I saw Sen. Barack Obama speak Friday afternoon. I took some photos too. You can find them here.

I’m glad I went, and not just because AJ managed to get me a press pass so that I could stand on the platform with all the guys with even bigger cameras than mine and act like I belonged, which was fun. But also, obviously, because I participated (again) in a fun part of the political process in this country.

It would be nice to start here by saying that if everyone in this country attended political rallies that we would all be more educated (on the issues) voters, but in my experience, that’s not the case. Having been to three of these events held at my campus I feel like I have some perspective and that perspective is good for saying they’re all about the same. The rallies, that is.

Actually, the candidates differ, and their personalities too, more than you might expect them to. I remember Edwards as sounding smooth and slick, and Kerry weak and boring. Obama not so much; he seemed more like he was trying to remain poised and “do it right” so that we would see his determination, eagerness.

But he didn’t have to try that hard. Not that many people seemed to actually care that his speech struggled to get started, or that his tie was too long or that he lost is place (almost) and his stories dragged out. They mostly just want him as their candidate. And I feel the same way.

I was watching the videos on his and Clinton’s websites with my mother a few days ago and we concluded that while Clinton is a politician, Obama is a leader. He makes me want to believe that there can be change in the system (because he seems to believe it himself) and that makes him more attractive than someone who just knows the ropes.

One of the most encouraging lines of his speech spoke of the momentum that this network of mainly students has built and that, regardless of the outcome of the races, we have mobilized together and should harness that ability for political action.

It seems like all we’re missing is a leader.