Joe Biden and Barack Obama Attend Rally in Greensboro, North Carolina

September 27 - Greensboro, North Carolina
Responding to a well publicized campaign appearance by the Democratic ticket residents of North Carolina turned out in large numbers in an intermittent falling rain and heavy clouds to attend the campaign rally. The most enthusiastic of these lined up as early as 1:00 AM in the street outside of J. W. Douglas Gaylon Depot, in hopes of getting the best seating at the event.

In anticipation of the large crowd Greensboro police had rerouted traffic around the rally area last evening.

A smaller counter rally was staged by supporters of John McCain the Republican candidate opposing the Obama-Biden ticket two hours prior to the Democratic event . This was little more than a show of campaign posters and chants for McCain-Palin, but served the purpose of demonstrating by-partisan political activity in Greensboro. There were no confrontations as a result of the counter-rally.

As the crowd continued to grow during the mid morning hours they were entertained by the marching band from North Carolina A&T University located in Greensboro and by recorded music including a loud rendition of "Born Country" and "Born In the U.S.A by Bruce Springsteen. The later resulted in the Greensboro Mayor Yvonne Johnson happily dancing while waiting the arrival of the candidates.

The local Democratic party offered Obama-Biden T-shirts for $30 each promising that 20% of the cost would go in support of the campaign.

Scheduled to speak at noon Senator Obama and Senator Biden took the stage at 12:40 to loud cheering and chants of "Obama-Biden".

Joe Biden provided introductory remarks and drew loud applause,cheers and immediate acceptance from the crowd (many of which were A&T students) when he expressed regret for having missed the music of the North Carolina A&T marching band. He then launched into a recap of last night's debate well laced with sarcasm and mocking selected "McCain isms", at one point stating that McCain's recent change of his stance on the economy would be considered an "epiphany" were McCain Catholic.

Biden was critical of McCain's frequent and fervent support of the Iraq war and suggested that his stance was wrong at the beginning of the war and is wrong now. When Biden mentioned McCain's support of the Iraq war the crowd loudly booed in response.

Later, recognizing McCain's oft-touted military experience told the crowd that we (the United States) need more than a "brave soldier", we need a "wise leader", a statement met with loud cheers of approval from the crowd.

This led to the on stage appearance of Senator Obama who was roundly cheered.

In his early remarks Senator Obama praised senator Biden citing his years and depth of experience and the strength he brings to the Democratic ticket. The crowd's response included orchestrated shouts of "Better than Hillary"....."Better than Hillary".

In his remarks Senator Obama criticized his opponent as more concerned about earmark spending on animals and failing to address the needs of ever day Americans.

Obama also promised he would not let the financial bailout be used as welfare for Wall Street.

The comment which grew the greatest crowd response was following Senator Obama's comment that if anyone believes that senator McCain is anti-lobbyist...then he (senator Obama) has a bridge in Alaska he'd like to sell them.

Obama promised affordable college education for everyone to the cheers of the large college contingent in attendance and universal health care for everyone.

Promising solar panel farms for North Carolina and to use North Carolina crops as material for ethanol production Obama promised job growth in the state.

Closing out his remarks Obama said President Bush dug the hole we are in , but senator McCain carried the shovel.

The crowd roared!

By any measure it was a very successful rally.