Obama Holds Post-Primary Event at NC State's Reynolds Coliseum
By Keith Nichols, News Services
View a photo gallery of Obama's visit
North Carolina State University was the site of the official end of the North Carolina Democratic primary Tuesday night as Senator Barack Obama gave his victory speech at Reynolds Coliseum.
The senator was greeted by Chancellor James Oblinger, then stepped onstage to the cheers of about 2,000 people who were there by invitation. The event was the focus of about 300 state and national media organizations and marked the fourth visit to NC State by members of the two leading Democratic campaigns.
Chelsea Clinton, Michelle Obama, and Sen. Hillary Clinton preceded Barack Obama's visit. Chelsea Clinton took questions from about 400 students gathered in Talley Student Center. Michelle Obama drew about 5,700 people to a rally, also in Reynolds. Hillary Clinton toured the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center with Gov. Mike Easley, Chancellor Oblinger and Student Body President Jay Dawkins before speaking to supporters gathered at McKimmon Center.
The visits were a continuation of a long line of political visits to campus that has included John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. The Kerry-Edwards campaign drew about 20,000 people to a rally on the Court of North Carolina four years ago.