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Obama pumps up Denver rally

By Todd Hartman, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 26, 2008 at 1:47 p.m.
Updated October 26, 2008 at 2:20 p.m.

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Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama waves to the crowd at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colo. on October 26, 2008.

Photo by Matt McClain © The Rocky

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama waves to the crowd at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colo. on October 26, 2008.

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Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama speaking to a juiced-up crowd estimated at 100,000 stuck mostly to economic themes he’s repeated often in the last several weeks while rousing backers with calls to battle for votes over the next nine days.

“We’re going to have to work and struggle and fight for every single one of those nine days to move our country in a new direction. We cannot let up. And we won’t,” said Obama, echoing a theme from other Colorado Democratic leaders not to take his lead in state and national polls for granted.

If police estimates were accurate, the crowd total at downtown Civic Center Park would be nearly as large as the number of people who attended Obama’s closing Democratic National Convention speech at Invesco Field. It would also be in the same ballpark as a recent rally in St. Louis, which drew an estimated 100,000. But police estimates varied widely - between 75,000 to 100,000, depending on who was talking. Such figures are subject to large margins of error and impossible to know with certainty.

Denver Police Detective Sharon Hahn gave the final estimate early afternoon with "well over 100,000." Earlier, she had estimated about 75,000. Asked what facts increased the estimates, she said "those were the numbers we were given. I believe we got them from the mayor's office."

Whatever the numbers, the crowd filled much of the park and sprawled east to Lincoln Park and the west steps of the state capital.

"Hello Denver," Obama shouted as he opened his speech from the west side of Civic Center. "Do you ever have small crowds in Denver? Who are those folks way at the top of the capitol over there? What a beautiful setting. What a gorgeous day. It's good to be back in Denver."

In what was as much a get-out-the-vote rally as a stump speech, Obama asked for a show of hands from those who voted early. For those who hadn’t, he told them to turn to someone near them who had and ask for instructions on how to do it. Next door, at the Wellington Webb building, the city of Denver was opening early voting booths on a Sunday in anticipation of a surge following Obama’s speech.

It was another electric political moment in a remarkable 2008 in Denver, and in Colorado - a once reliably Republican state. It’s turned Colorado into a political battleground attracting repeated visits from both the Obama-Joe Biden campaign and Republican candidate John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin.

The enormous and fired-up crowd Sunday appears to be another mark of Obama’s popularity in a state where a Rocky Mountain News/CBS 4 poll published on Saturday found Obama with a 12-point lead in a survey of 500 registered voters.

The rally Sunday didn’t have the pageantry and hype of Obama’s closing speech at Invesco Field in August, but it had a giddy spontaneity to it that attracted a more everyday crowd. A pair of homeless folks watched from the Lincoln Park grass, while big-time politicians worked the crowd as a warm-up act.

“This is unbelievable,” said Jody Danforth, 31, visiting her mother in Denver from Santa Rosa, Calif., as the crowd built Sunday morning. At one point, the line to get into the park stretched from Colfax Avenue and Cherokee Street all the way around Civic Center park, around the Denver Public Library and into the south side of the park.

“This is history in the making,” said Lia Brietzle, 48, of Park Hill, who arrived at 7 a.m.

Obama offered a fairly standard stump speech, highlighting differences in his tax and economic approach to rival McCain. But he also unveiled a fresh assault on McCain, claiming McCain was taking his attacks “to a whole new level.”

“The other day … He said that I was like George W. Bush. You can’t make this stuff up, folks. In what may be the strangest twist of all, Sen. McCain said that I would somehow continue to Bush economic policies - and that he, John McCain would change them,” Obama said.

“But then, just this morning, Sen. McCain said that he and President Bush - “share a common philosophy.” That’s right, Colorado. I guess this was John McCain finally giving us a little straight talk, and owning up to the fact that he and George Bush actually have a whole lot in common.”

Comments

  • October 26, 2008

    2:05 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    shesgotthejack writes:

    WHATEVER!! Both Obama and McCain are going to raise taxes!! The special interests in both parties will get tax breaks, meaning the rich. VOTE FOR Ralph Nader, less government and someone that knows how to get the economy back on track. Of course Nader doesn't have a chance in hell but once again both Democrats and Republicans brainwash the public. . .and once again the USA will hurt in all aspects until a decent, trustworthy independent gets in the white house.

