Obama Addresses Thousands at Ida Lee Park
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Originally published at 8:53 p.m., October 22, 2008
Updated at 10:37 p.m., October 22, 2008
More than 10,000 people filled Ida Lee Park in Leesburg today to hear Sen. Barack Obama outline his "immediate rescue plan" for the middle class, small businesses and homeowners facing foreclosure.
The visit to Loudoun County by the Democratic presidential candidate, after a stop in Richmond earlier in the day, underscored his efforts to win Virginia, which has emerged as a key battleground state in the Nov. 4 election.
Obama touted his plan to slash taxes for 95 percent of American workers and said he supported a three-month moratorium on foreclosures, which would give homeowners time to renegotiate their mortgages.
He proposed giving small business owners emergency loans that he said would help them hire more employees and ultimately allow them to keep their doors open. He also said he would give tax credits to employers who hire workers to ensure that jobs are not outsourced overseas.
Video: Obama Rallies for Patriotism in Leesburg
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"These are immediate short-term steps we have to take," Obama said. "That's what we have to do to get our economy back on track."
Noting that his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain, has claimed to be protecting the interests of "Joe the plumber," Oabama pointed to McCain's support for tax cuts for wealthy Americans. "All I want to do is give Joe a tax cut," he said. "So, let's be clear about who John McCain is fighting for. He's not fighting for Joe the plumber. He's fighting for Joe the hedge fund manager."
Obama also criticized what he said were efforts by some of his political opponents to portray some Americans as unpatriotic.
"The men and women from Virginia and all across America who serve on our battlefields — they may be Democrat or Republican or Independent. But they fought together and bled together. And some died together, under the same proud flag. They have not served a red America or a blue America, they have served the United States of America," he said, to cheers from the crowd.
Democratic candidates Mark Warner, who is vying for the Senate, and Judy Feder, who is running for a House seat in the 10th Congressional District, made remarks before Gov. Tim Kaine (D) introduced Obama.
The gates for the event opened at 3 p.m. and Obama began his 30-minute speech at about 5:40 p.m.
Photo Gallery
Obama Addresses Crowd in Leesburg
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama addresses the crowd at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg on Wednesday. (Nikki Kahn)
An excited crowd gathered at Ida Lee Park on Wednesday to hear Sen. Barack Obama speak. Virginia is a crucial battleground state in this election. (Nikki Kahn)
Presidential candidate Barack Obama at a campaign rally at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg. (Carol Guzy)
Presidential candidate Barack Obama at a campaign rally at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg. (Carol Guzy)
Leesburg Police were predicting a crowd of 10,000 at Ida Lee Park to hear Sen. Barack Obama speak on Wednesday. (Nikki Kahn)
Norma Haney, 65, of Sterling, came out to Ida Lee Park on Wednesday to hear Barack Obama speak. (Carol Guzy)
Sen. Barack Obama addressed a large crowd at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg on Wednesday. (Nikki Kahn)
Crowds began gathering at Ida Leek Park early Wednesday afternoon to hear Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama speak. (Nikki Kahn)
Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama campaigns among thousands at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg. (Marvin Joseph)
Presidential candidate Barack Obama at a campaign rally at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg. He is greeted by former governor and Democratic Senatorial candidate Mark Warner and Gov. Tim Kaine. (Carol Guzy)
Friends Danielle Koos, 17, Mecca Randall, 17, both from Sterling, were part of a crowd of more than 10,000 people that showed up to Ida Lee Park in Leesburg on Wednesday to hear presidential candidate Barack Obama speak. (Carol Guzy)
At a rally in Leesburg, Barack Obama stands on stage with former governor and Democratic Senatorial candidate Mark Warner and Gov. Tim Kaine. (Carol Guzy)
A crowd of more than 10,000 people gathered in Ida Lee Park to hear presidential candidate Barack Obama speak. (Carol Guzy)
Attendees at Wednesday's Rally for Change raise their hands in response to presidential candidate Barack Obama's question: How many of you make less than $250,000 a year? (Carol Guzy)
The crowd at Ida Lee Park on Wednesday snaps photos of Barack Obama during his Rally for Change. (Carol Guzy)
As predicted, traffic on area roads was backed up by mid-afternoon with cars traveling toward the rally. Around 4 p.m., traffic on the Dulles Greenway was backed up to Exit 3 going west. And shortly before 3 p.m., traffic was clogged heading west on Route 7 and north on Route 15.
Although Obama campaign officials said the event drew about 35,000 people, local fire officials estimated it at around 10,000.
The audience was diverse: women and men of all ages and races, many of them accompanied by small children. Some wore winter scarves, hats and mittens in the chilly weather. The stayed warm by munching on French fries and sipping hot chocolate from nearby vendors. Most of the spectators stood on a sloped hill peering down toward Obama. Another row of people lined the wooden fence that ran along the street.
