Obama rallies for workers rights

ABC Chicago

March 2, 2007 – Illinois Senator Barack Obama will commemorate the historic voter rights march in Selma, Alabama, on Sunday. But, he starts his weekend in Chicago at a workers’ rights rally.

It’s a busy weekend for Obama as he courts the Democratic Party’s traditional supporters in his bid for the presidential nomination. On Friday, Obama courted the Jewish vote. In a meeting of the powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the senator stepped into Middle Eastern politics. He criticized the Bush administration’s policies and warned against allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

“…A consequence of the administration’s failed strategy in Iraq has been to strengthen Iran’s strategic position; reduce U.S. credibility and influence in the region; and place Israel and other nations friendly to the United States in greater peril,” said Obama.

In another Chicago presentation, Obama will headline a worker’s rights rally at the Hyatt Regency. There, surrounded by union leaders he will speak in support of reforming the nation’s labor laws.

But the campaign does not stop here. After the rally the senator heads down to Alabama to commemorate a key moment in African American history. Tomorrow he and presidential rival Hillary Clinton go head to head as they both take part in a reenactment of the legendary Selma to Montgomery march that launched the voters’ rights movement for blacks.

“…Well this wasn’t something I anticipated when we originally accepted the invitation,” said Obama. “One thing I don’t want to do is diminish the importance of the event, the sanctity of the event with a lot of political posturing and presidential politics.”

Still it’s a potent moment to court the African American vote, especially since a new ABC News poll shows a dramatic reversal of fortune. In January Clinton led Obama among African Americans 60 percent to 20 percent. Now Obama leads 44 to 33 percent.

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