A peaceful gathering of more than 20,000 metro Detroit area residents pack the Joe Louis arena in downtown Detroit to hear presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama speak. Former Vice President Al Gore made a surprise appearance to endorse Obama. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm got the main event started with brief remarks. The lady governor drew a chorus off boos from many in the crowd when she brought up the name of Hillary Rodham Clinton. Granholm was trying to make a point about Clinton’s achievements but the crowd wasn’t having it. She went on to admit her prior support for the New York senator before saying how it was time to unite behind Obama.
The appearance of Al Gore was a last minute surprise and Gore was in good form. If he had presented himself as well in 2000 when he ran for the Oval office he would have gotten elected.
Gore made points with the audience when he spoke of the need for green energy sources, compared the Obama candidacy to JFK, and the need to turn the page on eight years of the Bush presidency.
Barack Obama came forward with an air of confidence that borders on cockiness. He gave the crowd what they came to hear. His message touched on fair trade, jobs in the 21st century, renewable energy and access to education. The larger point Obama made was that the campaign is not about him, it’s about the people --a smart play on his part.
For all the talk about change and energizing young folks, if Obama can’t get people to the polls in November republican nominee John McCain will be the next president.
Tony Mottley is the producer of the Am I Right? Show.
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