Barack Obama's presidential campaign opens South Bend office Save Email Print
Posted: 4:23 PM Jul 12, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:46 AM Jul 13, 2008
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Barack Obama's presidential campaign opened its South Bend office Saturday at the county Democratic offices.

The campaign wants to make Indiana an actual contender in this year's contest, instead of just falling into the Republican column by default.

The South Bend office is among five opening this weekend, and in the coming weeks offices will open in Michigan City, Elkhart, and Warsaw.

Former Indiana first lady Maggie Kernan, a former Clinton supporter, helped open the office and talked about the tight primary.

"It was a healthy battle. I think it was good for the process; it got so many people interested, aware, involved," she says. "And now we have all this energy here."

After the opening speeches, supporters left the office on South Lafayette and hit the streets, talking with voters and trying to get people to register to do so.
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Posted by: Gary Hall Location: Tn on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I am a Democrate and I just want to know why Obama will not say our pledge alegence to the flage that reprosents our country this is the only negative thing that bothers me
Posted by: Islander Location: South Bend on Jul 19, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Also Chuck, Obama was not in the Senate and had nothing to do with the vote on the Iraq war. How is your left dominated house and senate doing these days. Recent numbers show an approval rating less than "Dumya." Food for thought since I must be uneducated.
Posted by: Shelby on Jul 19, 2008 at 12:10 PM
To chuck: Am I reading this right? You said; "Don't try to hide your lack of political intelligence by using the worn out tactic of calling people names? That is typical of a liberal." Isn't Obama a liberal? In fact he is ranked as the most liberal senator of 2007 and may I add a 'radical' liberal much like Jimmy Carter and completely opposite of Reagan. You truly do not understand politics do you?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 19, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Chucky, you sound like a very shallow small man. Focus on healing yourself before solving community issues.
Posted by: Islander Location: South Bend on Jul 18, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Hey Chuck. I find it funny that you resort to name calling to people that are posting valid point-counterpoints while you have posted nothing but meaningless diatribe with no basis. You are simply an angry shiftless person. You were the bully in school that bullied for no reason and now you can see all the posts against you from people that are far superior to you. If you would like to engage in a meaningful fact based discussion then contribute something of substance. Everything you say makes no sense. In fact, everyone in this discussion has lost IQ points due to yourself. Do us all a favor and quit posting because you are giving Obama supporters a bad name....and I am not an Obama supporter. At least most people here that are Obama supporters do contribute something meaningful.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 18, 2008 at 09:35 PM
To Posted by: Shelby on Jul 16, 2008 at 08:17 PM Well put, I could not have said it better myself. I wish more people thought like you (me), we all be better people.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 18, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Big deal. Anyone who votes for him is a dummy.
Posted by: Ross Location: Granger on Jul 18, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Let's see if this clown will come back and answer questions about 1400 people losing their jobs in one day. I would not vote for this IDIOT for any reason, a vote for Barak will make us all more BROKE!!!
Posted by: hey Chuck... on Jul 18, 2008 at 07:08 AM
If (as you have said) not read his book than yes...you are uneducated as far as backing Obama is concerned. You are backing words that are not backed up by actions. Don't try to hide your lack of political intelligence by using the worn out tactic of calling people names? That is typical of a liberal. "Don't show me how how much of a moron I am and confuse me with the facts."
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 17, 2008 at 09:40 PM
With the price of gas, I can't help but wonder if people will drive to the polls in November. Maybe we need some free bus tokens from the Feds!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 17, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Obama = Antichrist? Makes me wonder what say you?
Posted by: anon Location: anon on Jul 17, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Vote for Bareck Osama!
Posted by: Pat on Jul 17, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Chuck you have issues that need attended to. You should be in therapy. If people with your attitide support Osama...errr...Obama then I am now very concerned about him being President. I most definitly will vote for McCain (spelled correctly).
Posted by: Heather Location: Elkhart on Jul 17, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Why is it that Obama is seen in the painting with an American Flag lapel and American flags all over the place, but yet he wouldn't wear one himself a few months ago?? Talk about being a hypocrite
Posted by: chuck Location: reality on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Bush=McSame Deal with it idiotic NeoConned. Too bad the public has had enough and isn't buying your pathetic false arguments. LOL how you call me uneducated and you clowns can't even spell. See ya at Obamas' inaguration morons. PS: When your oxycontin snortin' spiritual leader Rush Limburger offers you his Kool-aide do us all a favor and take a big swig. The world will be a lot better off.
