Elections » 2008 Campaign Visit: Obama

Michelle Obama rally
- When: 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8
- Where: Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague
Comments (37) • Video (2) • Photos (26) • Audio (2) • Stories (6)
Discuss Michelle Obama's visit to Spokane
Are you going to the rally? Share your opinions with other readers. And if you attend the event, we'd love to hear your story here, too. Or send us a photo!

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11:17 PM Feb 10
Spokane showed nothing of the sort. It showed a small group of people vote at a Caucus. That's what it showed.
Watch the General Election. Spokane County votes RED.
I voted Democrat as a Libertarian, but I guarantee unless you suddenly drag everyone to the polls in the General Election, the RED will continue.
8:35 AM Feb 10
Well, Mr. Driftmeyer, I guess Spokane showed you how wrong you were about it being a sea of red in a blue state. In the caucuses Obama won EVERY COUNTY in the state except for little old Douglas.
Six polls taken the past two weeks show that in a Clinton-McCain matchup, the candidates are dead even or that Clinton is slightly ahead -- BUT within the margin of error.
Those same polls show that in a matchup between Obama and McCain that Obama would win with a margin GREATER THAN CLINTON'S AND OUTSIDE THE MARGIN OF ERROR.
The Democrats would be stupid to set forth a candidate who cannot win against McCain (Clinton). If we want to take back the White House, it is the only logical thing to do.
And no one could have come to the White House with less experience than Bush Light.
6:18 AM Feb 10
I just wish Obama will win this election year. Hillary is just a sellout from the corporations, plain and simple. I don't know about you, but I need new people, new blood to come to the plate and fix America the way it suppose to be. If She wins, then it's lost case and I won't lose my time voting.
8:23 PM Feb 9
Wow, I am continually amazed at the fact that people continue to spout about Obama being the candidate for change. Don't people do any research? According to the National Review, Obama was the SINGLE MOST LIBERAL member of the senate, and voted party line more than any other democrat. Reguardless of your political persuasion, doesn't anyone else see that this kind of person is NOT the kind of person to reach across party lines and change politics...a party stooge is NOT about outsider politics. At least Hillary and McCain have decent records of bipartisan action.
Seems to me more people need to look at what the candidates have DONE, and not what they have SAID. The spokesman had a political cartoon the other day that was perfect. Obama's Rhetoric = JFK, Obama's Policies = LBJ
7:15 PM Feb 9
Enjoy the Caucus victory. This Libertarian is well-versed in politics and knows Eastern WA is a Red zone.
So far, Spokane County has more than 60,000 votes for the actual Primary which is twice that for the Caucus which was for the entire state.
This State needs to stick to primaries. The entire state deserves a voice.
2:39 PM Feb 9
Clinton versus McCain. That will be about as interesting and exciting as watching two retirement homes in Florida battling it out over a game of shuffleboard. Look, I'm 66. I appeal to my fellow senior citizens. Let's step aside and let Obama and his younger generation have their shot. They have many more years to enjoy living in this wonderful country than we do.
Remember, too, Washington, that Obama--not Clinton--has ties to our state. His folks moved to Seattle in 1955 and his mom is a Mercer Island High grad. Vote Obama!
12:22 PM Feb 9
I went to Michelle Obama's speech thinking Obama would be a good president. I left believing it will be a tragedy if this country does not send this wonderful and inspiring couple to the White House. They will represent our country in a way that will bring so much goodwill from around the world.
Michelle Obama for First Lady!!!
11:54 AM Feb 9
My concern is where was Obama himself. That's right, in Seattle with the money. Seems to me that if he really is a breath of fresh air then he could have made time to see us instead of sending his wife. With him being about new ideas, it seems money and politics is still how he operates.
10:40 AM Feb 9
Well, I am a 66 year old woman and who got to vote for JFK for the first election I ever voted in. I can see the same excitement for O'Bama. I honestly don't think Hillary can make it because, unfortunately, she is a woman. Many, many men do NOT like her and feel that she might cost the Democrats the presidency, again--heaven help us. There are also many women who do not like Hillary, even though she is very politically savy.
If someone could get rid of the lobbiest--big money is really running our country folks, and that is a sad state of affairs. I am pleased that so many young people are finally taking an interest in our government, that is a very good thing because you are next in line and it's gonna take someone with alot of "smarts" to clean up the mess that is in DC. Unfortunately, it's going to take much time. Amazing what one person can do in just 8 years to totally destroy something for "money".
10:23 AM Feb 9
I wish all the Clinton supporters that keep asking about where Barack stands on the issues would go to his website, where it's all spelled out in detail. I think they just want something to bring him down on and aren't interested in finding out the truth.
