Thousands jammed the plaza at Oakland City Hall Saturday afternoon to see and hear 2008 Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama in his first public campaign appearance in the Bay Area.

Approximately 10,000 people requested free tickets for the rally through Obama's website. However, many more swarmed the Civic Center area to catch a glimpse of the Illinois senator, with reports estimating 12,000 people were in attendance.

Some climbed atop streetlamps, bus shelters, portable toilets, and television news trucks to watch Obama as he strode across a small stage discussing his goals for America.

“We are here today, because the country calls us,” Obama said as the crowd cheered supportively. “We are here today because history beckons us. We’re here today because we face a series of challenges as significant and daunting as any series of challenges that any generation faced.”

For many of those who came to the Oakland event, Obama's appeal lies in a message of hope and optimism.

"He speaks for us," said Shantrice Williams, a nursing student at UCSF. "It's nice to have a politician say we must have hope."

Williams' husband, Tel Sadler of Denver, came with a copy of Obama's best-selling book "The Audacity of Hope" in hopes of getting the senator to sign it. Though Sadler didn't get the autograph, he was still pleased with Obama's presence.

"He's a progressive," Sadler said. "More than a liberal, he's a progressive."

Margaret Rebecchi of Hollister came with her daughter Vanessa to volunteer with the Obama campaign. The Rebecchis both have had previous experiences helping out on presidential campaigns; Margaret with Robert Kennedy in 1968 and Vanessa with John Kerry in 2004.

“Obama reminds me of Robert Kennedy,” said Margaret. “He’s very sincere.”

“I can see why Kerry lost,” said Vanessa. “I can see the charisma that Obama has.”

Among the eight Democrats who have announced their intention to run, Obama is regarded by many as being in the top tier of the party's presidential candidates, alongside Senator Hillary Clinton of New York and 2004 Vice-Presidential nominee John Edwards, even though he has only held a Senate seat for two years.

Monica Lee, who came from Fremont with friends Meagan Roy and Jennifer Manegold, said she didn't care about Obama’s limited national experience.

“I think he can bring something new to the White House,” Lee said. “He’s not bitter about Washington, yet.”

“He may say the same things as other politicians,” Roy said, “but he has more depth to it.”

Sitting on the stage after Obama and most of the crowd had left, a group of five students from San Ramon Valley High School in Danville said they would be voting in their first presidential race in 2008 and were excited to see the senator in person.

“His opinions are refreshing,” said Hilary McGraw, 17. “By not attacking the other side, and calling for bipartisanship, that’s the way we’re going to get things done.”

McGraw’s friend Hillary Struthers, 17, was also pleased with Obama’s appearance.

“Listening to him today, it makes you so proud to be an American,” said Struthers. “He loves his country.”

Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums kicked off the event, which also attracted other local political luminaries such as Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) and San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris.

“In welcoming Senator Obama,” Dellums said, “I want to welcome him to a city that has the audacity to welcome the diversity of the world. We’re all here, Senator.”

The crowd that came to see Obama was a mix of young and old, and people of almost every race to hear the only current African-American member of the Senate.

Some in attendance dismissed the impact of Obama’s race as a campaign issue.

“These people who do have a problem with race, maybe it’s time to switch things up,” said San Ramon Valley High student Nick Pittarides, 17.

In his speech, Obama declared his intention to offer Americans universal health coverage by the end of his first term. He drew loud cheers by reiterating his opposition to the Iraq war from the beginning, and denounced the lackluster conditions wounded soldiers faced at Walter Reed Medical Center.

“When they come home, they don’t have mold on the wall and rats stirring under their bed,” he said to loud cheers and applause, “when they come home, that we’re giving them the counseling and the treatment that they need to make the transition back to civilian life.”

“How can you stand there and say you believe in supporting the troops when you forget them when they come home?” Obama said, angrily.

Obama ended his speech on a positive note by calling for the crowd’s support.

“This campaign is a vehicle for your hopes and dreams,” he said. “I want to work for you.”

Oakland resident Darnell Busrey, wearing an "Obama Disciple" baseball cap, came away happy with what he heard from Obama.

“Obama seems like a world leader that can bring back the respect that America needs,” said Busrey. “The whole event felt like a sea of love.”

Listen to Obama's entire speech courtesy of [X]press Online.