Obama: Sleepless in Seattle
SEATTLE -- After a full day of fund-raisers in Los Angeles and picking up the endorsement of Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.), Barack Obama made it to Seattle for a late night concert.
"I am in Seattle and I am sleepless," Obama said, "I don't get enough sleep. That's what happens when you're running for president."
Organizers estimate that 1,000 people attended the concert, each paying $100 to get in. Two local bands played before the Senator took the stage, and he was introduced by former Seattle Mayor Norman Rice.
During his speech, Obama emphasized the need for change in Washington.
"I don't want to spend the next four years re-arguing the same old arguments and not getting anything done," Obama said, "I don't want to pit red America against blue America, I want to lead the United States of America."
Obama also said that he will continue the fight against al-Qaeda. "As commander-in-chief I will do everything necessary to keep you safe. I revere our military. We will use that military where we need to deal with genuine threats. I will finish the fight against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan," Obama said.
The Senator is in Chicago today preparing for tomorrow's Des Moines Register debate in Iowa, the final debate before that state's caucuses on Jan. 3.