9:57 AM Feb 9
HA! That Jennifer is a farce and represents what people will do who are desperate. Obama is a man of integrity who would not trade in his values for some corporate donations or a few votes.
6:12 AM Feb 9
" As a young person, I was leaning towards Obama. He seemed Fresh and New and was against the war. But after I thought about it, what do I really know about Obama? Maybe not knowing is a good thing.
Obama is the Hot, Popular Girl in School everyone drools over. Yes, it’s great going on a couple of dates with her until you get to know her. Then you discover that the allure was the beauty and the mystery, but there is NO way you’re Marrying her.
Hillary is the marrying kind of gal. She’s not flashy and not into Designer Clothes and Hot Spot Clubs, but she’s the kind that will work hard and help you raise a family.
I guess, for me, I had my last minute fling, but I did the honorable thing and picked the girl I know will raise Our Country!
2:08 AM Feb 9
I was undecided between Obama and Clinton going into the Fox today and went with a friend who has always been conservative. We were both won over by the integrity shown not just by what was said but through the sincerity that was evident in her voice. I was particularly inspired by how they never "sold out" to the corporate world to try and pay off their law school debts but used their advocacy talents to really bring hope and empowerment to "regular folk" like us. I hope I have enough bravery to do the same after I graduate law school...
12:51 AM Feb 9
I'm from Hawaii. WSU's Derrick Low graduated from my daughter's school! I'm extremely impressed by the young people of Washington who have embraced Obama and realize that he is a far better choice than Clinton. Don't forget to vote for him tomorrow!
11:46 PM Feb 8
Michelle is so real and authentic! You go girl!!
Not like Hillary Clinton and her fake tears. What a phony!
11:43 PM Feb 8
LOL! Jennifer is caught! She posted on the Hillary bog - she DID NOT attend Michelle's rally - she made that up. She's just a Clinton plant like I said, just making stuff up to try and throw you off.
Obama is the real deal, just like JFK was. Go Obama!!!
11:21 PM Feb 8
I believe we are witnessing history in the making. This man has 11 years of legislative experience. This man has the integrity to become a community organizer after going to law school. Think about that.
This man is widely regarded as a Constitutional law expert.
This man will make a fantastic President.
11:17 PM Feb 8
Jennifer from earlier is so OBVIOUSLY a Clinton plant! This "cult" idea is something that the Clinton folks are trying to get into the American mind. Ignore!
Who is Obama?? Who is Obama?? Oh, just the first African American ever to be the head of the HARVARD LAW REVIEW!! That's all. Oh, just someone who was in the Illinois State Legislature for A DECADE!! That's all. Someone who could have taken a 7 figure income running a corporation but instead decided to become a community organizer. That's all.
10:56 PM Feb 8
I was there. Had to stand in the lobby. Michelle gave an excellent speech. Well done.
10:18 PM Feb 8
i went and was totally unimpressed. obama worship feels too much like a cult. and just like cult followers, every one is full of blind praise without thinking critically. he's got a lot of sizzle, but where's the steak?
who is michelle obama? for that matter, who is barack obama?
of course she's going to promote her husband. frankly, i think these two need more time in the public eye before people start voting them into the white house.
who the hell are they?
7:51 PM Feb 8
Saw you recently on TV, Michelle. You handled yourself VERY well - good for you. Wish I could be there to see you speak at the good old Fox Theater (watched plenty of movies there growing up in Spokane:-).
Best wishes and thanks for being there...
7:48 PM Feb 8
Remember when you cast your votes that what Michelle Obama has to say should not lean you one way or another. Barack Obama will be the person behind the desk if we elect him, not Michelle.
7:06 PM Feb 8
Wow!!! I was there and it was worth the 1 1/2 wait in cold for a good seat. Michelle Obama is an amazing woman in her own right who will be an amazing first lady.
7:01 PM Feb 8
She was absolutely great!! Wow, take about change, I'm in....
I think it is wonderful that he knows the meaning of the word change. He started very early on in his adult life advocating for the PEOPLE. The man knows what it is like to work from the ground up.
His mother did a great job!
Don't forget to caucus!!!
6:55 PM Feb 8
Well.... i was there... and it was UFB and that is not an over statement... she was "authentic" and spoke to the needs and dreams of our children and our young people. Mary came and was locked out but i had a seat for her and she got there in time to have tears in her eyes too... the energy was like Eugene McCarthy in 1968 Portland Arena...
Go to your Caucus... one candidate or the other... get up off your butts and go to your caucus.... this is a sea change time.... and it is going to affect all of us over time... john
5:43 PM Feb 8
Great speaker!!! Really spoke to the everyday, normal person. Made her husband sound like an honestly good man. YES WE CAN!
