Obama fans fill Wilma for landmark nomination

Once again, sign-waving and cheering supporters of Barack Obama gathered in Missoula Thursday.
This time it was at the Wilma Theater to watch the Illinois senator accept the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination live from Invesco Field in Denver, Colo.
The televised showing captured a historic moment in political history, as the first black presidential nominee from a major party spoke.
“Historically, this is huge,” said Sarah Olafson, a freshman environmental studies major. “It is so inspiring.”

Once again, sign-waving and cheering supporters of Barack Obama gathered in Missoula Thursday.
This time it was at the Wilma Theater to watch the Illinois senator accept the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination live from Invesco Field in Denver, Colo.
The televised showing captured a historic moment in political history, as the first black presidential nominee from a major party spoke.
“Historically, this is huge,” said Sarah Olafson, a freshman environmental studies major. “It is so inspiring.”
In his speech, Obama vowed to cut taxes for nearly all working-class families, end the war in Iraq and break America’s dependence on Middle East oil within a decade.
By contrast, he said, “John McCain has voted with President Bush 90 percent of the time,” a scathing indictment of his Republican rival — on health care, education, the economy and more.
Polls indicate a close race between Obama and McCain, the Arizona senator who stands between him and a place in history. On a night 45 years after Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I have a Dream Speech,” Obama made no overt mention of his own race.
While 75,000 supporters packed the stadium in Denver, a steady stream of Missoula supporters trickled in and filled the bottom level of the theater to watch the free showing.
Outside the Wilma Theater, a dozen people waved Obama signs while passersby responded with honks and loud cheers.
“The energy here is great,” Olafson said. “It’s nice to see peoples’ signs and shirts.”
Padee Thao, outreach coordinator for the University of Montana College Democrats, said she expected students to attend the rally.
“This is the night,” said Thao, a junior political science major. “Students are getting back to school, and this is going to be the real kick-off.”
Jim Anderson, a junior marketing major and an Obama volunteer, said he thinks people want to be part of the movement.
Olafson said this is because of how Obama motivates people.
“There’s his message of optimism and a feeling we can do something,” he said.
And as Obama’s face filled the screen in the Wilma, a sea of signs waved, and the chant of “Yes we can” echoed throughout the room.
stefanie.kilts@umontana.edu
The Associated Press contributed to this report.