needed.
While speaking about the economy, Obama made reference to Republican John McCain's understanding of the problem. McCain was in Jacksonville six weeks ago and spoke to a crowd of 5,000 supporters.
"He said and I quote,'The fundamentals of our economy are strong.' You don't need to boo, you just need to vote," said Obama.
Olivia Hempstead, a nurse, came to the rally to learn more about Obama since she is a undecided voter. "We just weigh out whose better for the country. I don't think the Republicans, but I don't know if it's Obama yet," said Hempstead who plans to make a decision Monday night.
Obama told the crowd the finish line is in sight, but the election is far from over. "Don't think for a minute that power will concede anything without a fight."
The Duval Democratic party estimates the attendance at the rally held at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena approached 9,000 people.
After campaigning in Jacksonville, Obama will travel to North Carolina and Virginia.
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 Created: 11/3/2008 11:46:28 AM Updated: 11/4/2008 12:12:57 AM Suggest News Tips & Story Leads Submit Video & Pictures |
Roger Weeder
