About 6,600 people were in the audience at Abington High School where Barack Obama spoke today. He exerted an undeniable star power over the crowd, which periodically broke into chants of “Yes we can!” or “O-ba-ma”. He repeated phrases and policy promises that have been key to his campaign thus far, declaring that “he gets” middle-class Americans’ pressing concern over the state of the economy where McCain is out of touch, and emphasizing that 95 percent of Americans would see tax cuts under his administration.

He placed special emphasis on education issues, in light of the location of the event, and made a deal with current high school students: if they serve in their communities, he’ll make sure everyone can afford a college education, “no ifs, ands, or buts.” Attendees leaving the event called it “phenomenal” and said they were thrilled by the experience of seeing Obama in person.

12:02 - Pumping up the crowd with a final appeal for support and volunteers, Obama finishes his speech.

11:58 - “We will all need to pull our weight, because now, more than ever, we are all in this together… what this crisis has told us is that in the end, there is no separation between Main Street and Wall Street.”

11:55 - Back to Wall Street: “Just as we demand accountability in Wall Street, I will demand accountability in Washington… I will start by ending a war in Iraq”

11:54 - The crowd, which includes members of Abington High School, chants again, “Obama, Obama”

11:53 - “If you serve your country, or your community… if you serve in the military, or in the peace corps… if you work in a homeless shelter… We will invest in you… You will be able to afford college, no ifs, ands or buts.”

11:52 - Moving on from healthcare, Obama is now outlining his plan for education. He promises to make sure American educations are “second to none” in the world.
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We’re here at Abington High School in Montgomery County, PA where Barack Obama is scheduled to speak at 11 AM. The county, divided between registered Republicans and Democrats, is a crucial bloc of votes in the swing state of Pennsylvania. With Pennsylvania’s voter registration deadline just four days away, volunteers are registering people in the crowd to vote right on the spot. The crowd is anticipating Obama’s reaction to last night’s vice presidential debate. He’s also slated to explain how he’ll regulate Wall Street and Washington, and how he’ll create jobs for middle-class Americans. So far we’ve heard from a few community leaders and volunteers for the Obama campaign.

11:29 - Rupert introduces Obama, who jogs on to the field to a cheering crowd.

11:28 - Rupert, a volunteer for the Obama campaign in Pottstown explains how his job was downsized and eventually cut over the eight years of the Bush adminsistration. 

11:26 - Rendell introduces Bob Rupert, a resident of Montgomery County.

11:20 - Bob Casey just spoke and Ed Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania is now speaking.

11:15 - No sign of Obama, apart from a secret service SUV.