Obama supporters at the rally noted the economy as one of their primary concerns.
Purcellville resident Joel Hazard, 25, said he's watched his father's cleaning business struggle from the economic downturn as more people cut down on the need for its services. "It's really fallen apart," he said. "Everybody is cutting back."
Hazard said Obama's visit to Loudoun was an example of the county's important role in determining which presidential candidate carries Virginia. He said he thought Loudoun's population growth had resulted in a more Democratic-leaning county. "A lot of people moved out here for work opportunities and they bring their beliefs with them," Hazard said.
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Karrie Boswell, 39, said she voted for President Bush in 2000 and 2004, but that the war in Iraq helped influence her decision to support a Democrat this election. The Ashburn resident said she agreed with Obama's exit strategy from Iraq because she has had enough of "watching our American soldiers come home in body bags."
Maria Mathews of West Springfield said she has always supported Democrats but "none of the other candidates has gotten me as involved and as excited as Obama."
"I just wanted to see him person," she said. The 65-year-old retiree said she is mainly concerned about Social Security, which is her primary source of income. "I don't want to see that messed around with," Mathews said.
On the outskirts of the park, a man selling Obama T-shirts and merchandise said, "We're at home now," explaining that he was a D.C. resident and has been following the campaign by car for the last three weeks.
"Haven't slept since Florida, though," said another vendor standing next to him. The two said they had been at an Obama rally in Miami on Tuesday and drove all night to get to Northern Virginia.
After the rally, hundreds of people lined King Street in Leesburg, hoping to catch one last glance of the candidate as his motorcade passed through. Occasionally, everyone broke into chants of "O-ba-ma!" Traffic was blocked in all directions for more than 20 minutes until his entourage sped toward the airport around 6:50 p.m.
Some local stores took advantage of the rally to do some business. Lloyd's Barber Shop and Tobacconist on North King Street advertised Obama cigars in its front windows. Proprietor Marvin Lloyd said that he had sold 10 of the cigars, which bore "Obama4President" labels, at $5 each.
Several other King Street shops, including the Green Tree and the Georgetown Café, had Obama/Biden signs in the window. No one in the parade of people seemed to notice a permanent sign with an American flag and Confederate flag, which pointed down an alley to another restaurant.
Washington Post staff writers Michael Birnbaum and Christopher Twarowski contributed to this report.
Tagged: Barack Obama, elections, Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, November 2008 Elections, politics
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I attended this evening with some friends their kids, my 6 year old and my 11 year old boys. We walked together chatting and playing for 10 blocks or so to get there. We walked by the Pro Life campaigners,the t-shirt vendors, the McCain supporters camped on the lawn by the entrance, We watched the young kids with the dumb and dumber anti McCain sign heckle with the other camp. While we watched Obama speak from quite a distance, a lady turned and asked my youngest boy was he having enjoying himself. He replied "I like being with my friend and seeing the President of the United States"
Posted by scooterama (anonymous) on October 22, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What an amazing experience that was. I am so thrilled to have been there and to have been a part of a truly gigantic crowd of people. My son will be able to tell his grandchildren that he was there, too!
Posted by elizmiller (anonymous) on October 22, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It was quite the experience today. The two hour wait was well worth being 50 feet from the president of the United States. What an amazing day. By the way, we had to park at Safeway and walk down. I've lived here 18 years and i've never seen traffic THAT bad.
Posted by Riot (anonymous) on October 22, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was at the rally and I am Republican. It was an interesting experience with all those people in Leesburg. I didn't even bother to drive....just walked from the house to the park (over 2 miles away). The people in the crowd were really excited and the energy was nice to see. Regardless who you are voting for this November 4th, I just hope the same excitement is at the polls. But yesterday didn't change my vote or how I view either candidate. Still the experience of seeing one of the candidates for this year's election was amazing. I am glad I went. And thank you to all the visitors to Leesburg for not destroying our town.
Posted by Lost_in_VA26 (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was there, I estimated the crowd at maybe 4000. Not sure it convinced me to vote of AYERS!
Posted by Funnyguyva (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Funnyguyva---I didn't know that Ayers (any Ayers) was running for office. Fortunately, the tens of thousands of people that actually showed up yesterday for the Obama rally aren't that ignorant. Crawl back in your hole, REAL Americans will have their say on November 4th.
Posted by md.dolfan (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No need to be nasty. If you want to show your opinion actually having an impact on the vote, campaign for your candidate, volunteer for your candidate, and vote for your candidate. Then you have done it the right way. And Funnyguyva, just for the record, the Town of Leesburg is stating the crowd exceeded 15,000.
