Live Blogging from Obama Event in Ames Part 2

12:36 Obama is introducing his background and discussing how he decided to run for elected office in the Illinois State Senate. Says that he would talk to anyone, anywhere and their first questions was about his funny name and then they would say that he seems like a nice guy, but then ask why would he want to enter the dirty field of politics. Says that finding that common bound that brings us together is his motivation in politics and when we work together there is nothing that we cannot overcome.

12:40 Going through our challenges that we face.
Healthcare: Says everyone deserves quality healthcare.
Energy: we are funding both sides of the war on terrorism.
Global Warming: we produce the most emmisions of any industrialized nation and know that this is not sustainable.
Education: must revamp our schools, pay our teachers more, make education work for all young people, and provide access to college to every student that is qualified.
Terrorism: Instead of going after the people that attacked us we made a mistake going to Iraq that has been costly. Our success depends on not just the might of our military, but the power of diplomacy.

12:44 We know the challenges, but why are we letting this happen? The oil companies write the energy policy, the drug companies write the health care bills. This must change and requires all of us to shake off the slumber, set aside the synicism, and get involved in this election. This is the reason Obama is running for President. Wants this campaign to drive this change and get people involved.

12:47 Says there is no reason why we can't have universal health care before the end of the next President's first term.


12:49 There is no reason we can't restructure the economy to benefit all people. Productivity has gone up, corporate profits are going up, but wages haven't. Needs to spread the benefits around to everyone. Lay broadband in communities. Discusses building the infrastructure for renewable energy that benefits everyone.

12:51 Talks about the need for a secure world, but that can't happen until we are out of Iraq. He knew it was wrong to go in and we need to get out and solve the problem diplomatically.

12:52 Says that he is an imperfect vessel for your hopes and dreams. He can't do it alone, he needs your help to accomplish these goals.

12:54 Is telling a story about campaigning for US Senate in Southern Illinois with Dick Durbin. Obama is a great story teller. The story is about campaigning in Cairo, Illinois, where there was great racial tension in the 60's. Quotes Martin Luther King, "The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice." However, it doesn't bend on itself, it takes people to make it bend and the world into a better place when it comes to health care, education, and diplomacy.

12:59 Obama closes and the Jackie Wilson's Higher and Higher and Ben Harper's With My Own Two Hands playing. No question and answer portion. Obama and his wife are shaking hands and signing autographs.