PHOTOS: Republicans rally against health care reform bill

On the eve of President Barack Obama's visit to the city, the dreary weather didn't stop hundreds of people from coming out to listen to local republicans protest the passing of the health care reform bill.

Wednesday evening brought out a crowd that tossed around words like tyranny, socialism, and unconstitutional to describe their disapproval of the bill some claimed was against people's wishes.

“Tonight isn't about Democrats, or Republicans, or Independents. It's about all Americans,” Matt Strawn, Republican Party of Iowa chairman, said during the “Stand up For Freedom” rally. “We have to show America this is not freedom.”

Despite the boos from the crowd when Obama's name was said, one woman voiced her support by yelling outside the large group.

“Health care for everyone,” shouted Coralville resident Kate Coyle. “It's a basic right.”

David Smithers said he voted for Obama, but said he doesn't support the current health care bill because he thinks the politics of the it have been overtaken by “corporate businesses.”

“No one listens to us,” said the 57-year-old from Wellman.

Congressman Mike Pence, the third ranking Republican in the U.S. House from Indiana, spoke via Skype over a large television screen.

“Everyone tonight is doing America's work. This fight is not over” he said. “Some say we made history Sunday night, but I say we broke history,” he said.

But 20-year-old Katie Nickolas wasn't speaking the same language.

“Everyone deserves health care. It's pretty basic,” she said. “I don't get why people are against it.”

In response to the bill, Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan sent out a news release claiming the rally wasn't more about politics than Iowans.

“It's clear from this rally- the Republican Party of Iowa is interested in rallying their base and boosting their campaign coffers. They are not interested in freedom or how this historic legislation will better the lives of thousands of Iowans,” Kiernan said.

But fears about the uncertain costs resonated with 57-year-old John Bloom of Des Moines who said, “I can't see the selfishness of my generation go onto my and your generations.”

The president speaks Thursday at 1 p.m. at the University of Iowa Field House amid an expected crowd over 3,000 with an even larger crowd anticipated outside.

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