“How well can Obama really do in the Southern, Red States?”: It’s what Democrats, unsure of how to cast their primary vote, have been saying under their breath.
Yesterday, those Dems got at least part of their answer when Obama charmed a rally full of people in Oklahoma, one of the reddest states in America. 1,000 people came out to support Obama in Oklahoma City, the state’s capitol, a city that boasts a population of just over 500,000—the state’s largest.
Just as surprising, Obama’s biggest selling point for Oklahomans was his stance against the war.
Historically very Republican, at least in National elections, Oklahoma’s electorate voted for Bush in a landslide in 2000. And again in 2004. Even in 1996, while the country was voting for Clinton as an incumbent, 48 percent of Oklahomans voted for Bob Dole. Clinton trailed at 40 percent.
Obama did better yesterday than any might have predicted—perhaps even Obama’s own campaign. The Obama camp, possibly trying to forecast their own draw in this reddest of red states, may have billed themselves accordingly. The afternoon rally/fundraiser cost a paltry $25 to attend as compared to the previous afternoon’s fundraiser in Colorado where attendees forked over $100 to catch a glimpse of the Senator. Still, Obama’s campaign was able to raise $25,000 in Oklahoma yesterday.
“I have never seen a man in politics that had that much sincerity, purpose, vision,” Gregory Shields of Collinsville, Oklahoma said.
Many rally attendees went looking to be inspired and many left fulfilled, according to NewsOK‘s Jennifer Mock, the local reporter covering the story.
Obama told the crowd in Oklahoma that the days of divisive politics are numbered. He could have said, however, the days of Democrats doubting his legitimacy as a presidential candidate are numbered. And we would have known exactly who he was talking to.
Watch and read local news coverage of last night’s rally here.
–Jessica Savage
