President Obama speaks at Norfolk State

WAVY TV

Updated: Sep 4, 2012 9:25 PM

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — On the road to Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention, President Barack Obama made a campaign stop in Norfolk Tuesday.

During the president's speech at Norfolk State University, several people were either treated at the event or transported to local hospitals for heat related issues. Battalion Chief Julian Williamson said 18 patients were transported while 23 were treated on scene. It is estimated 11,600 people were in attendance.

Click here to watch the full speech.

"Last week, our friends in the other party had their convention," Obama said. Some in the crowd could be heard 'boo-ing' during that moment, then Obama responded: "Don't boo, vote."

Obama articulated the importance of voting this November.

"We believe in an America no matter who you are where you come from or what you look like," Obama told the crowd. "We don't care what your last name is. You can pursue your own happiness, and you can make it if you try. That's what these last four years have been about, and that's why I'm running for another term as President of the Untied States."

With unemployment at 8.3 percent, the Romney campaign says the nation can not afford four more years of Obama. The GOP's Vice Presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan told WAVY.com Monday it's time for new leadership.

"There are two presidents since the Great Depression who can not say you are better off when they ran for re-election: Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama," Ryan said.

However, small business owner Sharon Johnson Clayton says she is better off now than four years ago.

"I have grown," Clayton said. "I have a new business since Obama's been in office."

The Obama campaign fears lower voter turnout rates than 2008.

"I am hoping we are O.K.," organizer Trudy Ridley said. "I am kind of thinking we may not be [at the 2008 turnout level] but we are going to strive until voting day."

"If you are willing to vote for me then we will win Norfolk again," Obama said. "We will win Virginia again. We will win this election, and we will remind the world America is the greatest nation on earth. God Bless you Virginia, and God Bless America."

On his way back to the airport, Obama stopped by Norfolk Fire Station 14. The President shook hands with several on-duty firemen and asked them if they had heard about his White House beer.

While the event was free and open to the public, those who wanted to attend had to obtain a free ticket either online or by visiting two places in Norfolk. By Tuesday morning around 8 a.m., those tickets were all gone.

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