UPDATED: Here are photos from the university’s PR flickr account.

From the White House, here’s a transcript of Obama’s remarks today at the university’s Comcast Center:

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

AT RALLY ON HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM

University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland

11:49 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Maryland!  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you, College Park.  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.  It is good to be back at the University of Maryland.  (Applause.)  I want to start by wishing The Fridge and the Terps good luck on the game this weekend.  (Applause.)  Maybe I’ll even rub Testudo’s nose before I leave.  (Applause.)

We’ve got a number of extraordinary elected officials who are here.  I just want to introduce them real quick.  Your Governor, Martin O’Malley, is in the house.  (Applause.)  The two outstanding senators from Maryland, Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin are in the house.  (Applause.)  One of the finest leaders that we have in Congress, Steny Hoyer is in the house.  (Applause.)  Lt. Governor Anthony Brown is here.  (Applause.)  Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson is here.  (Applause.)  Mayor Stephen Brayman is here.  (Applause.)  State Senate Majority Leader Tom Miller is in the house.  (Applause.)  Congresswoman Donna Edwards is here.  (Applause.)  Congressman Elijah Cummings.  (Applause.)  Congressman Chris Van Hollen.  (Applause.)  Congressman Sarbanes is here.  (Applause.)  Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger is here.  (Applause.)

And to your president, Dan Mote, President of the University of Maryland, thank you so much.  (Applause.)

You know –

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  — (inaudible) –

THE PRESIDENT:  Who?  (Applause.)

You know, the last time I was here it was in the heat of a very long and very tough campaign.  (Applause.)  And in that campaign, I promised to be a President who — you guys can sit down, by the way.  (Laughter and applause.)

In that campaign I promised to be a President who didn’t just clean up yesterday’s crises; I didn’t want to be a President who was just content with standing still.  I promised to be a President who would build a better future; who would move this nation forward; who would ensure that this generation — your generation — had the same chances and the same opportunities that our parents gave us.  (Applause.)  That’s what I’m here to do.  That’s why I ran for President of the United States of America.  (Applause.)

I ran for President because of people like Rachel.  Did she not do an outstanding job in the introduction?  (Applause.)

Part of that promise is an economy that leads the world in science and technology and innovation.  Part of that promise is a clean energy revolution that protects our planet — (applause) — protects our security, creates jobs of the future right here in the United States of America.  Part of it is giving every citizen the skills and the education they need to compete with any worker in the world — just like you’re getting right here at the University of Maryland.  (Applause.)  And today, we are on the cusp of taking another big step forward towards fulfilling that promise.

A few miles from here, the House of Representatives will soon be voting on a plan that would finally make the student loan process simpler and more affordable for millions of young Americans.  (Applause.)

This plan would end the billions upon billions of dollars in unwarranted subsidies that we hand out to banks and financial institutions — money that doesn’t do anything to make your loans any cheaper.  Instead we’re going to use that money to guarantee access to low-cost loans no matter what the economy looks like.  We’ll use it to strengthen Pell Grants and Perkins loans to make college more affordable.  (Applause.)  We’ll shore up our system of community colleges.  And we will simplify the complicated, convoluted financial aid forms so it’s easier for you to apply for help and get the finances that you need.  (Applause.)

These are reforms that have been talked about for years, but they’re always blocked by special interests and their lobbyists. Well, because you voted for change in November — (applause) — we’re going to bring change in the House of Representatives today.  (Applause.)  And then we will take this battle for America’s students and America’s working families to the Senate. And then I intend to sign this bill into law.  Because that’s the change you worked for.  That’s the change you voted for.  That’s the change we’re going to deliver.  (Applause.)

But, Terps, we can’t stop there.  There are still those in Washington who are resistant to change — who are more willing to defend the status quo then address the real concerns of the American people.

AUDIENCE:  Booo!

THE PRESIDENT:  What can I tell you?  (Laughter.)  They’re still out there.  We’re facing the same kind of resistance on another defining struggle of this generation — and that’s the issue of health insurance reform.  (Applause.)

Now, let me say, when you’re young, I know this isn’t always an issue that you have at the top of your mind.  You think you’re invulnerable.  That’s how I thought.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you, Obama!

THE PRESIDENT:  I love you back.  (Applause.)

I’m sure that some of you wondered why this college required that all new students have health insurance this semester.  Well, here’s why.  Here’s why.  Every day, the one in three adults — one in three young adults who don’t have health insurance live one accident or one illness away from bankruptcy.  Think about what would have happened with Rachel if she hadn’t had health insurance.  Nearly half of these young people have trouble paying their medical bills.  Nearly 40 percent are in debt because of them.  I mean, think about adding the debt you already have for college — on top of that, another $10,000 or $20,000 or $30,000 or $50,000 worth of debt because you get sick.

