Barack Obama Rally

On February 19, 2008, we were privileged in our valley to have presidential candidate, Barack Obama at a rally at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio.

Youngstown, Ohio, has fallen in hard times although you can hardly notice it since privately financed companies have taken over in providing employment to employees who were left without health insurance let alone salaries during this nation’s outsourcing of factories. Yet, Youngstown in spots, looks like a housing project that has seen better days. But we have always had those part of the valley. Youngstown, Ohio, is for the most part thriving.

Youngstown State University is Youngstown’s main point of interest. The campus has grown from Jones Hall to a massive outpouring of expensive buildings donated by the likes of well known financier Edward Debartolo. Barack Obama’s rally was conducted at Beegley Center Auditorium. The place sits five thousand easily. For Barack Obama’s massive six thousand attendees rally, it was standing room only.

The place was jammed with calm, almost sedated participants. Most people looked bemused and some were openly shaking their heads in disbelief and dismay at what they perceive as their disenfranchisement at the hands of George Walker Bush. Barack Obama appeared following his introduction by a member of the plumber’s union, looking fresh, confident and charismatic.

We, in this valley, welcome his campaign and look forward next year to his nomination as the democratic candidate for president of the United States of America.