2004 presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry announced his endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama in San Francisco today, praising the candidate’s mindfulness for change and comparing him to Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.

“We need a president that is not just transitional, but a president that has the power to be transformational,” Kerry said.

On the heels of the upcoming California primary, Kerry’s endorsement could affect the outcome of what many see as a close race between Hillary Clinton and Obama for California’s Democratic nomination.

Despite the rainy weather, spectators lined up outside the Everett Middle School auditorium and then nearly filled it to capacity for the event. While many were Obama supporters and volunteers, others said they came for a show.

“It’s like going to the movies for Germans,” said John, a German city resident who won’t be able to vote in the upcoming primary.

“Why not? It’s Saturday,” said Shannon Sickle, a 25-year-old San Francisco resident, when asked why she attended the event.

Many attendees, part of the “grassroots campaign” described by the candidate’s volunteers, had never been serious about politics before Obama.

“I like that he sees the shades of gray when so many of the candidates see things in black and white,” said Cassie Shaker, 24. This was Shaker's first time donating money to a campaign, and came to the event to learn more about how to help Obama.

Other speakers included San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris and representatives for a high school vote simulation.