“Colorado, our moment is now!” cried U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) before an overflow crowd Wednesday morning at the University of Denver.

During his address at DU’s Magness Arena, Obama cast himself as more electable than Democratic presidential opponent Hillary Clinton, saying he is better able to bring together Democrats, Republicans, and independents.

"That's how Democrats will win in November and build a majority in Congress," he said. "Not by nominating a candidate who will unite the other party against us, but choosing one who can unite this country around a movement for change."

Obama made several other attacks on Clinton in his speech, criticizing her for voting for the Iraq War and her stance on bankruptcy reform.

"It’s not enough to say you’ll be ready from day one," he said, echoing a common Clinton stump line. "You have to be right from day one."

Obama had nothing but praise, though, for former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, who announced Wednesday that he was dropping out of the presidential race.

"His campaign may have ended, but his cause lives on for all of us who believe we can achieve one America," he said. 

Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, introduced Obama, saying the junior senator from Illinois offers "the same hope and inspiration" her father did 40 years ago. Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith also lauded Obama in a short speech.

The VIP section of the rally behind Obama's podium included Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (D) and Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter; neither Hickenlooper nor Gov. Bill Ritter (D) have yet endorsed a Democratic presidential candidate.

Other prominent Colorado leaders at the rally included state Sen. President Peter Groff (D-Denver), former U.S. Sen. Gary Hart D-Colo.), U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.), state Sen. Chris Romer (D-Denver), Denver City Council President Michael Hancock, and Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet.

The Denver Post has the full text of Obama's speech.