New Orleans – Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama led his campaign to New Orleans on Thursday morning to speak to a crowd of more than 3,600 people. Obama supporters – primarily college students – packed Tulane University’s Fogelman Arena to hear Obama’s message. The candidate said about 500 people were shut out of the rally because of limited seating. “We have been seeing young people get involved in ways we have not seen in a generation,” Obama said. “Something’s different this time.” Obama said New Orleanians are reclaiming their future. “Change in America does not happen from the top down. It happens from the bottom up,” Obama said. Obama was introduced by New Orleans resident Lisa Edwards, who lost her home during Hurricane Katrina. Obama described New Orleans as the “quintessential American city” that faced its greatest test in the hurricane. He said the city that has “always stood for what can be done in this country,” has recently become a symbol for what could not be done. The American government failed its citizens with the response to Hurricane Katrina, Obama said. He said the city was neglected long before the hurricane. Brittany Barrient, Tulane law student, said Louisiana is sometimes neglected by campaigners. She said the area might not have received as much attention this election season had Hurricane Katrina never hit. While Obama focused his speech mainly on hurricane recovery, she said the important thing is that he was there. Obama said the hurricane “exposed silent storms that have ravaged this city and parts of our country for too long.” Obama criticized President George W. Bush for only flying over the city after the storm and said “half-hearted leadership” has slowed the recovery response. “It is time to cut the red tape so that the federal government is a partner, not an opponent, to getting things done,” he said. Obama referred to the appointment of FEMA Director Michael Brown, who had previously worked for the International Arabian Horse Association. He said the government would no longer appoint inexperienced people to such positions. Obama said the next FEMA director would report directly to him. “When I am president, the days of dysfunctionalism and cronyism in Washington will be over,” he said. The candidate also criticized the Bush administration for misleading the American people “into a war that should have never been authorized.” Eva Pest, Loyola University sociology junior, said it is “easy [for campaigners] to use hope here” because of the devastation after the hurricane. Obama said his message is of hope and made multiple promises to the state. He said his administration would ensure the levee system was rebuilt by 2011 to withstand a 100-year storm. The candidate said they would work to restore the wetlands to protect the city. Obama promised to award construction contracts to only local companies. He said his administration would set a goal to limit the approval period for Road Home applications to two months and to bring down rent prices. “It is not acceptable that federal money is not reaching communities that need it,” he said. Obama said the gulf region medical system would be rebuilt and include a “state-of-the-art” veterans hospital. He criticized the No Child Left Behind Act and said every child in America deserves a world-class education. Obama said his administration would work to provide incentives to bring qualified teachers back to Louisiana, including annual bonuses. He said he supports expanding teacher-mentor programs. He stressed that parents must be as involved as teachers in educating America’s youth. Obama said he supports a $4,000 stipend for every college student. The candidate said he dreams of a united country. “Too often we lose our sense of common destiny,” Obama said. Dante Monier, a sixth grader from KIPP Believe College Preparatory School, said he attended the event because he admires Obama’s dream of a nation united and for the people. Monier said Obama has stood by his vision since the beginning of his career.
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