  • October 26, 2008

    2:11 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Robert5000 writes:

    America’s 44th President

    Good bye George and Richard. We will miss you both a great deal because of your sound judgment in committing our country to the invasion and very expensive protracted war in Iraq. And thanks so much for also establishing reasonable regulatory oversight of Wall Street and of our mortgage lending and financial system during your 8 year watch.
    Sorry Bill and Hillary. Of course we really wanted to have you back again in order to give Bill another shot at finding some more action with interns in the oval office; and we will certainly miss not being able to hear all the details of such encounters.
    John, we will always respect you for putting the needs of our country above petty politics in choosing your running mate; but Sarah, unfortunately it looks like we may never get the chance to fulfill our wildest dream: to someday have President Palin lead the free world.
    But what about Barack Obama? The New York Times in its endorsement of Barack Obama said: “Mr. Obama has met challenge after challenge, growing as a leader and putting real flesh on his early promises of hope and change. He has shown a cool head and sound judgment. We believe he has the will and the ability to forge the broad political consensus that is essential to finding solutions to this nation’s problems.”

    “In the same time, Senator John McCain of Arizona has retreated farther and farther to the fringe of American politics, running a campaign on partisan division, class warfare and even hints of racism. His policies and worldview are mired in the past. His choice of a running mate so evidently unfit for the office was a final act of opportunism and bad judgment that eclipsed the accomplishments of 26 years in Congress.”

    Senator John McCain is a respected 72 year old American warrior, but he is on a path whose slope, however gentle, is downward. On the contrary Senator Barack Obama is an intelligent, articulate, and insightful 47 year old American whose best years lie ahead of him; a man who graduated near the top of his class at Harvard Law School and was president of its Law Review; a man who understands and respects the American constitution because he was an instructor of constitutional law for 12 years at the University of Chicago Law School; a man familiar with the American legislative process because he served 3 terms as an Illinois State Senator and the past 4 years as a US Senator; a man acquainted with Washington but one who also brings fresh ideas and a passion for bringing about important and necessary changes in Washington. Senator Barack Obama is a man of equanimity, keen intellect, clear vision, sound judgment, and steadfast determination. He is the man America needs today and he is the man who can lead America into the future. It is time for Americans everywhere to begin casting their votes for Barack Obama. It is time for Barack Obama to become America’s 44th president.

  • October 26, 2008

    2:17 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    shesgotthejack writes:

    Hey Robert5000,

    For the countries sake. . .I hope Obama proves me wrong. Maybe little experience will go along way? Not to optimistic though.

  • October 26, 2008

    2:36 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    xeeian writes:

    100,000 friggin people. McCain can't even fill up a Holiday Inn conference room in Colorado Springs.

    Further proof that if Obama wins, it truly *must* be voter fraud.

  • October 26, 2008

    2:41 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    SanctuaryCity writes:

    Thats not what I heard he was pumping up.

  • October 26, 2008

    2:41 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    glycerine831 writes:

    Alaska's largest newspaper chose not to endorse the state's governor in the presidential race and instead endorsed Sen. Barack Obama's presidency.

    The Anchorage Daily News endorsed Obama in an editorial posted Saturday night to its Web site.

    The paper said: "Palin's nomination clearly alters the landscape for Alaskans as we survey this race for the presidency but it does not overwhelm all other judgment. The election, after all is said and done, is not about Sarah Palin, and our sober view is that her running mate, Sen. John McCain, is the wrong choice for president at this critical time for our nation

  • October 26, 2008

    2:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    milesd writes:

    I just got back from the Denver rally. It was completely solid people everywhere from the County building to the Capital and out onto the side streets. It was an amazing and thrilling event! It definitely had the sense of history in the making!

  • October 26, 2008

    2:59 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Highcountry writes:

    That "Biden angered by tough questions" video has a misleading title. Biden remained calm and responded with sophisticated answers despite the TV anchor's ridiculous questions. Yeah, he was probably angry on the inside but he didn't show it. A better headline would be "Annoying anchor woman repeatedly insults Obama, Biden and the American people with stupid questions."

  • October 26, 2008

    3:15 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    GreenBirdCO writes:

    INCREDIBLE!! We just got home from the rally. I have never seen so many people in Civic Center Park, and I was there in the '60s!
    I have been to many a Bronco Rally, and this beats them by many thousands. There were way more than 100,000 people there, we have pictures of people leaving, and the peaople filled Broadway, 16th Street Mall. Long lines for the shuttles, the light rail was full, but all in all, there were tens of thousands of people who"get it".
    Who KNOW that Sen. Obama is NOT raising taxes, has plans to fix everything Bush has broken or ignored in the last 8 years.

  • October 26, 2008

    3:24 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Speak writes:

    Black guy running for president.....Talkin-in smack

    "amazing and thrilling event! It definitely had the sense of history in the making"

    He was dreamy! "I felt a tingle up my leg"

  • October 26, 2008

    3:49 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    expatman writes:

    Highcountry, I couldn't agree more. What faux news channel was she from? Was that Ann Coulter in disguise? Which begs the question, where is the blonde snake these days anyway?