Posted by Lost_in_VA26 (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In 1979 Obama started college at Occidental in California, he tried all kinds of drugs and wasting his time but even though he had a brilliant mind did not apply himself to his studies. "Barry" (the name he used all his life)during this time had two roommates, Muhammad Hasan Chandoo and Wahid Hamid from Pakistan. During the summer of 1981 he made a "round the world" trip. Where did he get the money for this trip? When he came back he started school at Columbia in New York. It is at this time he wants everyone to call him Barack - not Barry. Do you know what the tuition is at Columbia? Not cheap! Where did he get money for tuition? Student Loans? Maybe. After Columbia,he went to Chicago to work as a Community Organizer for $12,000 a year. Why Chicago? Why not New York? By "chance" he met Antoin "Tony" Rezko, born in Aleppo Syria, and a real
estate developer in Chicago. Rezko has been convicted of fraud and bribery
this year. Rezko, was "Entrepreneur of the Decade" by the Arab-American Business and Professional Association". About two years later,Obama entered Harvard Law School. Where did he get the money for Law School? After Law school, he went back to Chicago. Rezko offered him a job, which he turned down. But he did take a job with Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland. Guess what? They presented "Rezar" which is Rezko's firm. Rezko was one of Obama's first major financial contributors when he ran for office in Chicago. In 2003, Rezko threw an early fundraiser for Obama which Chicago Tribune reporter David Mendelland claims was instrumental in providing Obama with "seed money" for his U.S. Senate race.
Posted by clibbybaseball (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In 2005, Obama purchased a new home in Kenwoood District of Chicago for $1.65 million (less than asking price). With ALL those Student Loans - Where did he get the money for the property? On the same day Rezko's wife, Rita, purchased the adjoining empty lot for full price. The London Times reported that Nadhmi Auchi, an Iraqi-born billionaire loaned Rezko $3.5 million three weeks before Obama's new home was purchased. Obama met Nadhmi Auchi many times with Rezko. Now, we have Obama running for President. Valerie Jarrett was Michele Obama's boss. She is now Obama's chief advisor and he does not make any major decisions without talking to her first. Where was Jarrett born? Ready for this? Shiraz, Iran! Do we see a pattern here? Or am I going crazy? On May 10, 2008 The Times reported, Robert Malley advisor to Obama was "sacked" after the press found out he was having regular contacts with "Hamas", which controls Gaza and is connected with Iran .
This past week, buried in the back part of the papers, Iraqi newspapers
reported that during Obama's visit to Iraq, he asked their leaders to do
nothing about the war until after he is elected, and he will "Take care of
things". Oh,by the way, remember the college roommates that where born in Pakistan? They are in charge of all those "small" Internet campaign
contribution for Obama. Where's the money coming from? The poor and middle class? Or could it be from the Middle East? Beware of the enemy from within!
Posted by clibbybaseball (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
clibbybaseball posts important, pertinent information re why Americans should reject Obama. However, the worshipers of "The One" will never let mere facts get in the way of some really good KoolAid. We can only hope that there are enough clearheaded Americans to send this crooked, sophomoronic, anti-American racist back to the back bench instead of into the White House.
Posted by segeny (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
People, people. Don't feed the trolls.
Posted by drgardner (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For the life of me, I can't understand why people feel the need to mock others. You only make yourself look foolish with comments like "worshipers of 'the one'". I mean, does that make you feel better? We all have differing opinions, which is fine. But can we at least be respectful of one another and not propagate more hate and ugliness? I was at the Obama rally yesterday and was truly inspired by the positive energy of the crowd. I didn't hear anyone speak ill of McCain or Palin. It was pure, unadulterated excitement for the Obama ticket. And the protesters and distributors of opposing literature that I encountered were very respectful. Thanks to everyone for making it such a moving event. Even though I won't be attending the Palin event, I hope the same for all of those supporters.
Posted by KMDoodle8 (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I didn't hear anyone speak ill of McCain or Palin"
--------------------------------------------
(sigh) ...
Posted by OhTheHumanity (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This was a wonderful rally; in addition to Senator Obama's excellent speech I also enjoyed hearing from Governor Kaine and Senate candidate Mark Warner. The mix of people, young and old, with entire families attending together was heartwarming.
YES WE CAN!
Posted by frankieo19 (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We need change. Look at where we are today after 8 years of W. Look where we were 8 years ago before W. What a mess we are in. Obama is the only smart choice.
