For Obama: Dick Durbin

For Obama: Dick Durbin

The funny coincidences of the trail: Durbin is at the podium and introcudes Dodd as he walks in. Timing is everything.

"Sadr City. Lower 9th Ward. Building 18." That's how Durbin sums up the Bush Administration.

Durbin recalls the 2002 war vote: He spoke to Paul Wellstone that night and he's telling the story and damnit I still get choked up. Durbin says he's proud to back a candidate who opposed it from the beginning.

Mari Culver has also arrived.

Durbin says Bldg 18 shows how Bush never understood the consequences of the war. He reads another long list of Bush screwups and much applause at the "had enough"?

Durbin: Jokes about GOP field, in contrast On our side I see quality in so many candidates. In 2004 we learned a lesson about standing together as Democrats - and what I say for Obama is no criticism of the other candidates.

As Obama's colleague and friend, I know Obama and his values. (Recitation of the well-known biography.) In 2004 Senate campaign, I had never seen such excitement, even in downstate towns and Hastert's district. "Of course, it'll die out... it hasn't. For 40 years I've been watching candidates, but I've never seen anything like Barack Obama's impact on America. What is it about this man and his message? We see a new generation of leadership, an affirmation that America can be a more just nation. He can energize America the way you've seen him energize the crowds."