  • October 26, 2008

    4:22 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Hambone writes:

    Way to throw in the "Black guy" comment Speak. Couldn't help yourself could you? Racist. Anyway, he's half-black. Hope you enjoy the next four years with a "Black president."

  • October 26, 2008

    4:49 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    EXrepublican writes:

    Hambone,
    according to the KKK & GOP. Barack Obama is a MONGREL... just like me.
    they simply cannot see past color of someones skin.

  • October 26, 2008

    5:05 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    BenchBoss writes:

    Speak, don't.

  • October 26, 2008

    5:15 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Aaron writes:

    Hallaluyah and pass the bread! The massiah came to Denver and has promised that all will be rosey when he is elected and those evil Republicans are sent packing. Golly, but I'm looking forward to having his wisdom and vision leading this great country of ours. And now his lady can think of it as a great country, too. And by the way, there will be no more cold hamburgers, flat beer or ilegitimate children in the land for evermore...for those were the fault of President Bush, too. At least that is what some libs have told me. Really.

  • October 26, 2008

    5:48 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Speak writes:

    “Way to throw in the "Black guy" Couldn't help yourself could you?
    Racist” “he's half-black”

    All we ask of anyone running for President is a valid birth certificate

    "Black president."
    Thanks for showing yourself

    I’ve enjoyed the last 2-years working against the notion of
    a Black president and trying to vote in a person for president.

    Nothing non-black about your name Hambone...
    Way to throw in minstrel shows and vaudeville day’s some negative connotations some might associate with that name. I thought your party is the party of the future never looking back. “Couldn't help yourself could you…Racist”

    I’m all black with a valid birth certificate, and I belong to the “White party” that from you Dems who see color

    Do I get a pass, or not black enough like NOBama

    (Slap-stick)
    Hambone, Hambone, what did you do…
    Hambone, Hambone I’m waitin to hear from you!

    When Dems get done "Freedom to speak" is all we will have
    Temper yourself and don't take that from us.........you are the kinder gentler party

  • October 27, 2008

    2:09 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    bph writes:

    Obama is a Marxist. He is all about redistributing wealth period. Listen for yourself.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iivL4c...

    Obama with a likely supermajority in congress is a dangerous combo. Beware of what you wish for.

  • October 27, 2008

    5:46 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Reason writes:

    Who else enjoyed the "Bush-Whacker" guillotine that circled around the park? Seemed to fit in perfectly with the "overthrow the aristocrats and replace them with the bourgeois" overtones of Obama's campaign.

  • October 27, 2008

    11:03 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BHinFL writes:

    http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/...

    OB believe in SPREADING the WEALTH.... COME on People... I am not rich... I can not spread My $$$ around like OB wants..

    WE AS Americans Should be able to KEEP what we EARN....

  • October 28, 2008

    7:28 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cliffjumper writes:

    ....and welcome the new Lenin...BObama. "Fools mock but they shall morn"

  • October 29, 2008

    3 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Ezana writes:

    So Clinton was a spread the wealth socialist? All Obama is doing is rolling back Bush's tax cuts? That makes him Castro now? Ridiculous, desperate, and idiotic. You ideologues on the right won't be happy until you destroy every public institution. It's short sited and foolish. That's why you have educated republicans defecting from the party, because it has crossed the line into stupidville! Here are a couple of realities for you.

    McCain has ties to Ayers too - Annenberg is one of his biggest contributors.

    McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone - Just barely American soil.

    Berg (the guy who says Obama is not a citizen) is a 9/11 truther and a disgruntled Hillary supporter who was fined by the U.S. District Court and forced to take ethics classes.

    http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id...

    The State of Hawaii has acknowledged he was born there. Is this a conspiracy too? Come on.

  • October 29, 2008

    3:01 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Ezana writes:

    So Clinton was a spread the wealth socialist? All Obama is doing is rolling back Bush's tax cuts? That makes him Castro now? Ridiculous, desperate, and idiotic. You ideologues on the right won't be happy until you destroy every public institution. It's short sighted and foolish. That's why you have educated republicans defecting from the party, because it has crossed the line into stupidville! Here are a couple of realities for you.

    McCain has ties to Ayers too - Annenberg is one of his biggest contributors.

    McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone - Just barely American soil.

    Berg (the guy who says Obama is not a citizen) is a 9/11 truther and a disgruntled Hillary supporter who was fined by the U.S. District Court and forced to take ethics classes.

    http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id...

    The State of Hawaii has acknowledged he was born there. Is this a conspiracy too? Come on.