Standing before more than 6,000 people, presidential candidate Barack Obama electrified college students in attendance when he stepped on the stage Nov. 14 to rally supporters in the Bay Area for change.

Democratic candidate Obama made the appearance at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco to promote his "Countdown to Change" rally, part of a national tour during the countdown to the beginning of the democratic primary elections in February.

Obama gave UC Berkeley students a special shout-out for having the most supporters at the event, however when all the students at the rally wanted their area recognized, he gave his thanks to all Northern California students.

“The opportunity to hear Obama speak is important and I wanted to take advantage of it to make my decision on who I’m going to vote for,” said Spencer Koehler, a senior at SF State.

Sarcastically calling Dick Cheney one of his black sheep cousins who lived in the attic, Obama did not hesitate to let his supporters know of his dislike for who is currently in office. He constantly reminded the attendees that neither Cheney nor George W. Bush will be on the ballot next year.

Obama vowed to quit the pattern of telling America what they want to hear and start telling them what they need to hear. He said that he’s running for the president to make a change in policies and leadership.

"When I am president, we won't have a Jena 6, my opponent will not say I voted for Iraq because I didn't, colleges will be affordable and accessible, teachers will have higher salaries," Obama said. "As president, I will end the war in Iraq and the troops will be home in 16 months."

According to Obama, his presidential run is his chance to do something that America has not done in a long time, which is change the way things are being done in the White House and in the United States.

He said telling America what they want to hear just won't do and that the United States should never negotiate out of fear and at the same time, never fear to negotiate. Obama said he was tired of just talking and wants to start doing something for America, which is why he is running for the President: to make a change.

"America, San Francisco, our moment is now, I ask you to stand with me, work with me, mobilize, and vote for me," said Obama as he waved, gave a smile and walked off the stage followed by a roar of applause.