Scott Patterson
OMAHA (KPTM)- Barack Obama's campaign continues its quest for Omaha's electoral vote. Wednesday they brought out a big name supporter, who not too long ago was Obama's chief rival.
Hillary Clinton spoke to about 3,200 people at the Qwest Center. It was her first visit to the metro since before the Iowa caucuses. For a moment, you might have thought you were back in caucus season.
The junior senator from New York called a big crowd to action. "I feel change is in the air," Clinton told them. While adoring supporters were happy to hear every word. "We love Hillary," says Ron Novak of Columbus. "I was standing in the second or third row and I got to shake her hand," says Eileen Wirth of Omaha. "She's one of my heroes."
But then you noticed the banners, the pins, the t-shirts, and you realized this was Barack Obama's party. Clinton took time to thank everyone who supported her in the Iowa and Nebraska caucuses. "For all who supported me and worked so hard, I hope you will work just as hard for Barack and Joe," says Clinton. "If you made phone calls for me I hope you will make them for them."
It's a message her supporters have heard over and over again since Clinton dropped out of the race. But those supporters tell us they were happy to hear it in person. "I always was a Hillary backer but yes, Obama I think will do a wonderful job," says Novak. "He's an honest man."
"He has surrounded himself with people of experience and capability," says Linda Ohri of Omaha. "She says he can do it, I believe her."
Clinton told the crowd not to forget Omaha's electoral vote does matter. "I want you to think how you will feel if we wake up on Wednesday November the 5th, the day after the election, and John McCain and Barack Obama are tied," says Clinton. "Well your vote could make the difference in Nebraska and Nebraska could make the difference in this election."
Clinton appeared with Obama at a rally in Florida on Monday. She says he told her to send his appreciation for the volunteers working for him in Omaha.
