By Amanda Estes

Staff Writer    

Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama joked about Tuesday’s
unseasonably warm weather before launching into a speech that drew
laughter and roaring cheers from the Portland Expo audience.

“These Obama signs make excellent fans,” he said, of the Obama ‘08 signs floating in the audience.

 An estimated 2,000 people paid $23 each to attend the “Countdown to Change” event.

Jane Saunier of North Yarmouth brought her 14-year-old daughter, Hannah, so she could “experience the whole democratic process.”

Saunier said she was still undecided about who she would vote for, but
likes a lot of Obama’s ideas. She said she wanted to hear his plans to
address environmental issues, the health care system and the national
debt.

“I’m looking for a change of leadership from what we’ve had for the last eight years,” she said.

Thor Benson, of Brunswick, a “big supporter” of Obama, attended the rally to see the senator in person.

Even before the speech began, Benson said, “I’m definitely voting for him.”

 Throughout his speech, the Illinois senator refuted claims from
opponents that he lacks the experience to be president. What they
really mean, he said, is that he doesn’t have enough Washington
experience.

Obama spoke of working with both Republicans and Democrats to bring
healthcare to thousands of people in Illinois. He also spoke of his
work to bring more accountability to the state’s capital punishment
system after several death row inmates were found to be innocent. When
both parties objected to ethics reforms, Obama said he spoke out
against using campaign contributions for personal use.

“During the course of the election – candidates say they know how to
work the system in Washington,” he said. “What I have to remind people
is the system has not been working. I’ve got the experience America
needs right now.”

Obama addressed the nation’s health care system and said he would
provide coverage for all citizens and lower premiums by the end of his
first term in office. He also said he would raise the minimum wage,
encourage unions and offer tax breaks to working people.

Younger people in the audience stood and cheered when Obama said he
plans to make higher education more accessible and affordable for the
nation’s youth. He also called for salary increases and more
professional training for teachers and an increased investment in early
childhood education.

Addressing terrorism and the war in Iraq, Obama said a “secure America
[and] moral standing” in the world are not contradictory concepts. He
called for a pull out of one or two brigades a month and for all combat
troops to be out by next year.

Obama said he is looking forward to the opportunity to go before the United Nations and say, “America’s back.”

Following the rally, Obama was expected to attend a private fundraiser
hosted by Cape Elizabeth resident Robert C.S. Monks, according to
published reports.   

According to statistics cited in Washingtonpost.com, as of July 27,
Cape Elizabeth had contributed $14,950 to Obama’s campaign, more than
any other municipality in the state. That figure represents 45 percent
of the total contributions given to all candidates by residents.