Tiger Woods on Barack Obama & huge Obama Denver rally today

In an news conference one day before he competes in the Dubai Desert Classic golfer Tiger Woods says that he has been impressed with Barack Obama and believes that he is an inspiration with all Americans.

Asked for his views on the senator from Illinois, who like himself has an African-American father, ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic, Woods replied: "I've seen him speak. He's extremely articulate, very thoughtful.

I wonder if Tiger's political leanings may finally become known. With all his multi-million dollar sponsorships with companies like Nike, Buick, Gillette and others he usually sidesteps taking a stance on an issue that might turn off customers of those sponsors.

Earlier this month Colin Powell made enthusiastic comments about Barack Obama in an interview with PBS.

I think this praise coming from unlikely sources proves that Barack Obama is a once in a generation kind of candidate. His appeal certainly goes beyond that of the Democratic Party and demonstrates that we be able to bring people together in addressing the most urgent issues of our time.

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Okay, now from the HUGE Barack Obama rally at Magness Arena on the University of Denver campus today.

Caroline Kennedy introduces Barack Obama. Video.

The estimated crowd was about 10,000, with 8000 in a jam packed arena and another 2000 in an adjacent facility. Here's a picture from the arena.

Caroline Kennedy was there in support of Barack Obama, following up her NY Times Op/Ed piece endorsing Barack and the recently released 'Caroline' TV ad.

Barack Obama appears on the giant scoreboard.

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The local media coverage:

Obama Addresses Overflow Crowd At DU Arena (CBS 4 Denver)
(with video)

Barack Obama Fires Up Large DU Crowd (7 News - ABC)

7 News slideshow from the rally

Obama speaks to enthusiastic crowd at DU (9 News - NBC)
(with video links of his speech)

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'TakeBackTheHouse' is transcribing the speech here.

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Rod Smith of the Denver Broncos speaks in support of Barack Obama at the Denver rally. Video.