World | USA
Obama woos voters in Republican state
Barack Obama spent the US Independence Day holiday in the western state of Montana, watching a parade, eating a hot dog and trying to woo moderate voters in the traditionally Republican stronghold.
- AP
- Published: 23:14 July 5, 2008
- Senator Barack Obama and his wife Michelle watch an Independence Day parade with their two daughters Malia (right) and Sasha in Butte, Montana.
- Image Credit: AP
Butte, Montana: Barack Obama spent the US Independence Day holiday in the western state of Montana, watching a parade, eating a hot dog and trying to woo moderate voters in the traditionally Republican stronghold.
Obama, accompanied by his wife, two daughters, sister and other relatives, watched the town's Fourth of July parade before going to a campaign-sponsored "family picnic" for hundreds of people.
The presumptive Democratic nominee, who has highlighted the theme of patriotism throughout the week, talked to the crowd about his personal background of being raised by a single mother.
"I know that there is no other country out there where I could be standing before you as somebody who could potentially be president of the United States," Obama said on Friday. "We are going to change the world."
McCain was spending the holiday weekend in his home state of Arizona after wrapping up a three-day visit to Colombia and Mexico on Thursday to promote free trade and burnish his foreign policy credentials.
The Obamas also celebrated the birthday of their oldest daughter Malia, who turned 10 on Friday.
The Obamas spent part of the afternoon sitting for interviews with such family friendly magazines as People, Essence and Parents, and television's Access Hollywood.
Aides were seen carting Hula Hoops, colouring books and whiffle balls so the girls could be photographed playing.
The relatively low-key campaign day came on the heels of a dust-up on Thursday for the Illinois senator over his Iraq war policy. While visiting Fargo, North Dakota, Obama talked about his Iraq war policy and his upcoming trip to Iraq.
The Iraq war, which Obama has called a mistake and McCain has strongly supported, has been a key difference between the two presidential contenders.
The Independence Day trip to Montana marked the fourth time Obama has visited the state. Only two Democratic presidential candidates have carried Montana and its three electoral votes since 1948.
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Into an oasis of values
A place to snuggle in the warmth of old manners away from the bustle of city life
-
The walking MP
Rory Stewart's long walk in life has taken a new turn
-
What drives Africa's new kind of refugees?
Warming-driven factors have led many in the continent to flee their homes