Posted by: Shelby on Jul 16, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Chucky it's like this...the era President Bush served was/is difficult. What he did accomplish is to put the war in the middle east where it belongs rather than on US soil. So your tush is safe from extreme muslim terrorists who would prefer to see you decapitated while they dream of all the virgins waiting for them in heaven. The economic state of this country is far better than other countries. Obama lacks a plan and his marxist ideals is not compatible with the US ideals. Vote for the man - not the party, not the race (although he is half caucasian) and not the empty words. He is not the leader this country needs at this time. Remember that McCain has never been very supportive of Bush so you cannot say his term will be more of the same. And if you think a single man and his Cabinet has caused this country's current state you do not understand our Government. The fingers should be pointing to a inept congress and senate.
Posted by: Poor Chuck on Jul 16, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Whatsa matta Chuck? Did I touch a nerve when I asked if you had read his book? Can you read sentences, or are you backing a party rather than a person? Yeah, we see through your uneducated mind. NO ONE CAN MAKE A JUDGEMENT UNTIL THEY HAVE SEEN ALL OF THE FACTS. READ THE MAN'S BOOK. He is a SOCIALIST!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 16, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Speak UP CHUCK. What has Obama every accomplished?
Posted by: RB Location: SB on Jul 16, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Who cares is "God" or "Jesus" didn't want homosexuality? Believe in your myths and fairytales on your own time. Leave reality to people who are grounded in it. I guess I'm the fool though when I call for real facts and evidence not superstition. Freaks.
Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:49 AM
I can't understand why anyone would vote for an anti-American Marxist like Obama. So what if he can give a good speach, as someone else pointed out, so could Hitler. That's how he got into power in Germany. They had a much much worse economy than ours and Hitler promised them change and a brighter future so they put him in power. I think we can all agree he certainly was not a good choice for them.(understatement of the day). Obama has nothing real or good to offer us and there is plenty of evidence to indicate he has plenty ill will for our country. Again I have to ask, why would anyone want him for president?
Posted by: Les on Jul 16, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Great point SAY NO. The candidates stand on the energy crisis shows this. Sen. McCain said he was for private industry with federal incentives is the way to go./ Sen. Obama thinks the government can solve the problem. Which means bigger government! We should keep President Jefferson's words in mind when we vote this year. WHY O WHY Sen. Obama will not debate I wonder, maybe because he does not want to tell the people how much of their money all his wonderful ideas are going to coast them, maybe?
Posted by: Alan Location: Elkhart on Jul 16, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Obama is nothing but a media darling.
Posted by: Pat on Jul 16, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Chuck - Are you serious? To catagorize Obama voters as young and educated vs McCain voters as old and uneducated is irresponsible. I am old and educated (3 degrees) and will not vote for Obama. Maybe I misread your post.
Posted by: chuck Location: Mishawaka on Jul 16, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Pathetic NeoCLOWNS. All they can do is call Obama names- Marxist, Commie, Black panther etc . Whatever they can think of in their little itty bitty pea brains. How's the last seven years of Repub domination with your hero G Dumya been workin' out for ya?
Posted by: Say No to Obama on Jul 15, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Vote for Obama and we get a larger government. That is what extreme liberals do. We already have a huge bureaucracy that can only react to situations rather than be proactive in prevention. There are no leaders in Congress to develop a plan to pay down the national debt, solve the energy crisis, and improve the health care system. The strength of the US has always been the middle class and it is slowly decaying. I do not believe what the press spoon feeds us about their poster child - Obama. He does not have a plan and he is not the leader we need during these times to build a better future. We are still far better off than other nations. Wise words from a past 'leader' 'A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.' ....... Thomas Jefferson' This is the government Obama envisions. Check his voting record and the history of how extreme liberals vote. Is this the America you want? It's what Obama wants.
Posted by: Hey chuck on Jul 15, 2008 at 07:26 AM
No one called Obama a marxist. He called himself one. I take it you have not read his book either? It is amazing how moronic some have become. Who would follow a man with NO political accomplishments whatsoever. NO ONE can maked an informed decision without learning about the man without reading his autobiography. After you do....you will be Afraid....Very Afraid! SOCIALISM means a loss of your freedom. Wake up people!
Posted by: chuck Location: Mishawaka on Jul 15, 2008 at 01:50 AM
Joe Location: La La Land "Abby - Are you serious? By your writing, I'd say you weren't well-schooled. Maybe, that's why you think Obama is so wonderful." Obama supporter demographic: Young, college educated ie. smart Bush/McSame supporter demographic- Old,no college ie. not so much I wonder which category Joe falls in to?
Posted by: Percy Dovebody Location: Southwesterly Mishawaka on Jul 14, 2008 at 05:52 PM