Some of these Americans don’t get insurance because they feel young and healthy.  But some work part-time or for small businesses, where you aren’t offered health insurance.  And it’s just too expensive to buy coverage on your own.

Even if you have coverage, insurance companies today, they can drop it or water it down when you’re sick and you need it the most.  Or they can decide that they won’t pay the full cost of your care and make you pay the rest of it out of pocket, even if it’s thousands upon thousands of dollars.  That’s why more than one-third of all young adults — including those with insurance  – have had trouble paying their medical bills.  That’s why one-fourth of all young adults are paying off medical debt.

And we’ve heard some horror stories during the course of this debate.

Find out what these horror stories are — after the jump…

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Here are three of the more interesting or unexpected moments from President Obama’s speech today:

• “Motay” — President Obama, while thanking dignitaries, pronounced University President Dan Mote’s name as “Motay.”
• O’Malley and a baby — On the UMTV feed of the speech, at one point they cut away to what appeared to be Gov. Martin O’Malley holding a baby. O’Malley’s children are now relatively old, so whose baby was he holding?
• The heckler — A man started heckling Obama, calling him a baby killer. People in the stands threw things at him before the police escorted him from the arena

Updated at 12:59 p.m.

Obama telling the origin story of “Fired up! Ready to go!” Involves a private detective/city councilwoman from Greenwood, South Carolina.39 minutes ago from web

“Feel like I was up late doing who knows what. I remember, I know how you all are.”41 minutes ago from web

Obama talking about time he was tired while campaigning in SC: “Feel like I was back in college and didn’t want to wake up.”41 minutes ago from web

RT @CNSmd: Obama says it doesn’t begin in Washington, DC. It begins in College Park. | Only 10 minutes away by car?42 minutes ago from web

Change starts with ‘young people who are determined to take the future of this county into their hands.’43 minutes ago from web

“Change is hard, it’s always been hard. Civil rights was hard. Getting women the right to vote was hard.”44 minutes ago from web

Obama getting ready to fight special interests, Republicans, but said he’ll work with Rs on tort reform. about 1 hour ago from web

RT @CNSmd: Obama says University of Maryland should be proud that every student is required to have health insurance. about 1 hour ago from web

Obama says public + private colleges can co-exist, why can’t public + private public health insurance options co-exist? about 1 hour ago from web

Obama points to being able to keep coverage until 26 as a reason for young ppl’s support. about 1 hour ago from web

“Now is the time to deliver on health care reform for the American people.” Standing O. #obamacp about 1 hour ago from web

RT @CNSmd: Dozens of sad faces outside Comcast as they realize it’s too late to get in. Instead, they look through the giant glass windows. about 1 hour ago from web

I think there was some booing for a mention of Max Baucus, Senate Finance Committee Chairmen from Montana. about 1 hour ago from web

RT @rissriss222: Protester escorted out by 3 univ police officers after calling obama a “baby killer” #obamacp about 1 hour ago from web

RT @CNSmd: Crowd restrains heckler, boos and throws stuff at him.about 1 hour ago from web

Young ppl. “believe America can do great things. You believe that in this country, we don’t fear the future, we shape the future.”about 1 hour ago from web

“Health care is about more than just the details of a policy, it’s about what kind of country you want to be.”about 1 hour ago from web

RT @carrielwells: Annoying heckler ruining Obama speech now being removed #obamacp about 1 hour ago from web

RT @CNSmd: Girl yelled, “I love you Obama.” Obama: “I love you back.” | Every time some one says that, that’s his response.about 1 hour ago from web

There’s some sort of disturbance going on. Anyone at Comcast know what happened?about 1 hour ago from web

Obama mentions university’s mandatory insurance policy. Raises specter of health care debt + college debt = bankruptcy.about 1 hour ago from web

Obama on Health care: “When you’re young, this isn’t something you think about. You think you’re invincible.”about 1 hour ago from web

Taking a break from health care, Obama hypes federal financial aid reform. House of Reps is voting on it today.about 1 hour ago from web

He said “Dan Motay” instead of Mote. about 1 hour ago from web

Obama just butchered Dan Mote’s name. Made it through all the dignitaries, but missed the last one. Even Mayor Brayman got a shout-out. about 1 hour ago from web

“It is good to back at the University of Maryland.” Wishes the Fridge and Terps good luck, says he’ll rub Testudo’s nose before he leaves. about 1 hour ago from web

Flashbulbs going off throughout Comcast Center. Obama: “Thank you College Park!” Crowd explodes again. about 1 hour ago from web

