DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama brought his message of hope and change to Columbus for a rally with several hundred supporters on Friday.

While here, Obama picked up the endorsement of Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, a fellow Democrat.

The 40-minute speech to the youthful crowd included broad promises to address health care, college affordability and early childhood education. The Senator from Illinois spoke out against the war in Iraq, pledging that if troops weren't home by the time he is sworn in as president, "I will bring an end to this war."

Obama portrayed himself as an outsider who is able to unite people. He cited his experience as a community organizer, Illinois state senator and U.S. Senator.

"I stand up for things even when they're not popular," he told supporters.

Nick Geidner of Youngstown, a doctoral candidate at Ohio State University, said, "I think it was a good speech but I want to hear more details...I want more solid ideas of how he's going to accomplish the things he's going to accomplish."

The fund-raiser rally at the Columbus Convention Center drew high school and college students.

"I think he's a very good role model. It's good to see America is open to having an African-American president," said Ronny Oppong, 15, of Columbus. "I felt a connection to him."

In a recent poll by Quinnipiac University, Obama trails U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton by 28 points in Ohio. Only two Democrats have won the White House without winning Ohio since 1900.

Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1624 or lbischoff@DaytonDailyNews.com.