“With seven days remaining until election day, Senator Barack Obama gave what could be considered his closing argument speech Monday. Obama spoke to a crowd of 4,900 excited supporters at Canton’s Civic Center. We are one week away from change in America, he said.”
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With seven days remaining until election day, Senator Barack Obama gave what could be considered his closing argument speech Monday.

Obama spoke to a crowd of 4,900 excited supporters at Canton’s Civic Center.

We are one week away from change in America, he said.

He talked about the issues that are on every Americans mind: the economy, taxes, education and the safety of our country.

At a moment like this the last thing we can afford is four more years, he told the crowd referring to President Bush’s administration.

While he said that we should be thankful for John McCain’s contributions as a war hero, he also said that he has not told the American public what he will do differently than President Bush.

We cannot afford to take that risk, Obama said.

A way of avoiding that risk according to Obama is by lowering taxes.

Obama proposes tax cuts for those making under $250,000. He is offering a tax break to 95 percent of working Americans and return those making $250,000 back to the tax rate they had in the 1990s.

The overall goal is to help create more jobs and keep jobs in America, he said.

While he is not able to bring back every job that has been sent overseas he will eliminate the tax credit offered to companies who ship jobs overseas. He promised to create five million new jobs in the energy section.

The issue relevant to most attending was education.

Obama said one of his goals is to help students compete in a global economy. This will be done by investing in early education and demanding higher standards from everyone.

Obama also stated his intentions for those who cannot afford to attend college.

If you can commit to serving your country or your community, you will go to college, he said.

Obama also addressed the issue of national security.

I will never hesitate to defend this country, the senator said.

He also said that he will help ensure that the soldiers returning home will receive the care they need, simply stating that they served the United States.

He chose to close his speech by asking Americans to do what every other presidential candidate has asked before.

I ask you to believe, he said. He knows change is possible, however, it will not be quick and it will not be easy. He reiterated the point that people need to work hard for the future generations.

In one week we can come together as people, Obama said. That’s what we are fighting for.

Friday, Obama supporters gathered at Buchtel High School to listen to Michelle Obama who appeared for her husband.

The three thousand attendees listened to the possible future first lady speak about the issues of the campaign and share stories.

She also spoke about the youth vote.

You know they care about Barack Obama, she said with a laugh, referring to a young person walking to the polls to vote.

Katrina Newman, a 25 year-old actor from New York City, was one of the youths in attendance. She is voting for Obama because of her low-income, liberal views on gay marriage and the importance of women’s rights.

Michelle Obama addressed issues such as healthcare and education by saying this is not politics, this is personal.

She also told the audience that Barack gets American concerns because he’s lived it. He understands the struggles of the middle class such as the rising cost of groceries, gas and the increase in home foreclosures.

People like Steven Goldring, a 53 year-old from Akron, believe that change is needed and Obama will bring it.

I don’t feel that the republicans have any room in their party for gay people or people not like them, Goldring said.

Goldring said he came to the Michelle Obama rally because he is supporting Obama, and he sees him as a breath of fresh air. He compared him to John and Robert Kennedy, saying that he believes the country is getting back to where it should have been when the Kennedy brothers were in charge.

I think it’s a wonderful new beginning for our country, he said.

Above all, he had one thought that was more important than any others.

I am proud to be an American no matter who I am and who I represent, Goldring said.

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” #1.1360792:1750156857.jpg:237_20081027_barack_obama_db-edit.jpg:Senator Obama visits with supporters from Canton Monday afternoon. He was greeted with overwhelming applause and cheers.:Diana Ball”