Obama, Clinton ready for W.Va. primary

CHARLESTON -- If there was any question regarding why Sen. Barack Obama was at the Charleston Civic Center Monday, the presidential hopeful answered it quickly.

"There's an election here tomorrow," he said to a packed house of applause and cheers on the eve of today's West Virginia primary.

Obama, D-Illinois, stressed the need to care for returning veterans and expand opportunities for Americans before a crowd of hundreds of supporters.

Obama said he was honored to have the support of many West Virginians, but understood that many more would likely support Sen. Hillary Clinton (who also was also sweeping through the Mountain State Monday), to which the crowd booed.

"But when it's over, what will unify us as Democrats and what must unify us as Americans is an unyielding commitment to the men and women who've served this nation," he said.

Obama discussed plans to build a 21st century Veterans Administration and increase screening and services for veterans, especially those with post traumatic stress disorders and traumatic brain injuries. He said more mental health professionals are needed, as well as more VA centers, particularly in rural areas.

"One of the saddest episodes in our history was the degree to which returning vets from Vietnam were shunned, demonized and neglected by some because they served in an unpopular war," he said.

He said many who opposed that war blamed not only the leaders, but veterans, too. He said that mistake should never be repeated.

"At a time when we're facing the largest homecoming since the Second World War, the true test of our patriotism is whether we will serve our returning heroes as well as they've served us," Obama said.

He said many shortcomings have become apparent over the last eight years, from deplorable conditions at Fort Bragg and Walter Reed to the overall "broken bureaucracy of the VA." He said too many veterans wait in long lines or get answering machines when what they really need is help.

Obama said every returning veteran should have the kind of opportunities his own grandfather had when he returned from World War II. He said the 21st Century GI Bill, which is currently being debated by Congress, would make that possible. It also would provide veterans with affordable college educations without harming retention, he said.

Obama said Sen. John McCain opposes the GI Bill.

"I have great respect for John McCain's service to this country and I know he loves it dearly and honors those who serve. But he is one of the few Senators of either party who oppose this bill because he thinks it's too generous," Obama said.

Obama said he disagreed.

"At a time when the skyrocketing cost of tuition is pricing thousands of Americans out of a college education, we should be doing everything we can to give the men and women who have risked their lives for this country the chance to pursue the American Dream," he said.

The McCain campaign quickly responded on Monday.

"It is absurd for Barack Obama to question John McCain's commitment to America's veterans, when Obama himself voted against funding our nation's veterans, and troops in the field during a time of war," said Tucker Bounds, spokesman for McCain. "Voters need a leader with uncompromising judgment, and will reject Barack Obama's decision to vote against funding our troops in the field, after he said it would be irresponsible to do so."

Obama also addressed other needs on Monday, from providing affordable education for all Americans to freeing the nation from dependence on foreign oil and bringing gas prices down.

He said teachers need more money and more support, and infrastructure in West Virginia and across the U.S. needs to be rebuilt.

Obama drew much applause and a few standing ovations throughout his speech, including when he quoted one of the nation's most famous presidents.

"Abraham Lincoln once said, 'I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. But I also like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.'"

Obama said Americans are proud of their country, but it's now time to live so that America can be proud of them.

"That is the true test of patriotism -- the test that all of us must meet in the days and years to come. I have no doubt that this nation is up to the challenge," Obama said.

Some at Monday's speech said they were once apathetic or on the Republican side of politics until Obama came around.

Ann Landers, 48, of New Martinsville, said she was never involved with politics before the Obama campaign, but now she is an active volunteer.

"I think he can really make a difference in this country, she said. "We don't need any more Clintons or Bushes."

Carolyn Sterns, 68, of Sistersville, used to be an active Republican.

"We reached the end of our rope. It's a no brainer," she said.

Susan Harcum traveled from Fredericksburg, Va., to hear Obama with her sisters. Two of her sisters live in Ohio and one resides in the Charleston area. She said the group has been going door-to-door recently on Obama's behalf.

"I already helped him win in Virginia. We're hoping we can push him through in West Virginia," she said.

Kay Thorsteinson, 68, of Charleston, wore an Obama "Progress" T-shirt, and also attended the speech with family on Monday.

She said she first heard Obama speak a couple of years ago, and his words struck her heart.

"I've never heard someone discuss our country and our relationship to the world and to one another in such a hopeful way," she said.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller introduced Obama on Monday, and said the Rockefeller family was supporting Obama in full force.

He said Obama is the one candidate who tells the truth and can get things done.

"He brings people together, and if there was ever a need to bring people in the country together, it is now," he said.