Barack Obama Inspires Colorado

Change was in the cold air Wednesday morning at The University of Colorado's Magness Arena. Stepping off the light rail and immediately joining a frenzy to get into a line which rounded the block was an exhilarating experience for a first time voter. There was a feeling of excitement as an amazingly diverse group of 13,000 people gathered to hear Senator Obama's message of hope meant to energize voters for the upcoming Super Tuesday caucuses on February 5th.

As the line grew so did our anticipation and impatience. The doors finally opened at 8:30 AM and an anxious crowd began slowly filing inside. We finally began to move our way towards the front of the line at about 9:45 AM. Hurriedly passing through the loose security screening, we emerged into the Magness Arena where we were quickly ushered onto the main floor positioned directly in front of the podium.

As people packed into the Arena and the overflow seating in a nearby gym, guest speakers such as Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith and Caroline Kennedy spoke to the Jubilant crowd, praising Senator Obama and his strong ideas for correcting the current administrations destructive habits.

At about 10:30 we received word that Obama was speaking to the overflow crowds and would soon be entering the Arena. Upon his entrance he was welcomed to an overwhelming and chanting crowd and at about 11:00 AM he began what can only be described as a passionate and moving speech of hope and change.

Obama told the wide-eyed crowd that we needed to choose a candidate that will "unite this country around a movement for change". He also addressed John Edwards expected with drawl from the presidential race, praising Mr. and Mrs. Edwards for their achievements in not only the presidential race but also citing their recent accomplishments as well.

Edwards with drawl leaves a heated primary race between Obama and Clinton. Obama took this opportunity to speak of Clinton's shared positions with President Bush and the Republican presidential candidates. Obama stressed that we need to think about "The past versus the future" and that we must nominate a candidate that can compete and "win a debate with John McCain, or any Republican".

Obama concluded his speech with a powerful and strong voice that instilled an uprising inspiration within me and compelled me to stick around long after the crowds had dissipated. Although I was not able to speak with Mr. Obama I found myself more than content simply recounting and gathering my new found hope for this country by blankly starring across the empty arena where the next great United States President had just inspired yet another group of proud Americans.