Obama draws thousands to Germantown rally

City officials say more than 18,000 people showed up for the rally. Philadelphia is one of our cities chosen for pre-election rallies with the President.

President Obama urged the crowd to vote Nov 2 to keep America moving forward. President Obama rocked a crowd of thousands in Philadelphia’s Germantown section Sunday, hoping to drive Democratic turnout in the mid-term elections. [audio:101010ddprez.mp3] Philadelphia is one of four cities chosen for Obama’s pre-election rallies, because it is the richest source of Democratic votes in a state with several key races.

Germantown streets were choked with attendees long before the rally. Among them was Laura Schwingel, who wanted to hear Obama take on Republicans who think they have the momentum this fall.

“I also am really hoping we can convince him the base wants to see the president use that bully pulpit. We want you to do it Barack Obama, we love you!”

Obama soon gave Schwingel what she wanted, calling Republicans bad drivers who took the economy into a ditch.

“And they say, we want the keys back. Philadelphia, they can’t have the keys back. They don’t know how to drive! They can ride with us if they want, but they got to get in the back seat.”

None of the congressional candidates in competitive suburban races spoke, and Obama stood alone, so no Republican could capture an image of his Democratic opponent arm in arm with the president. But Obama’s mission was clear–to get Democrats out to vote.

“What they’re counting on is you’re going to stay home. They’re counting on your silence. They’re counting on your apathy. Philly, let’s prove em wrong!”

Obama generated excitement. He’ll know whether he got enough votes on November 2nd.

Transcript of Obama’s speech with a introduction from V.P. Biden.