WATERLOO - The politician assumed rock star-like status even before he set foot in the middle school gymnasium. On the day U.S. Sen. Barack Obama announced his candidacy for his party's presidential nomination - and on his first trip to Iowa - the Democrat from Illinois stopped in Waterloo.

About 1,000 people, many screaming and waving signs, greeted the grinning politician as he sat and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with them in the Central Middle School gymnasium Saturday in Waterloo. Obama strolled toward the stage, holding the hand of his wife, Michelle.

"I am fired up. I am fired up," Obama said.

He told the crowd he intended to have a more informal visit based on roundtable discussions with citizens. But Saturday's Waterloo crowd was too big. Perhaps on future visits to Iowa, said Obama, who expects to return numerous times before January's caucuses.

The crowd, some early supporters and many more simply curious to see and hear the senator reputed to be a charismatic speaker, a likable man and a uniter, overflowed into a nearby theater and foyer. An estimated 2,300-plus attended.

Obama encouraged his listeners not to lose hope in the political process. He called for unity and change in America.

"The only thing that is required is some political will. The only thing that is required is some leadership," Obama said. "… And that is what I am offering in his campaign."

During his speech, Obama touched on foreign affairs, including the war in Iraq, and hot domestic issues, including health care, education and terrorism.

He challenged the crowd to ask the other candidates in his party how they planned to remove troops from Iraq.

In January, the freshman senator introduced legislation to reverse President Bush's troop escalation plan in Iraq and bring the soldiers home. Obama said pursuing a military solution to the problems in Iraq is unfair to troops, adding that a civil war demands a political solution.

Obama's plan focuses on reaching such a solution in Iraq, protecting U.S. interests in the region and bringing the war to an end. The legislation calls for the redeployment of U.S. forces no later than May 1 with the goal of removing all combat brigades from Iraq by March 31, 2008.

Jerry Morris of Waterloo - a man who claimed to have voted for Nixon and Eisenhower, Kennedy and Clinton, Bush and Kerry - said getting troops out of Iraq is one of the next president's biggest priorities. He hopes Obama can end troop escalation.

"Maybe this man can put a kibosh to it," Morris said.

Obama joins Democratic rivals U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. in the race for the party nod and eventually, the presidency.

If elected, he would be the country's first black president.

Critics have pointed to his short time in the U.S. Senate and questioned whether Obama has enough experience to assume the country's highest office.

Others, while noting Obama's crowd appeal, cite an apparently liberal-leaning record in the Illinois State Senate.

While calling his candidacy somewhat "presumptuous" and "audacious" during his Illinois stop earlier today, Obama said he has seen enough of Washington, D.C., to recognize a need for change.

"Our politics work when ordinary people engage and pay attention and have the opportunity to influence the process," Obama said.

After the event, Obama spoke of an issue he believes can unite Americans across party lines.

"I think energy is a wonderful opportunity," the senator said.

Energy, Obama said, relates to concerns about preserving the environment and ending dependence on oil from the Middle East.

Those attending the event were interested in hearing Obama's stance on the issues. But they also plan to use their instincts when choosing their candidate, and said seeing and hearing the politician in person would help in the process.

"I am so excited. Oh my God," Betsy Zan of Cedar Falls said.

"I think people 50 years ago must have felt this way about Jack Kennedy," she added.

Chuck Taylor, chair of the Fayette County Democrats, said Obama appears to be made of more than charisma.

"He's a very reasonable candidate. He's got a lot going for him," Taylor said.

Victoria Robinson of Waterloo said Obama appears to be the real deal. But she wanted to size up the senator for herself.

"I want to know if he really is for the people … ," Robinson said.

After the speech, Obama took about a half-hour to sign autographs and shake hands. He sat down on the floor in a hallway to pose for a photo with event volunteers.

"Here's what we are going to do," he said. "I'm going to get down here with you guys."

State Rep. Deborah Berry, D-Waterloo, was impressed.

"He is so friendly," Berry said. "You'd think he'd be tired."

Instead of shouting 'cheese' or 'Obama' for the camera, the politician suggested 'sleep' or 'dinner.'

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.

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