Obama touched on other issues, including renewable energy sources and education, but focused on outlining his strategy for reversing the economic crisis. He emphasized that his plan would cut taxes for 95 percent of working families and give tax breaks to small business owners. Obama specifically addressed New Hampshire's economic troubles, citing the state's current budget deficit.
Obama also criticized the economic policies of Republican nominee Senator John McCain.
"[McCain] wants to keep giving tax cuts to corporations that ship your jobs overseas," he said. "I want to give tax breaks to companies that create jobs right here in America."
Obama later addressed the younger audience members, saying that if he is elected, students who serve their communities or their country will be guaranteed government funding for higher education.
Obama has climbed in New Hampshire polls recently -- he currently leads McCain by nine points -- but he warned the crowd against assuming a Democratic victory. Last month, Obama trailed McCain by roughly three points, according to polls by the American Research Group, Inc.
"For those who are getting a little cocky, I've got two words for you -- New Hampshire," Obama said, referring to Senator Hillary Clinton's win in the state's Democratic primary this year. "I learned right here that you can't let up or pay too much attention to the polls."
Democratic New Hampshire Governor John Lynch introduced Obama at the rally.
"Here in New Hampshire we're able to put partisan politics to the side, [and] we need that same type of approach in Washington D.C. -- we need Barack Obama," he said.
Obama is "clearly the one to lead us into a new direction," Sylvia Larsen, president of the New Hampshire State Senate, said in an interview. Obama is the best candidate for young voters, Larsen said, because he is looking towards the future on issues like the environment and job creation.
Larsen added that voters cannot forget the importance of giving Obama a Democratic ally in Congress by electing former Governor Jeanne Shaheen as a Democratic U.S. Senator for New Hampshire.
Margaret Hassan, president pro tempore of the New Hampshire State Senate, also told The Dartmouth that she hopes voters will not forget candidates running for other offices this Novemeber and stressed the importance of keeping Lynch in office.
Obama's visit to Londonderry last fall drew a much smaller crowd, and many doubted his candidacy at the time, U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes, D-N.H., said. Hodes urged voters to think seriously about Obama's campaign themes, "hope" and "change." Hope, he said, was the driving force behind the American Revolution, the civil rights movement and women's struggle for equal pay.
"And hope will lead Barack Obama to unite us all," Hodes said.
Danielle Keefe '11, who attended the rally along with members of the Dartmouth College Democrats, is an intern for the Obama campaign at the College. Until recently, Keefe considered herself an independent and voted for McCain in the Republican primary election. The turnaround came when she heard Obama's plans to set aside differences and focus on basic goals, she said.
"Unifying people is important, not just as an idea, but pragmatically, if you want to get something done," she said. It was her first time seeing the candidate in person, and she said she was very impressed with his skills as an orator.
"Everyone seems to be so down in America so it's important that the next president be able to inspire and get people excited about America again," she said.
Many other state politicians were in the audience, as well as actor Justin Long, who recently visited Dartmouth to campaign for Obama.
