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Obama Backs Proposition 87, Democratic Ticket at Two USC Rallies

Friday, October 27, 2006

LOS ANGELES, October 27, 2006 (KABC) -- Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., gave his support to Proposition 87 and the statewide Democratic ticket at two rallies at USC Friday, amid speculation and hopes about his presidential aspirations.

Obama was joined by actor and Oscar-winning screenwriter Ben Affleck in backing Proposition 87, which would raise taxes on oil companies to fund research into alternative energy. Former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore also have prominently supported the initiative, with both recording television ads.

Opponents say the measure would raise gasoline prices because it would discourage oil exploration in California and increase use of foreign oil. They have criticized provisions of the measure exempting the California Energy Alternative Programs Authority that would be created by passage of the measure from conflict of interest laws other agencies are subject to.

In his introduction, Affleck said that Obama, "in a short time, he has already proven himself to be the most galvanizing leader to come out of either party in my opinion in at least a decade and a half, if not more."

"He is very, very likely -- though good luck in getting him or anyone else to say so -- at one point, eventually down the road, at some point, in my opinion and many others, the future of this country," Affleck said.

Later, Obama joined Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles, at a California Democratic Party get-out-the-vote rally. Obama drew the most applause, with some in the crowd shouting "Obama for president."

The rally was the second on a major Los Angeles university in two days on behalf of Angelides, the state treasurer. Angelides was joined by Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean at a rally at UCLA Thursday.

Obama was the latest in a series of prominent out-of-state Democrats to come to California to campaign or raise money on Angelides' behalf, following Clinton, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.; former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C.; Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. and Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack.

In a statement e-mailed to reporters, with the subject line, "Typical Phil: Opening Act For Obama," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign dismissed the latest example of Angelides' out-of state help.

"No matter who appears with Phil Angelides during the campaign, it will be his name on the ballot and California voters know the name Angelides is synonymous with bitter partisan politics and billions in higher taxes," campaign spokesman Matt David said.

Angelides has said he would limit his tax increases to the wealthiest Californians and close what he has described as business tax loopholes, while lowering taxes for the middle class and small business.

After saying for months that he would not run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008, Obama, 45, said on Sunday's "Meet the Press," that he has "thought about the possibility, but I have not thought about it with the seriousness and depth that I think is required."

"After Nov. 7, I'll sit down and consider, and if at some point I change my mind, I will make a public announcement," said Obama, elected to the Senate in 2004.

Friday, Obama self deprecatingly described himself as "The flavor of the month."

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