SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Thousands of supporters and more than 500 members of the press gathered in the bitter cold outside of the Old State Capitol in Springfield early Saturday morning in anticipation of a landmark announcement.

A little after 10 a.m. they got exactly what they were waiting for when Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., took the podium.

“I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America,” he said.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who introduced Obama before his speech, took a few moments to speak with The Daily Illini about his colleague’s campaign.

“I’m here today because Barack Obama is here today … and I think (his chances) are good in this race,” he said. “I think that as he travels across the country, more and more people will be rallying to his campaign. (Sen. Clinton) is the frontrunner and Barack is an underdog … but if you know his life story you know that he’s overcome the odds before.”

State Sen. Mike Frerichs, D-52nd, who has known Obama personally for almost a decade, also attested to his viability as a candidate.

“When I signed on for his U.S. Senate race a year and a half beforehand, everyone said ‘he’s got a funny name, he’ll have problems against tougher competitors,'” Frerichs told The Daily Illini. “I think he has shown his appeal to people … and I don’t think (his lack of experience) is such a big concern. I think we’ve had other presidents with a similar lack of experience, but I think what people look at is the content of the candidate’s character. I would feel very confident in an Obama presidency.”

The build-up to Obama’s speech was marked by tense anticipation and occasional, spontaneous cheering from the crowd. Staffers and volunteers passed out hand-warmers and knit hats to help ward off the biting cold.

“I’m here to support Barack,” said Dave Wear, freshman in LAS and member of College Democrats at the University.

Wear and other College Democrats traveled to Springfield in order to be present at the announcement and help staff members and volunteers. Some arrived as early as Friday night to help pass out campaign memorabilia and assist with parking.

“He’s really an inspiring guy … this is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Wear said. “It was a really good speech.”

“We’ve been out here since 7 a.m. freezing, but it’s worth it,” said Justin Shlensky, also a freshman in LAS from the University and a member of College Democrats. “For a speech like that from a man so inspiring, it’s worth the frost bite.”

Prior to the event, a local church choir performed and a soloist sang the national anthem.

During Obama’s speech, reactions from the crowd were enthusiastic.

“This can’t be just about me, it has to be about us,” Obama said. “This campaign should be a vehicle for your hopes and dreams.”

Obama briefly outlined his platform during the speech, placing emphasis on universal health care, education reform and bringing American soldiers home from Iraq.

“I have drafted a plan that will bring all of our troops home by March of 2008,” he said.

Not all in the crowd were entirely supportive. Some expressed skepticism about Obama’s viability as a candidate or simply wanted to know more about him before they would offer their support.

“Is he for secure borders? Does he support citizens’ rights over illegals? Will he enforce current immigration laws?” asked Tom Record, a Springfield native who waited just outside of the fenced grounds of the Old State Capitol. “I’m not necessarily saying I won’t support him, I just want to know what his stances are on these issues.”

Obama made appearances at several colleges and universities in Iowa this weekend before returning to Illinois to give a speech at the University of Illinois at Chicago Sunday afternoon.