With Hillary and McCain stepping up their attacks on Obama, here are more highlights from this morning's conference call with US Representative Patrick J. Kennedy and Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, Obama's two highest-profile supporters in Rhode Island.
-- Jim Baron from the Times of Pawtucket asked about Obama's tangible accomplishments. Kennedy responded by crediting the Illinois senator with creating "the most exciting modern election in the last 45 years."
-- Kennedy also pushed the electability point, noting that Obama fared well yesterday with different groups -- Catholics, seniors, and voters of different economic strata -- "including among groups that have been among Hillary's strongest base." The congressman added, "Barack's vote is a passionate vote."
-- Lynch, besides rapping the Bush administration, talked up Obama as the one candidate who will be able to unify America. Similar talk about "the need for a new direction," etc.
-- Kennedy noted the opening at 6 this evening of Obama's Providence office (235 Westminster St.) and proclaimed, "Rhode Island is going to be part of a national effort to land the nomination, and we intend to play our part in history-making. It is going to be important in spite of the size of the state that we make our voice heard."