Obama takes the stage with Rays

TAMPA -- After an introduction from several members of the Tampa Bay Rays, Barack Obama greeted the thousands gathered at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

"I am a unity candidate -- bringing people together. So when you see a White Sox fan showing love to the Rays, and you see Rays fans showing love right back, you know we're onto something here," Obama said. "I was gonna cut my hair all up, in solidarity ... but, uh, my political advisers said they weren't sure how that was going to play with swing voters."

AP photo

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He encouraged people to vote early, saying they should go vote right after the rally, and he said he was happy to have a break from the northern "nip in the air."

"In just 15 days, you and I can begin to bring some badly needed sunshine to Washington, D.C.," Obama said.

Kim Wilmath, Times staff writer

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