Obama Fires Up the Crowd in Guttenberg, Iowa

Obama had the crowd fired up and ready to go when he stopped in Guttenberg, Iowa., Friday Dec. 14. The visit was part of his Iowa bus tour.

Presidential candidate Barack Obama entered the room to a standing ovation, tremendous rounds of applause and a few screams. "Wow this is a good looking crowd here - I am excited to be back in Clayton County," Obama said.

His speech began by pointing out that the people of America have lost trust and faith in the government. "The country has never been more divided," he said. Then he proceeded to make some negative comments about President George Bush saying that the only mission that Bush accomplished was to take us into a war.

The next subject he talked about was health care. "We have been talking about health care for decades," he said. "The current laws are good for pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies, but they are not good for you," he added.

He went on to explain that we have to change how business is done, old time policies just won't do - not this time - not now - he pointed out. "If we want to win this election we have to be bold, I want everybody's vote, but I am a proud democrat," he said. He then went on to talk about the struggle of those trying to get ahead and struggling with medical bills. "I see people doing the right thing and they are struggling," he said. "You should be able to send your child to college even if you are not rich. You should be able to retire with some dignity. That is why we have got to have a responsive government," he added.

As the speech went on Obama seemed to deliver one predictable line of what the people wanted to hear after another. But unlike Edwards who was performing at the Elkader Opera House, Elkader, Iowa., just half an hour later, and who is generally clad in unnatural blue jeans and rolled up shirt sleeves, trying to appear like he is one of the working class people, Obama is always dressed in crisp swanky looking suits. On this occasion Obama was wearing a black impeccable suit and pristine white shirt.

Obama went on to then affiliate himself with the man on the street by telling a story about his single parent 53-year-old mother who died of cancer. "She wasn't thinking about getting better, she was reading insurance claims," he said. "That is why I have put forward a plan that will provide health care that is just as good as I get as a member of congress," he added.

He promised to have that done by the end of his first term. "I'm here because I got an education - I was raised by a single mum" he went on.

At this point in the event there was an older gentleman character talking loudly at the back of the hall to a reporter, it is uncertain whether or not he was a Republican heckler or not. Obama broke away from his speech to tell the man to be quiet. Obama also said to the old man that he liked his enthusiasm and said that he hoped the man was a supporter!

Obama went on to say that he is only here because other people stood up for him. This was the beginning of Obama's style of bringing the crowd to fever pitch. "That is what we have to do, we have to take a stand," he said. At that point he got another standing ovation.

He then took some questions and talked about who he would and wouldn't have working with him in the White house. "We are not going to have a revolving door in the White house," he said. "We need to restore common sense integrity in the White house. We don't need people who can play the game in the White house. We need an end to the game playing," he said.

Then he took a question on energy and answered, "We need to bring the car to a halt before we can change," he said. He pointed out that we need to reduce car emissions down 80 percent lower than they are currently. He then spelled out a four part plan: 1. Companies will be charged for pollution which he believes will open up the way for more green companies and a greener society; 2. Better fuel efficiency in cars; 3. Apollo project for clean energy; 4. Energy will come from clean sources such as wind and biodiesel.

The next question he took was from a student of Luther College, Decorah, Iowa., regarding the cost of education. The student pays $30,000 a year for studies, which is considered quite high. Obama responded to the student saying that he would be giving a $4,000 refundable tax credit to every student every year that will pay for two thirds of the year. "That won't pay for some schools so those schools, those like Luther, will have to subsidize," he said. "Colleges used to be cheaper," he added.

Obama also said that he would expect a return from those students. "If students are going to use those benefits they are going to have to give something back to society in community service or similar. Or if they choose to become a nurse or teacher in the city area, we will pick your entire tab," he added.

The next question was one regarding Veterans. Obama's grandfather served in WWII so it is something he says he cares about. "We have a solemn obligation to treat our Veterans with respect," he said.

Next up was the never ending question of Iraq. A woman in the crowd said that she is concerned that if America pulls out they will be seen as wimps. Obama pointed out in no uncertain terms that at present they are seen as bullies. "We created this not because of terrorist activity. Our real problem is Afghanistan," he said.

Obama said that part of the reason that I want to get out of Iraq is to focus on those that done 9/11. "We can take the troops out in about two and half to three years. "If the Iraq government can't sort themselves out by then, we'll be there 20 years," he said. "We can't afford it," he added.

Obama went on to explain to the woman: "We fought the wrong war with Iraq. We made the decision. It was a poor decision," he said. "We have to talk to Syria and Iran not because we like or care about them, but because we need to create a stable situation, they are not our enemies. It is where diplomacy comes in," Finally exasperated with what seemed like ignorance surrounding the issue, he said: "Look this is a complicated issue."

The last question that he took was about guns. "I think the second amendment gives people the right to bare arms. The question is how do we control the guns in the schools," he said. He then pointed out that there is a problem with letting just anyone buy a gun, and sited the mentally disabled among other things. "I believe in some control, you don't need an assault weapon to go hunting. Can we have some sense here.? None of our rights are absolute," he said.

He then went on to explain that if he were to start screaming fire and everyone ran and then someone was injured in the stampede, he would be liable, pointing out that guns are the same, people have to be responsible. "We have to be aware of what we say," he said.

He then told the story of how he got fired up and in doing so got the crowd fired up, they were chanting "Fired up and ready to go."

As he thanked them and drew the event to a close he was surrounded by supporters frantically trying to shake his hand. One local woman was beside herself with excitement saying, "It is my birthday and I just had to come and see you," Obama laughed and said: "Well Happy Birthday and thank you for coming."

Sources: I was present at the event. No other sources.