Associated Press
09-21-07
Obama: Expand Senior Volunteer Programs
By MIKE GLOVER
Associated Press Writer
AMES, Iowa (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Friday
he wants to increase opportunities for older Americans to contribute to society by
creating new volunteer programs.
The Illinois senator vowed to expand programs, such as the Senior Corps., which
provides volunteer opportunities to seniors. About 500,000 seniors participate in
that program.
``I believe that Americans of all age are still willing to serve this country in ways
big and small,'' Obama said. ``I think the problem is no one has asked you. That
will change when I am president.''
Obama spoke at a rally on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, which
drew about 1,500 students. He sought to reach across generations by including
younger Iowans in his effort to increase senior volunteer opportunities.
``If you're willing to help out, we'll help out by offering scholarships that you can
provide your grandchildren, or a chance to add to your retirement savings,''
Obama said.
He quickly shifted his focus to a senior center in Ames, where he outlined his
plan to expand senior volunteer programs.
In some ways, Obama was playing catch-up with senior voters. He skipped a
debate Thursday night sponsored by AARP, the nation's largest group
representing seniors. Five of his Democratic rivals participated in the nationally
televised forum.
Iowa not only has a large senior population, but they vote in larger numbers than
any other demographic group, which magnifies their influence. More than 60
percent of the activists who showed up for Democratic precinct caucuses in both
2000 and 2004 were older than 50.
``If the greatest generation can teach today's generation anything, it's that a
greater America is still possible,'' Obama said.
Most polls show Obama, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and former
North Carolina Sen. John Edwards leading the pack for the state's leadoff
precinct caucuses. Clinton generally tops national polls, but Obama hopes to use
a stronger than expected showing in Iowa to catapult ahead.
He bases those hopes on a strong grass-roots effort, including a statewide
canvass involving hundreds of volunteers working out of 46 offices in virtually
every corner of the state this weekend.
Obama campaigns as a Washington outsider and against partisan political
gridlock.
``In Washington, the fix is in and nothing can happen,'' Obama said. ``The
insiders and the special interest politics dominate everything.''