DaytonDailyNews.com

RIVERSIDE — Many of those who attended Sen. Barack Obama's speech on education came away pleased with what they heard Tuesday, Sept. 9, in Stebbins High School.

Before the invitation-only event, spontaneous chants erupted in the crowd. "O-bam-a, O-bam-a" and "Yes we can" made their way through the crowd.

Craig Tucker of Centerville said he has been a registered Republican who has voted for Republicans in past presidential elections. He was recruited to the Obama camp by his son, Will, who said, "You ought to take a look at Barack Obama."

Tucker said he did and became an Obama supporter.

Tamara Caldwell of Kettering came to the event and brought her daughter, Moira, 10, because Moira saw John McCain with her Orchard Park Elementary School class last week.

Moira said, "I liked Obama a lot better. He talked a lot about doing things for kids."

Caldwell, who said she is a lifetime Democrat, wiped away tears as she talked about making an important memory with her daughter. Caldwell said she was a Hillary Clinton supporter, but said, "I'm with Obama now, right through the election."

"When I hear him speak, I think he's being real. He's genuine. He speaks from his heart, and that touches me," Caldwell said.

As she left the speech, Ellen Abel, a retired social worker from Cincinnati, called Obama's remarks "fabulous."

"We loved just about everything he had to say," Abel said.

Retired teacher Kim Smith, also of Cincinnati, said she was impressed that Obama stressed accountability.

"I love that he keeps talking about accountability from parents. Teachers can't do this alone," Smith said.

Before the speech, a line of a few hundred people waited under overcast skies with a strong breeze and a light rain falling.

About one-third of the people in line were wearing union T-shirts or apparel.

One person in line, Tony Kochensparger, turns 18 on the day before the general election and said he was excited to be voting for Obama.

"Barack Obama is single-handedly rebuilding the bridge between the government and the people that has been torn down over the last eight years," Kochensparger said. "More than anybody since Bobby Kennedy, I think Obama embodies government of the people."

Marilyn Croker, principal at Patterson Kennedy, a K-8 school in Dayton, came with four other teachers from the school. They were in line early and near the doors as people were allowed in.

"I want to hear a clear vision for the education system nationally," she said. "Not every child has a chance to go to the school of his choice. What is he going to do about schools that are low performing?"

Melissa Cropper, a member of the American Federation of Teachers, drove two hours from Georgetown, Ohio, where she teaches.

"But I would have driven across the country to see Barack," Cropper said.

She said she supports him because he supports public education.