Posted by loudouner04 (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is funny to hear from someone in Loudoun County say that in the last 8 years they are worse off. I hardly believe that. If you purchased your house prior to 2003 in Loudoun County, you are still fine today. Unless, of course, you didn't learn to read the papers you signed. Things are tight but most likely because you got use to the idea of spending beyond your means in the 2000-2006 range. You couldn't go by the Leesburg outlets on the weekends without seeing the entire parking lot full. And that has to be true considering it is now twice the size it was in 2000. Also, we have more stores and places to work in the town than every before. So look at what you say and then look at yourself. Your behaviors change because the press tells you something is wrong. But if you knew how to be responsible when the market was busting at the seams, you should be fine now. Plus I think that most of you need to get a lesson on government. The President cannot do this on his own. He has to have the approval of Congress. If they didn't agree with him, they could round up the majority vote and change it. Even in the last two years of Democrat control, it has only gotten worse. So what can you say will be different when the entire government is controlled by one party. It won't get better until you are confident in how you control your own economy and stop having the press and the government tell you how you aren't better off than you were 8 years ago. I can only imagine what you thought sucked in 2000 or 2003 in Loudoun County. Because I remember my house being valued way overboard and out of control so the taxes could be collected for schools that I didn't put kids in to use. So stop blaming the results of your bank account and 401(k) on the President and realize you are fine. Do your job, save money, and be responsible. I would prefer no more of my money leave my wallet to help someone who hasn't learned to be responsible with their money.
Posted by Lost_in_VA26 (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I had a really good time with my family. I didn't hear any profanity, just lots and LOTS of people enjoying a pretty day and listening to the next president of this country. I was pleasantly surprised at Mr. Obama's warmth and humor, which sometimes isn't seen during serious interviews and debates. It was very impressive, and the traffic didn't bother me at all, for once!
Posted by GenuineRisk (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen to that Lost_in_VA26
Posted by OhTheHumanity (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Politicians will say anything to get elected. Both candidates are proposing tax cuts in the face of a national debt spiraling completely out of control and a budget deficit in the hundreds of billions a year. Meanwhile, the current congress is pushing for another "Stimulus Package" on top of the $700 billion we just handed to the pond scums they call banks.
Posted by chuckled (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Two Comments:
A vote for Obama IS a vote for Socialism.
Gov. Sarah Palin will be here Monday!!!
Posted by thevirginiarays (anonymous) on October 23, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We are delighted to have our Sarah visit and are looking forward to seeing her in person :-D
Although some display his/her own elitist snobbery through the postings, those of us who aren't sipping the zombie-inducing KoolAid know that the much-touted wardrobe worn by Palin was purchased by private money and will be donated after the election. Unlike the plans of "The One" to TAKE private money and distribute it to whomever he wants. If it smells, sounds, and looks like Marxism ...
And we non-worshipers of "The One" are eager to get our dissension in now, before the TALIBAMA swings into full action (see the many attacks on the McCain/ Palin supporting folks and their property). After all, when "The One", Pelosi and Reid silence conservatives with their "Fairness Doctrine" (currently in the works) and when the mainstream media is as loyal to "The One" as is Chavez's media, there won't be much opportunity to dissent. And with ACORN being protected and expanded by "The One" and his cohorts Pelosi and Reid, voting will be a futile exercise.
So enjoy the freedom while we can.
Posted by segeny (anonymous) on October 24, 2008 at 2:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who is she going to donate it too? Paris Hilton's home for wayward heiresses?
Posted by sydnorg (anonymous) on October 24, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It was a pretty amazing event. I doubt that the invitation only Palin event on Monday will be either as big or noteworthy as the Obama event.
The McCain/Palin people don't have the guts to open it up to the public for fear of what the real public thinks of their ticket and platform. Friends only. Not a very effective way of reaching out for new support.
Posted by RhumbLine (anonymous) on October 24, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good News Rhumbline!! The Palin event, like all McCain events asks only for an RSVP, but in reality they never even ask for the PDF printed tickets when you get there. They Welcome everyone!
.
http://www.johnmccain.com/ste/eventrsvp....
.
Either you have been misled, or you are purposely trying to paint the Republicans as trying to exclude (which is a patently false).
.
Now that you have been made aware that it's not exclusive, do you have the sack to show up? Doubtful
Posted by OhTheHumanity (anonymous) on October 25, 2008 at 6:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by RhumbLine (anonymous) on October 25, 2008 at 9:13 a.m.
Rev Wright did the opening monolog.
Posted by Funnyguyva (anonymous) on October 27, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was at the Obama rally (along with my spouse), near the stage, and I was among an incredible crowd of happy Northern Virginians, elated that their candidate had the possibility of winning. We came early, to get close up, so we had plenty of time to talk to those around us. The energy was amazing. People exchanged emails to share photos of the event. We chatted about what efforts we had gone to in support of our candidate. Many people near us who we spoke to had worked in Obama campaign offices making phone calls and had been out knocking on doors for their cause. Imagine that, an enormous crowd of regular fine upstanding citizens working hard to forward a cause they believe in. Patriotism at its finest.
Posted by flwrldy63 (anonymous) on November 9, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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