Barack Obama Holds Town Hall Meeting In Medford

The message was change.

Senator Barack Obama greeted more than fifteen hundred people at Kids Unlimited in Medford this morning. The senator first greeted supporters in an overflow area in the front of the building for several minutes before heading into the Olsrud Gymnasium at about 10:00 a.m., about a half-hour behind schedule.

Senator Obama was introduced by a Medford campaign supporter Denise Cyr, who told us she was selected to introduce him because of her enthusiasm. Also speaking before the senator was Retired General Tony McPeak, who is a former Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

The crowd chanted "yes, we can" as Senator Obama made his way to the center of the room. He began his speech by talking about his background and what drew him into politics. He said he is often asked why he is running for president so soon, at such a relatively young age. Senator Obama said, as Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior used to say, he believes in the "fierce urgency of now." Senator Obama described this as a difining moment in history, in which our economy is in shambles and our schools are unable to compete in a global economy. The senator said we can't wait to fix the problems.

To help with the rising costs of college tuition, Senator Obama mentioned a proposal of a four thousand dollar college tuition credit for all students, no matter their economic background. However, he said those students would have to return the favor with some sort of community service, such as the Peace Corps. The senator said he wanted to see veterans returning from war getting the moral and medical support they need. He also called for our nation to use our military wisely. He advocated talking to our adversaries to work out problems, as he says John F. Kennedy did while he was in office.

Senator Obama spoke until about 10:40, and then took questions from the crowd for about 25 minutes. He answered questions on topics ranging from the economy, veterans care and special education to the uprising in Tibet and how he keeps his composure while being attacked by critics. As for the economy, Senator Obama mentioned a proposal for a $10 billion foreclosure prevention fund to prevent more problems in the mortgage crisis. In the long term, he called for middle-class tax cuts to "put dollars in the pockets of ordinary Americans." He also recommended investing in the infrastructure, which he says will create more jobs, and investing in clean energy.

Campaign officials say Senator Obama will now take two days off for the Easter holiday.