Obama launches campaign with emphasis on grassroots

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) officially announced his candidacy for the White House Saturday, saying he wants to lead a new generation of Americans in tackling the country’s challenges.

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) officially announced his candidacy for the White House Saturday, saying he wants to lead a new generation of Americans in tackling the country’s challenges.

"Each and every time, a new generation has risen up and has done what needed to be done," when America has faced challenges in the past, Obama said in an appeal to younger voters.

Speaking from outside of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., and joined by his family, Obama addressed hundreds of bundled up supporters, who cheered on the candidate despite having to stand outside in temperatures just above 10 degrees.

"You didn’t just come here for me," Obama said. "You came here because you believed in what this country can be. In the face of war, you believe there can be peace. In the face of despair, you believe there can be hope."

This campaign "must be about us," he told a cheering crowd. "It will take your time, your energy and your advice…" The candidate cited the example of Abraham Lincoln, who Obama said showed the country that it is possible to make a change.

Obama hopes to launch a broad grassroots campaign that can propel him past Democratic frontrunner Sen. Hillary Clinton (N.Y.).

Across the street from the historic building, from which Lincoln had delivered one of his most famous speeches, the campaign had placed a gigantic U.S. flag.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) announced Obama, telling the crow that it had gathered in "a place filled with memories" and praising Obama as a man who had inspired America and reminded people that "anything is possible" in this country.

"Here, many years ago, another son of Illinois began his journey to Washington," he told the crowd. "Today another son of Illinois will take his first step on his journey to Washington."

Following the announcement, Obama planned to travel to Iowa later on Saturday. He intends to visit New Hampshire Monday to participate in a town hall meeting.

While Obama is seen as the rising star in the Democratic Party, he faces an uphill battle for the nomination, as Clinton has been leading in the polls and is viewed as the candidate with the greatest fundraising potential.

"I recognize that there is a certain presumptuousness in this [announcement], a certain audacity" because he had not spend a lot of time in Washington, Obama said in a reference to more experienced rivals. "I have been there long enough to know that the ways in Washington must change."

Aware that Clinton’s network of large donors is extensive, Obama is asking supporters to contribute in small ways.

"[My] website is going to be set up so that you can build your own profile, form your own groups, plan your own events, take campaign fundraising into your own hands, so that we can collect small donations instead of having to rely on large campaign contributions," he said Friday, adding that his quest for the presidency is "a great journey."

"I know I can’t do it by myself. Ultimately, this has to be a vehicle for your hopes and your dreams," Obama said in a message to his supporters.