Obama returns to message of unity in Nev. rally

A supporter applauds as Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at a rally at Coronado High School in Henderson, Nev., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008.

By By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY Associated Press Writer
Published: November 02, 2008

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HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) - In his final appeal to Nevada voters, Barack Obama on Saturday returned to the campaign theme of unity that launched his rapid rise in politics, telling voters they can end divisive politics "once and for all" if they elect him to the White House.

Three days before voters head to the polls, the Democratic presidential candidate accused his Republican rival John McCain of the "the politics of anything goes."

"Nevada, at this moment, in this election, we have the chance to do more than just beat back this kind of politics in the short term. We can end it once and for all," Obama told a crowd of 15,000 gathered in the sun on the Coronado High School football field.

"We can prove that the one thing more powerful than that kind of politics is the will and determination of the American people to change this country."

The mention of McCain drew groans from the crowd. Obama said: "You don't need to boo. You just need to vote."

The rally kicked off a weekend of canvassing, phone banking and surrogate visits — a hurried rush by both campaigns to reach as many voters as possible before Election Day.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani was campaigning for McCain in southern Nevada on Saturday. McCain is expected to appear at a rally in Henderson on Monday, while his running mate Sarah Palin campaigns in northern Nevada. Obama's wife, Michelle, will campaign on Monday in North Las Vegas.

Saturday marked Obama's 20th stop in Nevada since launching his bid for the White House nearly two years ago. The Silver State was a battleground in both the Democratic primary and the general election. After months of being locked in a dead heat with McCain, Obama's chances of winning Nevada's five electoral votes have improved in recent weeks.

Tallies of early and absentee votes cast in Washoe and Clark County, home to 87 percent of all voters, show Democrats with a 90,000-voter advantage. Election officials are expecting a record turnout.

Still, Obama warned Democrats on Saturday against over-confidence.

"Don't believe for a second this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power will concede everything. We're going to have to work like our future depends on it in these last few days, because it does," he said.

Organizers made it easy for the crowd to join the campaign. They directed supporters to a nearby soccer field where they could sign up to start canvassing neighborhoods.

Among the ranks were hundred of supporters from California, where Obama is all but assured a victory.