Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama told a crowd of about 2,100 people in Watertown today that if he's elected, he'll work to help family farmers and ranchers and people who want to stay in small towns.  He says his farm policy would deny payments to wealthy farmers and agricultural businesses and instead help farms and ranches run by families. Obama says he supports having a permanent disaster fund that can help keep them afloat when they are hit by floods, drought or other calamities.

Obama pledged to try to bring down gas and diesel fuel prices by stopping price gouging and manipulation by big oil companies.  He also drew applause when he said he supports the right to bear arms for hunting, shooting sports and self-defense.