Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) held a rally on the Crow Reservation in Montana on Monday, becoming the first presidential candidate to campaign in Indian Country. Obama, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York), and Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) all have adopted platforms that respect tribal sovereignty. But Obama is the only one to have visited a reservation during the campaign cycle. During his rally, Obama pledged to improve Indian health care and meet with tribes on a regular basis. Crow Tribe Chairman Carl Venne, who has endorsed Obama, urged the candidate to appoint an Indian as Secretary of the Interior Department. Prior to his 15-minute speech, Obama was adopted by a the Black Eagle family during a private ceremony. "Barack Black Eagle, that is a good name," he said, according to news reports. Get the Story:
Crow Tribe adopts candidate Obama in historic visit (The Billings Gazette 5/20)
Crow Agency rally viewed as honor (The Billings Gazette 5/20)
Obama wows 'em: Illinois senator excites crowd at West, Crow (The Billings Gazette 5/20) Related Stories:
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