Barack Obama addresses the crowd of about 7,000 at Youngstown State University Monday afternoon. He talked of his plans to reform education and economy issues. CAITLIN PRARAT| DAILY KENT STATER

Credit: DKS Editors

Sen. Barack Obama spoke on improving local economy, health care issues, the war in Iraq and higher education at Beeghly Center at Youngstown State University earlier today.

As the March 4 Ohio and Texas primaries creep closer, 6,800 students and citizens came to hear what the senator had to say.

Tara Pitsenbarger, sophomore corporate finance major from the University of Akron, attended with a particular interest in hearing what Obama had to say about the war in Iraq.

“My boyfriend is in the army, so I want to hear what Obama plans to do, how he is going to get us out, if he wants more troops,” she said.

The overall message of hope for change rang in the audience members’ ears, and the echoing sound of Obama supporters yelling “yes we can” bounced off the walls. Obama said Americans want to see a change.

“They want truthfulness, honesty and straight talk from their elected officials,” he said.

Obama stressed the concept of hope during his speech, and he said Americans want to start a new chapter in history.

“After a year of campaigning and traveling across the United States, my faith in America has been renewed,” he said.

– Alyssa Sparacino