Joe Biden campaigns in Southside

9:36 p.m.

By Jay Warren
jwarren@wsls.com

Joe Biden made two stops in Southside Virginia on Friday. First, he was in Danville speaking to a crowd of roughly 600. His second stop was at the gymnasium at the Patrick Henry Community College. 700 people were there to hear a fiery speech from the Delaware Senator.

Biden hit a familiar theme, one his running mate, Sen. Barack Obama made countless times during his stop in Roanoke last week. In almost every paragraph of his speech, Biden linked John McCain to George Bush.

He started with this comparison, saying, "Just yesterday, John McCain went as far as to try and compare Barack Obama to George Bush. As my 10 year old granddaughter Finnegan would say, 'Hello.' John, where are you. Now, John McCain is attacking George Bush's budgets and George Bush's fiscal policy. I tell you, look redemption is available to all of us. I believe in redemption. But John, you took so long, man."

Biden also touched briefly on the economy and the need for more jobs. He also called for the ending of the war in Iraq.

Finally, Biden told the crowd that it was the ninth time either he or Barack Obama has visited Southwest or Southside Virginia. He said that underscored the commitment their campaign has placed on winning in all areas of the commonwealth, including the more rural communities.

------

8:41 p.m.

By Angela Hatcher
ahatcher@wsls.com

The crowd waited about three hours inside a former tobacco warehouse for Joe Biden, who arrived about thirty minutes late. Biden instantly pumped up the crowd. In his less than twenty minute long speech, Biden touched on all of the key issues in the campaign.

His remarks about the ecomomy struck a cord with these supporters, as Southside is an area hit hard by job loss.

"It's about even more than jobs", says Biden. "It's about dignity. It's about respect. It's about what our fellow Americans are going through right now. Mayber many of you are in this town. When you lose your job or your house is foreclosed on, it's not just an economic loss. It's emotionally devastating. It rips apart families."

Biden says he and Barack Obama support a three year moratorium on home foreclosures to allow familes to refinance and try to stay in their homes.

Biden also spent a significant part of the speech talking about the war in Iraq and how Virginians are serving their country. He promised he and Obama will establish a timetable to bring our troops home. Biden claims President Bush now supports a timetable and that John McCain and Sarah Palin are the only ones who don't think it's a good idea.

"We're going to reclaim America's respect in the world and the first step in reclaiming that leadership is to end this war in Iraq.", says Biden.

Biden also touched on education and healthcare. He says every person who serves our country, not just in the military but also in volunteer capacities, will be able to attend college. He says making healthcare accessible and affordable for every American is a top priority.

WSLS reporters Jay Warren and Angela Hatcher, along with reporters with our media partner, Danville Register & Bee will be reporting what they see and hear throughout the day.

5:18 p.m.

Obama campaign says the Danville Fire Marshall confrmed 600 people attended the Danville rally.

450 inside, and 150 overflow crowd.

---------

4:58 p.m.

Picture of Biden in Danville

-------

4:08 p.m.

From Angela Hatcher at the Danville Community Market rally site.

Reporters who cover Joe Biden for the national networks are setting up.

-------

4:02 p.m.

From Angela Hatcher at the Danville Community Market rally site.

Some people claim they have special tickets to event, and are not being allowed in. There's an area roped off that says "Yellow Tickets Only."

The campaign says no tickets were needed for the event.

Picture by WSLS Photojournalist Jarrett Henshaw

------

3:40 p.m.

From Angela Hatcher at the Danville Community Market rally site.

Crowd performing "Yes we can" chant

--------

3:34 p.m.

From Angela Hatcher at the Danville Community Market rally site.

Tom Perriello on stage. Says we are 11 days from changing nation and Southside Virginia's future.

People who could not get in to the event are watching through a metal grate on a garage door.

--------

3:26 p.m.

From Angela Hatcher at the Danville Community Market rally site.

Invocation being read.

----------

3:00 p.m.

From Angela Hatcher at the Danville Community Market rally site.

Approximately 250 people being seated.

5th district Democratic challenger Tom Perriello to speak before Senator Biden.

---------

1:49 p.m.

From Angela Hatcher at the Danville Community Market rally site.

Multiple satellite trucks are here.

There is a line of 50-60 people waiting to get in.

Reporters are on the opposite end from where ralliers are being lined up.

Security sweep still being done.