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! Crowd explodes. Obama shaking hands as he walks to the podium.about 1 hour ago from web

Peck: “It is for people like me, people like you, and millions across America that we need to address health care reform now.”about 1 hour ago from web

Someone yells “We can’t hear you,” interrupting very somber, intelligent speech. Peck speaks up. #Obamacp about 1 hour ago from web

Junior Rachel Peck speaking now. #obamacp about 1 hour ago from web

Updated at 11:38

RT @carrielwells: Someone just put Obama’s speech up on the podium #obamacp

RT @CNSmd: Sylvain Roux, a French exchange student, never waited in line to see a doctor at home. Sad the U.S. won’t cover everyone. 6 minutes ago from web

RT @CNSmd: Presidential motorcade pulling in now. 8 minutes ago from web

RT @moosetender: I am sitting behind the secretary of commerce while waiting for Obama at UMD http://twitpic.com/i1xi0 9 minutes ago from web

Updated at 11:26

RT @CNSmd: Alternatives to health care reform for companies: no pay raises, fewer employees hired, health care cutbacks –Locke 2 minutes ago from web

“Yes, We Can” chant starts up again. 6 minutes ago from web

RT @rissriss222: Gary Locke opens #obamacp rally: “without health care reform, things will only get worse. Is that what we want in america?”8 minutes ago from web

Speaker is the Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke, a former governor of Washington State. 9 minutes ago from web

http://www.whitehouse.gov/l… – This is indicating Obama is going to start speaking at 11:40. 9 minutes ago from web

Speaker is explaining health care reform. Crowd seems a little restless.10 minutes ago from web

Second speaker gets big cheer for “Go Terps!” Bigger cheer for quality, affordable health care.12 minutes ago from web

Prayer was for compromise. Now crowd being led in Pledge of the Allegiance, followed by the Star-Spangled Banner. Chorus got some feedback.15 minutes ago from web

First speaker coming on to the stage. Leading the crowd in prayer. This is a little surprising.18 minutes ago from web

Obama was on the White House’s live feed, announcing plans to scrap a European missile defense program at the Pentagon. The live feed ended at around 10:30, although I’m not sure how literally to take “live” in this instance. But if it did end at 10:30, the drive from the Pentagon across D.C. and up to College Park takes 26 minutes, according to Google Maps.

If that’s accurate, Obama could get in College Park right around the time he’s supposed to start speaking, which would seem to indicate the speech will start late. Then again, he’s the president. He has a Secret Service escort, so it’s not like he’s going to be caught in traffic.

Regardless, we’ll keep you updated here at Campus Drive and let you know when the speech starts.

UPDATED: Diamondback reporter Carrie Wells brings up a good point via Twitter:

carrielwells@thedbk if obama is at the pentagon, do we have a helicopter landing pad?

UPDATED, PART 2: It’s 11:06, so he’s officially late, but based on looking at the UMTV feed, no one really seems to care.

You can still watch President Obama’s speech. It’s being broadcast on UMTV and I’m told the Stamp Student Union has a live-feed set up. If you’re not even on the campus, you can watch a live feed from the White House’s Facebook page.

UPDATED: According to Capital News Service, the feed can only be seen via UMTV’s website.

…Even a visit from the president. While Gov. Martin O’Malley is at the Comcast Center with fellow Democrat, President Barack Obama, his biggest potential challenger, former Gov. Robert Ehrlich held a “pre-buttal” to Obama’s speech today on a conference call with national reporter, The Washington Post reports. Is this the precursor to a 2010 showdown?

Another interesting tidbit from the Post’s Aaron C. Davis:

Maryland Democrats have run the gamut of emotions from giddy to stressed-out this week, working to make sure one of the nation’s bluest states rolls out an appropriately oversized red carpet for President Barack Obama’s latest speech on health-care reform, which he’ll deliver at 11 a.m. today at the Comcast Center.

State lawmakers have handed out “tickets upon tickets,” says one, to make sure anyone who’s anyone will be there and that the crowd will be filled with supporters cheering loudly when the cameras roll.

Gov. Martin O’Malley on Wednesday predicted the speech (the president’s third since last week’s national address) will be “historic.”

Posted at 11:07

First speaker coming on to the stage. Leading the crowd in prayer. This is a little surprising. less than 20 seconds ago from web

It’s 11:05. Obama is late, but the president is allowed to be late, methinks. 3 minutes ago from web

UMTV feed showing a lot of excited people. Also showing a fair number of empty seats. 4 minutes ago from web

RT @CNSmd: Helicopter spotted circling Comcast Center. Obama? | Maybe just secret service? 7 minutes ago from web

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