By Valencia Mohammed
AFRO Staff Writer
COLUMBIA, S.C. –Voters went to the polls on a chilly, overcast day here in what could be a pivotal moment in Illinois Sen. Barack Obama’s quest to become the nation’s first Black president.
With the temperatures in the 40s, few people were showing up at the polls in the early going of South Carolina’s Democratic primary.
South Carolina is the final major contest before the three Democratic candidates, Obama, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards head into Super Tuesday, when 24 states will hold Democratic primaries.
… few people were showing up at the polls in the early going…
Obama gave one last pitch to his supporters on Friday during a late night rally of thousands at the University of South Carolina here after a long day of campaigning on the east coast in Charleston and at Clemson in the northeastern portion of the state.
“My message of hope will not be daunted by the negative campaigning of the Clintons,” Obama said. “Make me your president so that together we can change history for all Americans and for people around the world.”
Louis Chitty, of Long Beach, Calif., came back to his hometown of Columbia several weeks ago to volunteer for the Obama campaign.
“I haven’t seen this much energy generated among young people since the Civil Rights Movement,” Chitty said.
Obama continued his message of change.
“Once I am president, I will kick out the special interest groups that have continuously lobbied to bring America to its knees and bring in the special interests of its citizens for better health care, schools and jobs,” he said.
As Obama reached out into the audience of supporters, some people had tears, others clapped and many looked in in rapture.
“Don’t you just love him,” said Angel Harrison, 28, a waitress. “He could have been a wealthy man, taken the money and never looked back. But instead he is a servant of the people. It’s time for us to stop being afraid and take chances.”