Presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke Friday afternoon at a press conference along the north bank of Jacksonville’s riverfront, highlighting his opposition to offshore oil drilling along Florida’s coasts.
Offshore drilling development and production would not begin to relieve oil supply and price concerns for at least five years and as many as 30, he said, and instead described his proposal for investing in clean, renewable energy.
“McCain’s (gas tax holiday) proposal would only worsen our dependence on oil and put off much needed investments in clean, renewable energy,” he said. “That’s why I’ve unveiled an aggressive and comprehensive energy policy that raises our energy standard, and invests more than $150 billion over the next 10 years in clean, renewable and affordable energy.”
While millions of Americans continue to wait for their economic stimulus check, Obama hinted at the possibility of initiating a second stimulus package, apparently funded by the taxation of the nation’s top-earning oil companies, he said.
Aside from the obligatory campaign press corp., a small gathering of local residents and passersby gathered to catch a glimpse of the democratic presidential candidate.
Responding to their cheers and applause, Obama broke ranks with his security detachment and greeted the crowd before departing to his next scheduled appearance at a private Jacksonville fundraiser.
Before his arrival in Jacksonville, Obama was in Chicago, where he met with 16 democratic governors to discuss solutions to economic concerns in their states, according to Obama’s Web site.
For those gathered in the crowd, meeting Obama was thrilling and unexpected, and the impromptu greetings may have secured at least a few votes for the Illinois senator.
“I’m just thrilled, this is such a wonderful moment for me,” said Jacksonville resident Barbara Breaker. “I never thought I’d see this day. Barak definitely has my vote and I hope everyone gets on board.”