5:25 PM Feb 8
I am from Moscow, ID where we stuffed 1,200 people into the fair building Tues. night, in a blizzard, ran out of ballot slips, and we voted 78% for Obama. Hillary got 15%; the rest to undecided and Edwards. I flew to Seattle yesterday to attend a seminar on Friday and when I found out Obama was going to be here I ditched the seminar, stood in line outside 2 hours and got in to see him. It was a historic moment. So, Washington, here is your challenge - try and beat Idaho's overwhelming support for Obama. I am a 56 year old woman and Obama is my hope for my grandchildren's future. It's a new day. Don't let us down, Washington!!!
5:09 PM Feb 8
I tried to get in but was turned away due to the huge crowed. That was a bummer for me but great news for Spokane. I'm thrilled that this event got such a great turnout. OBAMA FOR CHANGE. He offers such hope for this country, and we are sorely in need of some hope right now. The endorsement in the Inlander this week offers a wonderful write-up. Check it out!
3:50 PM Feb 8
I wish I could be there... but I had to travel west to see Barack in person. Unfortunately, so did about 25,000 people that got there before me. Standing outside the Key Arena was fun though. Good crowds.
Listening to the radio on the way back, they seemed to be a little low on the numbers. Saying "thousands," when there were 3,00 - 6,000 people just outside. When Seattle's mayor warmed up the crowd, he said they were about 2K over capacity inside. I've now seen them say Hillary had 5K last night in Seattle (numbers up from the news report last night?!!!)
Regardless, if he can do that mid-day during a school/work day, what will happen tomorrow!!!!
3:32 PM Feb 8
Whatever floats your boat...these two visits are non-events.
11:07 AM Feb 8
I'll try to be there.
9:52 AM Feb 8
@Rob Clark: We're hearing here at the Spokesman that the event is scheduled to last about an hour. But the end time is a bit fluid - if Michelle Obama is late getting in, then the event will go later too.
9:42 AM Feb 8
Senator Obama is by far the best candidate running for President. His integrity, principled judgment, and inspirational leadership starkly contrasts with Clinton's willingness to assert and spread falsehoods, unprincipled vote for the Iraq War, and wretched failure in her attempt to reform healthcare in 1993.
We are all paying for her lack of courage to stand against the war and have been waiting 15 years for healthcare reform that she and her husband did not bring to us after 8 years in the White House and her 7 years in the Senate. Has all her years of experience accomplished anything positive that you can remember?
Clinton supporters, feel free to cite anything except stuff principally due to Bill.
Meanwhile, Senator Obama co-authored and passed landmark ethics bills in Illinois and Washington, curtailing the influence of lobbyists and special interests. These are the same lobbyists and special interests whose money Clinton accepts and to whom she is beholden. Senator Obama does not accept money from them, so he is only beholden to the American people.
Senator Obama has broad support across the U.S. His numerous backers are widespread and motivated, while Clinton's backers are faltering, disappointed that she frittered away her huge lead, and beginning to realize that they are not backing the best and most honorable candidate in the race.
Senator Obama wins converts every day. Once voters realize how much preferable he is to Clinton... or to McCain... they stick loyally by him, embracing and then passing along his message that we must unify to create positive change.
Don't give Clinton and the Republicans any encouragement. It will only make the changes that we seek as a country more difficult to enact.
If you want a change from the divisiveness of the politics of cynicism, if you want seasoned experience (11 years as an elected official, having won 3 elections), if you want someone who stands on principle, then Vote for Senator Barack Obama. Register, go the caucuses tomorrow, Saturday, and place a check mark next to his name.
9:01 AM Feb 8
I am thinking about going, but I have a conference this weekend in CDA and I need to be there by 5/5:30. Anyone know what time this thing ends?
8:04 AM Feb 8
I live in Sandpoint and a few of us here are thinking of traveling to Sandpoint just to hear in person Michelle Obama. She is as good a speaker--see Youtube speeches--as her husband; she is intelligent and is the woman we would love to elect as president if just voting for a woman president (or a black president) were the most important reason. It is not.
But, I am not going to go. Spokane people need to fill the Fox's seats and then get people out to caucus for Obama on Saturday.
We had more people than ever before caucus on the 5th. Overwhelming numbers for Obama. If you care about real change, not just another re-hash of Billary/ Bush, then grab anyone you know and get thee to the beautiful Fox theater today to hear someone with integrity speak: Michelle Obama.
Idaho a very red state brought out enough real blues to give Obama an 80% vote. Hey, Spokane top us!!!
6:04 AM Feb 8
I'm going--hope there's enough room to get in! I think Barack is our one true hope for something positive in America and the world! Hilary represents politics as usual, I think.
5:09 AM Feb 8
I hope a local audio archive will be available online. ( Not just a sound bite. )
Bill