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Jun 2, 2008 6:56 pm US/Central
Obama Plants Flag At 'X', Where RNC Will Be Held
ST. PAUL (WCCO) ―
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The location of the speech is interesting because it's also where the Republican National Convention will be held in September. (File)
Xcel Energy Center
Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama plans to speak at the Xcel Energy Center Tuesday night, after the final two primaries close in South Dakota and Montana.
The location of the speech is interesting because it's also where the Republican National Convention will be held in September.
"This clearly is the beginning of the general election campaign," said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, an Obama supporter. "The primaries are over. The nomination appears clear. More than anything, the contrast (between Obama) with John McCain and George Bush is clearer than ever."
The last time Obama spoke in Minnesota, he drew 20,000 people to the Target Center.
Obama's staff expects a similar crowd this time around.
"Pure excitement," said volunteer David Leonard. "I mean everybody's looking for a way to go listen to him make this big historic speech."
Fellow volunteer Nicole Stratton said "They're definitely excited. A lot of them are really excited to come out and help us volunteer and see Obama."
Obama's speech is also the talk of two St. Paul high schools, but for different reasons. While the Senator speaks at the Xcel Center, Highland Park and St. Paul Central will hold their graduations, next door at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
"Some people will probably be shocked, like 'Where are we parking now?'" said Central Senior De'Andre Moss.
"It would have been different if it would have just been like a concert or something like that," said Senior Imani Church Stubblefield, "but I really think it's for a good cause."
Shuttles are in place for students, and their families. Still, communicating with those families is the kids' responsibility.
"Right now," said Central Senior Isiah Dennis, "I got about 18 people, so I've got a lot of phone calls to make."
Twenty shuttle busses will run between the Sears parking lot and the Xcel, with Highland Park students and guests asked to arrive by 4:15 p.m. for their 5:30 graduation. St. Paul Central students and guests should arrive by 6:45 p.m. for their 8:00 graduation.
St. Paul Councilmember Melvin Carter has scheduling questions of his own. The Central grad and Obama delegate for the national convention is the keynote speaker for the Central graduation.
"First, it's exciting that he's coming here to do it," he said. "I mean that's just absolutely incredible. The second questions is 'what time is he going to be speaking?' So it's tough that he's likely going to be speaking right while we're in there doing the graduation."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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