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EX-PRESIDENT RALLIES VOTERS IN PINE BLUFF

By Judy Normand/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Sunday, October 26, 2008 4:24 PM CDT

A huge, flag-waving, get-out-the-vote crowd packed an area across from the Jefferson County Courthouse on Saturday to welcome home several of the state’s favorite sons, including former President Bill Clinton, who set the tone of the rally when he said, “Very briefly, Barack Obama is gonna win this election.”

Former President Bill Clinton stirs enthusiasm for Barack Obama on Saturday at the Jefferson County Courthouse while former Gov. Jim Guy Tucker (left) and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater applaud. Pine Bluff Commercial/Ralph Fitzgerald

The rally followed the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s homecoming parade held on Main Street Saturday morning where a massive crowd turned out.

Among those sharing the stage at the rally with Clinton were Gov. Mike Beebe; former governors and U.S. Senators David Pryor and Dale Bumpers; former governor Jim Guy Tucker; U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor; former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Rodney Slater; state Sen. Henry “Hank” Wilkins IV; Mayor Carl A. Redus Jr.; state Rep. Stephanie Flowers; and the UAPB’s Student Government Association president, Graylon Johnson, along with actress and Arkansas native, Mary Steenburgen.

The group was in the city to make sure its citizens could hear the train of progress as it roars through the country and to suggest strongly that everyone grab a ticket and get on board.

“Because we love our country and folks, we’re in a ditch here,” Clinton said. “Barack Obama is a good candidate, he has the best positions on the issues and (we need him) because this country is in trouble.”

Clinton briefly outlined Obama’s plans for the country as they relate to health care, energy and the economy.

“Barack Obama will stop the epidemic (of home foreclosures) and that alone is reason to elect him president,” Clinton said. He also said Obama had the “best plan” for making America energy independent and that he would keep his promise to bring the troops home from Iraq.

“And we don’t want to see Arkansas get left out. We want to be a part of the creators of America’s future. We don’t have an excuse, Arkansas. How can we not vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden?” Clinton asked. “You hire a president who will win for America — someone who not only wants to understand the issues facing our country, but some one who can understand.”

Clinton also thanked the crowd for their votes for his wife, Hillary Clinton.

“But, she is working now for Obama, because she still knows we have to change this country,” he said, to hearty applause.

David Pryor declared that the upcoming election is an opportunity for the voting public to make the greatest decision in American history.

“It’s the most important decision in our long history,” he said, “and don’t you forget it!”

Slater told the audience members to look to their left and right. “See the community’s focus and determination — voices coming together to take the nation forward.”

“Barack Obama will be elected and I want to make sure he carries Arkansas, as well. It’s been a rough eight years and it will get worse before it gets better, but Obama is a voice for working families. Join me in doing everything in your power to elect Barack Obama,” Ross said.

Taking the opportunity to thank the public for allowing him to serve in Washington for several years and to hope for six more, Mark Pryor said meeting Barack Obama had been one of the highlights of his career.

“He’s a fine, fine person. And you know what? I went up to him and asked, ‘What can I do for you?’ And you know what he said? The first thing out of his mouth was, ‘Pray for me.’ He’s a decent, spiritual man and this country is crying out for a change. Barack Obama is the right person at the right time,” Pryor said.

At intervals during the rally and again at the end, the large crowd — many of whom had already voted — were directed to the voting booths by the dignitaries on the platform. Saturday was the first of two Saturdays the courthouse was open for early voting.

“In addition to voting,” Beebe said, “your challenge is to tell somebody. Get your friends and neighbors up and out to vote. This is all about the next generations.”

Flowers put the day in perspective: “Barack the vote!”

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