More than 8,000 people attended President Obama’s rally for gubernatorial candidate John Kitzhaber in Portland on Wednesday night. Though the event was Kitzhaber’s largest campaign rally to date, Obama’s message was as clear and simple as the blue and white signs in the audience’s hands, reading Kitzhaber for Governor 2010.
Obama’s arrival in Portland was part of a five-state tour across the West to energize voters in the weeks before Election Day.
With only 13 days left before the end of the race and a recent Rasmussen poll reporting Kitzhaber with only a 2 percent lead over Chris Dudley, Kitzhaber said he is confident that Obama’s arrival to Portland has motivated Democrats and Independents to get out and vote.
“This is a great boost for us,” Kitzhaber said. “It took a while, but I think voters are starting to mobilize.”
Energy was high as Obama took the stage. Across the audience, several parents scooped down and lifted children onto their shoulders so they could hear the president speak.
In his speech, Obama asked the audience to seriously consider the importance of Oregon’s gubernatorial race and highlighted Kitzhaber’s qualifications for the job.
“Now folks, let’s talk about this governor’s race. This should not be a difficult choice,” he said. “Here’s a guy who has already done the job and done it well. I know you love your Trail Blazers, but come on.”
Kitzhaber, Obama and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley synchronized their messages to include common themes, including a women’s right to choose, preserving the environment and restoring jobs to Oregonians.
Obama went a step further by urging the audience to ignore those Republicans who use smear campaigns to blame the economic crisis on Democrats such as Kitzhaber. Obama said he inherited the problem when he took office and that it should not be pinned on Democrats.
“Tell the Republicans, ‘You can’t have the keys back because you don’t know how to drive,’” Obama said.
Oregon Representative Jefferson Smith opened the rally and not only endorsed Kitzhaber for governor, but also sought to remind voters that they ultimately hold the power to make change by the simple act of voting.
“All I see here is enthusiasm,” Smith said.
Jennifer Keenan, a Planned Parenthood advocate, also spoke and gave Kitzhaber supporters homework.
“Take out your cell phones right now and text Kitz to 91011 and give just two hours of your time. That’s all: two hours,” Keenan said. “That’s exactly how we’re going to win.”
Two elementary students came to the rally, one equipped with a professional video camera and both with hopes of interviewing the president.
For some people in the audience who attended, the rally holds a special significance.
“Were here to support, but this Bobby’s first time seeing a president,” father Riley Bryant said.
“The president might talk to us because we’re kids or maybe because we’re lucky,” Leo Sangr, one of the elementary students, said.
Though the two pint-sized reporters didn’t score an interview with Obama, they did catch Kitzhaber and spoke with him for several minutes.
Kitzhaber said he was humbled by Obama’s arrival in Oregon, even with his experience as a politician.
“I’ve been a fan for a long time. I was one of the first leaders who endorsed him,” he said. “I am just honored and delighted he’d take the time to come up.”
 
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