Obama Rallies Hometown Crowd

President hosts first Chicago public event since election night

Democratic supporters were out in full force Saturday for an appearance by President Barack Obama.

Obama headlined a "Moving America Forward" at Midway Plaisance Park, his first public appearance in Chicago since his election night celebration in Grant Park.   And on Sunday, the commander in chief was still making appearances with Illinois candidates.

With the election only a few days away, the president is criss-crossing the country to try to stir up support for Democratic candidates, many of whom are involved in tight races.

Obama asked the cheering crowd if they were fired up. He said people have to go to the polls so Democrats can finish what they started in 2008. He said at the rally people need to get others out to the polls too. And he said if everyone who fought for change to elect him comes out to the polls on Tuesday, then Democrats will win.

Chicago was Obama's third stop in a day of campaigning as he tries to fend off Republicans trying to win his former Senate seat and the Illinois governor's mansion.

Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Democratic National Committee dumped another $950,000 into Illinois Saturday, a harbinger of just how concerned they are about the tight local races.

"I'm amazed at the amount of money being spent on all these races," Daley told reporters at the rally.

But despite falling poll numbers nationwide, Daley said Obama is in friendly territory.

"People here want President Obama to do well. They like him. They want him to succeed," Daley said.

Saturday's rally also included a performance by Chicago rapper Common.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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