Obama tells rally he'll revive Detroit automakers

DETROIT -- The message came across very loud and crystal clear to about 20,000 people in Detroit's Joe Louis Arena: It is time for a change in America and Barack Obama will be the architect.

In his first official campaign visit to Detroit, the Democratic presidential candidate charged voters of all colors to take a stand, drop their cynicism and become movers in setting the course for America's future.

And in the Motor City -- one of the national leaders in unemployment, the uninsured, home foreclosures and hopelessness -- Obama's promises fell on wanting ears.

He told the Motor City rally Monday night he'll fight to revive the nation's struggling auto industry and make sure Michigan continues to put the country on wheels.

"We are going to build the cars of the future right here in Detroit, right here in Michigan, right here in America," the Illinois senator told supporters in a town that for generations had been the auto capital of the world.

"We're going to create alternative fuels for our plug-in hybrids," he said. "We are going to help the auto companies. If you are ready for change, we are going to create a brighter energy future right here in America."

Michigan Republicans, meanwhile, posted an ad on YouTube chastising Obama for noting during a speech last year to the Detroit Economic Club that the domestic automakers "continue to reward failure." Obama also criticized the Detroit Three in that speech for their slow pace of change, but has changed his message recently to a more cooperative one.

His welcome at 9:18 p.m. was akin to the devotion and adoration showered on rock and hip-hop stars, and even movie icons.

Following an introduction by former Vice President Al Gore, Obama took the stage to thunderous applause and continued chants of "Yes, we can!" that bounced off the arena's walls.

Graciously he thanked Michigan's congressional delegation, state legislators, Gov. Jennifer Granholm and local volunteers for their support. At one point more than 10 minutes into his "thank yous," Obama even asked hundreds in the arena to take their seats and relax.

He also urged them to register to vote and become volunteers, saying "this is a grass roots political movement that we're building."

It's apparent that state Democrats, even former supporters of Hillary Rodham Clinton who lost the party's nod to Obama have become part of that movement.

Speaking before Gore and Obama, Granholm said Obama would help Michigan go from leading the nation in unemployment to leading the way to a new era of clean energy and fuel-efficient transportation.

"We'll have a new president in the White House, a president who'll be Michigan's partner, a president who'll fight for us," Granholm said. "We in Michigan, we will build and sell the 100 mile-per-gallon vehicle. ... We have the skill, we have the will, and we'll have a president who's committed to a national energy policy to create those jobs here."

That's exactly what the state needs, 51-year-old Brian Dunn said after Obama's speech.

The Detroit resident has taken a buyout from struggling auto parts supplier American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc.

"It's time. It's time for healing the whole country 100 percent," he said.

Obama said he hears "a cry of desperation across the land" from those struggling through the country's economic troubles, those who have lost jobs, health coverage and hope for the future.

"Everywhere I go I hear it. I hear it from the single mom who can't afford insurance for her children," he said.

Obama said he especially hears it from the laid off factory worker.

"Not only has he lost his job and his health care, he's lost his sense of dignity and self-respect because he can't afford to support his family anymore," Obama said.

Obama said he also would help those who have lost their jobs because of the economic dislocation.

"We're going to make sure every worker gets training they need to function effectively in this new economy," the candidate said.

While praising Republican candidate John McCain for his service to this country, Obama emphasized the nation needs a change of parties as well as of leaders.

"One thing that unifies all Democrats is that when we go into those polling places in November, the name George W. Bush will not be on the ballot," Obama said. "But understand that what also unifies us is the simple understanding that we can't afford eight more years of George Bush policies."

Obama thanked Gore for his continued fight toward renewable energy.

Gore also said now is the time to say goodbye to the Bush administration.

"After eight years of the worst, most serious policy mistakes in the history of our nation, we need change," Gore said.

And several members of the Detroit City Council said people are ready for that change.

"He's a history maker, a history breaker and a history taker," Councilwoman Brenda Jones said of Obama. "His chances of being president are spectacular. Yes, we will!"

The rally follows Obama's campaign appearance in Flint.