Obama speaks at Fifth Third Arena

By: Mark Rubeo

   In a rally that brought in over 11,000 supporters, Democratic presidential candidate Barrack Obama spread his message of hope to the people of Cincinnati while urging them to get out and vote. Ohio, with its 161 delegates in its March 4 primary, is a huge prize to win, and one many believe Hillary Clinton needs if she is to stay in the race. For Obama, winning Ohio is a chance to secure the Democratic nomination.
   “It is absolutely critical that we have an extraordinary turnout,” Obama said at the rally.
   Busses were available after the rally to shuttle voters to the elections board office, where they could take advantage of the early vote in Ohio.
   Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory introduced Obama at the rally, after endorsing the candidate. The crowd responded with one of the loudest cheers of the rally as Obama and Mallory hugged on stage. Mallory is a superdelegate, which means he has an independent vote in the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
   “We want a new direction. We want to turn the page. We want a new chapter in American history,” Mallory said.
   In the speech, Obama mentioned the accusations his opponents have of his “playing on emotions,” something he jokingly called “hope-mongering.” In response to these accusations, Obama said, “Hope is not blind. Hope is looking at things clear-eyed and saying, despite hardships, I'm going to change”
   After the speech, Obama stayed for several minutes to shake hands with supporters and sign autographs.