Over 70 members of the Washington University College Democrats traveled to Springfield, Ill., on Saturday to attend the rally at which Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) declared his presidential candidacy.

“It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was five feet away from him as he made history,” said Malcolm Ray, a freshman who was in attendance.

Obama looks to be a leading candidate in an already crowded field. Seven candidates have already declared, while several more are expected to join the race.

“Each and every time, a new generation has risen up and done what’s needed to be done. Today we are called once more, and it is time for our generation to answer that call,” said Obama, annoucning his presidential candidacy. “For that is our unyielding faith – that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it.”

While discussing his personal experiences as well as the difficulties of the nation’s current condition – both in regards to domestic issues and the war in Iraq – Obama outlined a campaign that he said would transform the nation.

“I want us to take up the unfinished business of perfecting our union, and building a better America,” said Obama.

This year’s election is being viewed as one of the most competitive in recent history because there is no incumbent running from either party.

“We are in a very fragile situation now. Whoever wins this election is going to need to decide where the United States stands in global politics,” said junior Meredith Sigler, president of College Democrats.

While College Democrats does not endorse any of the candidates in the Democratic primary, it encourages members to remain politically aware and become involved with the campaigns of their choice.

The opportunity to travel to Springfield arose on short notice after an Obama advisor offered an unlimited number of VIP tickets to University students.

The trip to see Senator Obama plays into College Democrats efforts to energize and enlarge its membership base.

“We are trying to remind people why they are Democrats by bringing [issues] back to campus and raising awareness,” said Sigler.

While the number of Democrats entering the race has drawn much attention, both parties are trying to adjust their platforms for the election.

“It’s remarkable that it looks like Democrats are favored going into the primaries with both a strategic and rhetorical advantage,” said Steven Smith, professor of Political Science. “Republicans are having trouble shifting from a defensive position to having a stronger, more positive agenda.”

Smith elaborated that the Republican Party is deliberating between returning to its conservative roots or a more moderate policy, while the Democrats have moved to choose one issue on which to take a stand.

According to police estimates, approximately 17,000 supporters were present to hear the announcement.

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