Obama: Chicago Rally, Common, October 30

Obama is staging a rally this Saturday in Chicago.

Hip-hop artist Common is the special guest. Like Obama, Common spent decades as a member of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's congregation, the Trinity United Church of Christ.

Here's the rally invite and details:

We're very excited to announce that in addition to welcoming President Obama home to Chicago this Saturday, October 30th, the rally will feature a performance by acclaimed hip-hop artist Common.

If you haven't already done so, please RSVP to come by clicking here, and get fired up for the final days of our Vote 2010 campaign.

Here are the details:

What: Moving America Forward Rally with
President Barack Obama
Musical guest Common

Where: Midway Plaisance Park
1130 Midway Plaisance North
Chicago, IL 60637

When: Saturday, October 30th
Doors open: 4:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For security reasons, please avoid bringing bags to the rally if at all possible -- you should expect airport-like security. No signs, banners, or laptops are permitted.

What is Obama doing campaigning in Chicago?

You'd think Obama's old senate seat would be a sure thing for the Dems. Not so.

Beyond campaigning for a Dem to hold the seat, Obama probably wants to go to Chicago just to be on relatively friendly turf the weekend before the midterm elections.

And there's also this: "Democrats try to stir enthusiasm among black voters."

Democrats are turning to black voters for help in next week's midterm elections, hoping they can be the jolt of energy needed to stem projected lossesby winning key competitive congressional and gubernatorial races.

Democratic strategists say huge turnout from black voters, the party's most loyal supporters, could help unseat Gov. Rick Perry in Texas, push the Florida gubernatorial race into the Democratic column, defend Senate seats in Nevada, Illinois and Pennsylvania and even potentially spoil the GOP's efforts to capture the 39 seats they need to take over the House.

But former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder said he doesn't see the levels of enthusiasm black voters would need to show.

Election 2010 does seem to hinge on enthusiasm, but don't all elections boil down to that factor?

In any event, I don't know why the rally is featuring Common. Yes, he's from Chicago; but his presence is a reminder of the Jeremiah Wright controversy. Furthermore, Common is not without controversy in his own right. His lyrics are sometimes explicit, sexually charged, and in the past have been homophobic.

Although Common is a staunch supporter of Obama, I question whether it's wise to have him as the "special guest" at the rally.

Obama seems to really be floundering. He's been in office for nearly two years and rather than reaching out, he's running back home, turning inward.

Sadly, Obama isn't "Moving America Forward." The rally on Saturday isn't about America, one nation under God. It's about power bought at the price of dividing the country.

I guess Obama's confidence is shaken and he's looking for reassurance. That's understandable; selfish and small, but understandable.
_______________

Listen to Common defend Jeremiah Wright.