02/01/08
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama<a href="http://www.barackobama.com/" target="_blank">Barack Obama</a> claims that if elected president, he'll allocate college students $4,000 toward tuition. claims that if elected president, he'll allocate college students $4,000 toward tuition. Barack Obama claims that if elected president, he’ll allocate college students $4,000 toward tuition.
Obama spoke at the “Stand For Change” town hall meeting at the Municipal Auditorium Exhibition Hall in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday.
“I think it’s about time we made college affordable,” he said. “We will invest in you, and you will invest in America.”
Obama’s plan would offer tax credits to provide up to $4,000 in college tuition for students who do a certain number of community service hours per year and would also encourage younger students to volunteer as well.
Baker University sophomore Hollie Proctor attended the meeting, and said she liked what she heard.
“I think that’s a really good balance,” she said.
Proctor said the crowd of more than 2,500 people also impressed her with its diversity of culture and age.
“I knew people liked him, but I had no idea how many people were going to be there,” she said. “I saw elderly people, college students, the middle-aged and even children. So, he has a mass audience, and with them it’s going to help him hopefully.”
Obama's day began with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius<a href="http://www.governor.ks.gov/" target="_blank">Gov. Kathleen Sebelius</a> endorsing Obama in his grandfather's hometown of El Dorado. Once in Kansas City, the Democrat who has served two terms successfully in a Republican state, said she not only believes in Obama's mind and spirit but his vision for the country. endorsing Obama in his grandfather's hometown of El Dorado. Once in Kansas City, the Democrat who has served two terms successfully in a Republican state, said she not only believes in Obama's mind and spirit but his vision for the country. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius endorsing Obama in his grandfather’s hometown of El Dorado. Once in Kansas City, the Democrat who has served two terms successfully in a Republican state, said she not only believes in Obama’s mind and spirit but his vision for the country.
“Senator Barack Obama has Midwestern roots and Midwestern values and the kind of change we can all believe in,” she said.
Sebelius also acknowledged the strong turnout of interested young voters in support of Obama.
“It’s not only good for the campaign, but it’s good for America,” she said.
Obama said his most recent win in South Carolina is a symbol of the American people’s desire for change and defiance for polling predictions.
“There is an energy, an excitement and an electricity to this election,” he said.
Focusing his hour-long speech on issues ranging from education, ending the war in Iraq, global warming, the healthcare system and the national and world economy, Obama said America could not afford to wait to put an end to those issues any longer.
“We are at a defining moment in history,” he said. “If we are ready for change, we can tell the lobbyists their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over.”
Obama said gas prices need to go down but only sees it happening if people are willing to conserve energy, invest in programs that support things like biodiesel and if manufacturers are required to raise fuel efficiency standards on vehicles.
“The technology is there,” he said. “What’s been missing is the will-the urgency.”
Irene Moore, from Overland Park, attended the event and said the odds she’ll vote for Obama are very strong.
“I’m 72 years old and looking for my first black president,” she said.
Obama said he’s been criticized for talking about hope being a major part of change that would improve the nation, but said America’s foundation has been built on hope. He said it’s always been found in the hearts of Americans who paved the way for the nation. From the day Patriots were fighting the British, to every obstacle the country has overcome since-ranging from slavery to women’s rights.
“That’s what hope is-imagining and then working for it-what did not seem possible before,” he said.
Leslie Siskey, from Paola, said Obama’s speech was very moving, and she would like to see him win the presidential election.
“It would be a good change for the country, an inspiration we have not had since president (John F.) Kennedy,” she said. Obama said his most recent win in South Carolina is a symbol of the American people’s desire for change and defiance for polling predictions.
“There is an energy, an excitement and an electricity to this election,” he said.
Focusing his hour-long speech on issues ranging from education, ending the war in Iraq, global warming, healthcare and the economy, Obama said America can’t afford to wait to put an end to those issues.
“We are at a defining moment in history,” he said. “If we are ready for change, we can tell the lobbyists their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over.”
Obama said gas prices need to go down but only sees it happening if people are willing to conserve energy, support things like biodiesel and if fuel efficiency standards on vehicles are raised.
“The technology is there,” he said. “What’s been missing is the will-the urgency.”