http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/318258_obama02.html?source=rssAnd Obama managed to touch on several key platforms during the speech:
His call for withdrawal from Iraq: No topic roused the crowd more. Obama repeated his stance that all American troops should be home by this time next year. He also said the country needed to restore civil liberties diminished under the Bush administration, close the prison in Guantanamo Bay and heal relations with the rest of the world.
"We lead with our values and we lead with our ideals," he said. "That's how we've always led the world -- by example, not by force."
His plan for universal health coverage: Obama said all Americans would have access to health care by the end of his first term if he's elected, highlighting a package of health reforms he proposed Tuesday.
"We can make sure that every single person in America has access to high quality health care ... by the end of my first term as president," he said
The plan would expand subsidized health care for the poor and children and create a national health insurance plan for individuals and small business. It would be paid for through tax increases on the wealthy, as well as medical savings thanks to care improvements and administrative efficiencies.
Obama said the nation needs to eliminate its reliance on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by turning to alternative fuels.
Obama and former vice presidential nominee John Edwards are currently the favorites with Washington voters, and Hillary Clinton and Bill Richards follow "in a close second tier," said Dwight Pelz, chairman of the state Democratic Party.
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