Kennedy compares Obama to JFK, RFK

YOUNGSTOWN — U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy came to Youngstown to campaign for Barack Obama and brought along memories of his brothers.

“I’m going to ask you to do for Barack Obama what you did for Jack Kennedy and for Bobby Kennedy,” the senator told an enthusiastic crowd Saturday. “Let’s stand together for Barack Obama.”

With that plea, about 400 people in Kilcawley Center at Youngstown State University stood and began chanting, “Yes, we can. Yes, we can.”

Kennedy essentially was a warm-up act for Obama, the Illinois senator who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. Obama is to appear Monday at a larger venue at YSU — Beeghly Center, which seats 6,500 for basketball. Doors open at noon with the program to begin at 2 p.m.

Obama supporters were motivated after hearing Kennedy’s passionate pleas.

“It got me fired up,” said Tina Calderon, 47, of Boardman.

After the rally, the Obama campaign was meeting with people who had volunteered to canvas neighborhoods on the candidate’s behalf.

Early in his talk, Kennedy recalled that his brothers received a warm welcome when they came to Youngstown. He mentioned John F. Kennedy’s 1960 campaign stop that attracted a huge throng to downtown Youngstown.

“We always feel like we are among family here,” the senator said. “Are we among family?”

After the thunderous applause settled, Kennedy said, “My brother Jack always said that the best social program was a good job.”

Kennedy added that Obama will work to keep manufacturing jobs in this country by pushing to provide financial incentives for companies that create jobs here and by investing in the country’s highways and utilities.

In an interview after the rally, Kennedy was asked why he referred to his brothers so often in his campaign speech. He said that Obama is the only candidate who has tapped into the country’s willingness to be called to action.

“One of the abilities Barack has, and what my brothers understood, is the willingness to challenge America with the problems we’re facing,” Kennedy said.

He mentioned President Kennedy’s setting a goal of sending a man to the moon and creating the Peace Corps.

“Barack Obama is asking the young people to do something for this country and their answer is ‘yes,’” Kennedy said.

Kennedy announced two weeks ago that he was supporting Obama, and since then has been traveling the country on the candidate’s behalf. Kennedy noted that he supports Obama’s opposition to the war in Iraq and his support for health care for the uninsured and investments in education.

The crowd at YSU was a mixed group with young and old, black and white, men and women.

Matt Nypaver, 17, of Boardman said he’s read a few books on the Kennedys and considers Bobby Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 while running for president, as his political hero.

He said Kennedy’s endorsement convinced him that Obama is the best Democratic candidate because he can attract independents and Republicans.

“He’s a uniter,” Nypaver said.

Sherri Ball, 37, of Poland brought her two sons to the event because she wanted them to experience the political process. She already had made up her mind that she’s supporting Obama.

“He’s connecting with the people,” she said. “He’s really inspiring.”

shilling@vindy.com