Obama brings huge crowds to Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS -- Thousands of people flooded downtown Minneapolis this morning, in hopes of getting into the Target Center to see President Obama give a speech on health care reform.

"I have to be here man," said LeShawn Wright of Minneapolis. "This is my first time ever, seeing a President of the United States."

"It's great to have a leader with hope and inspiration," said Lakeesha Ransom of Minneapolis. "I think this is fantastic, it's not only because of him as a person, it's what he's doing as a leader," she added.

This is President Obama's first of a series of rallies to push his plan on health care reform.

"I'm really excited he's here, this is a great state," said Wright.

"I'm excited to help support his agenda," said Alice Heithecker of Burnsville. "There are people suffering in this country with a lack of health care"

But across the street from Target Center were protestors making their presence known.

"I'm tired of them not listening, they need to start listening to us," said Andrea Mayer-Bruestle of Woodbury. "Do any of these people believe that letting the government take over 1/6 of the economy will work? It's failed," she added. "Lets watch the country go bankrupt, that's why I'm here, I care too much.

"I think they are uninformed and I think they're afraid," said Lisa Damon of Afton.

As downtown felt a lively energy all morning, Minnesotans had their chance to be part of change.

Some people starting forming a line at 8 pm Friday night.

This is a return visit for President Obama. He was in the cities February 2008 as he was battling for the Democratic Primary.

Kyle Porter, KARE 11 News

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