I completely agree with Abby. Barackks seems like such a nice young man. And his lovely wife reminds me of Jackie-O of Camelot. I so enjoyed that Era! I even like his nice pastor Reverend Riot. All you people making such negative comments are meanies and I hate you. Tata!
Posted by: Bob on Jul 14, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Chaz, read Romans chapter one and pay close attention to verses 26 and 27 (KJV). If you aren't satisfied with that, we can go back to the original Greek and translate. Just because you don't have the backbone to stand up against what is wrong, doesn't mean noone else does.
Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on Jul 14, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Chaz, It's basic Bible. Homosexuality is an abomination to God. Since Jesus is God, I think it's safe to say He's not real pleased with it. What He said about Homosexuals is they won't see the Kingdom of heaven. If you're going to try to comment on what Jesus had to say about issues, I suggest you try reading the Bible and learn more about Him. And as far as making things like abortion, drugs, etc. illegal. Sometimes it has more to do with society making a stand against evil than necessarily stopping it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 14, 2008 at 02:23 PM
We all have a right to vote and mine will be for Obama. He has to be better then Bush and McCain. Do we really want and need four more years of them running our country into the ground. Dem's need to unity together instead of fighting who should have really one.
Posted by: Fred on Jul 14, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Deborah, I couldn't agree with you more! But don't forget they know he will do the most for them and not the working people. Hey Harry way to hit the nail on the head!
Posted by: chuck Location: Mishawaka on Jul 14, 2008 at 11:49 AM
LOL at the NeoCLOWNS that ignorantly accuse Obama of marxism while they've been falling over backwards to appease heir Bush as he's invaded Poland err.. Iraq and trampled civil liberties using gestapo tactics. You've been calling Obama everything in the book to knock him off stride but he keeps going and going. Maybe the public is wise to your BS.
Posted by: BD Location: Nappanee on Jul 14, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Chaz- Read his stance on Abortion - Obama is Pro-Choice - there is no other way to look at it and tha is against the belief the Fundamental Values of Christianity. Homosexuality is sexual immoral, no if, ands, or buts about it - God created a Perfect Plan and man-kind has marginalized our morals to "Fit" our choices. Keep in mind, abortion or homosexuality is no greater sin than someone taking it on themselves to judge someone or stealing, etc - it is all sinful and when one chooses to follow Christ make no doubt about it - there are no "Grey Areas" in any area of the Christian walk.
Posted by: Dave on Jul 14, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Hey ABBY SHEEP. Get the stars out of your eyes and think for a change. Hitler was articulate too.
Posted by: Joe Location: South Bend on Jul 14, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Abby - Are you serious? By your writing, I'd say you weren't well-schooled. Maybe, that's why you think Obama is so wonderful.
Posted by: Abby Location: benton harbor,mi on Jul 14, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Barack Obama is the best candidate. He is young articulate loves mankind and will do all He can to help people and His country.God Bless Him and family.
Posted by: Les Location: Mishawaka on Jul 14, 2008 at 08:32 AM
On an other network I heard that Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain both gave their opinions on how to fix the energy problem. Sen. McCain said that private industry with federal incentive was the way to go, and Sen. Obama said that the government could fix it. Do you really thing the government can do that? Do we really want them to? "I do not like big government, I do not like it at all." Is that where your candidate stands? Or does he plan on taking a stand? O that's right he's going to get us out of the war OVER there so we can fight them here. I would like some meat and potato on my plate. Where is he getting the funds to do all the marvelous things he's going to do. Wait are these marvelous things anyways, free health care, free day care, cheaper gas, and black men that stay home to raise their kids. Where does your man stand?? I would really like to know.
Posted by: Harry Location: South Bend on Jul 14, 2008 at 08:22 AM
You had better learn a lot more about your man Obama, before you 'blindly' pull that democratic tab. Slick 'Willy' gave us NAFTA and he and Hill are socialists, not Americans. They want hard-working American taxpayers, to pick up the tab for those who can, but won't work. Not to mention the illegals that are sucking the life out of our economy. And, don't give me the baloney that they are all hard-working and self-sufficient. They go to the hospital and don't pay. They send their kids to school, that American taxpayers built and continue to finance. They hit every 'free hand out' they can and they expect us to pay for all of it, as if we 'owed' it to them. Why are these people coming to Indiana? Because, welfare pays better here. Don't you ever wonder why you see so many 'Texas' license plates on vehicles? Get a clue, people. With Obama, it's more of the same and worse.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 14, 2008 at 08:16 AM
BD, I think Obama wants to end abortion more than most politicians. I think most republicans pay scant lip service to the topic and simply use it as a ring through the nose of religious people to guide their vote. Think most of them care how many people have abortions? Doubtful. Outlawing something rarely stops the practice. Prohibition, drugs, abortion, etc. All are or were outlawed and yet people found ways around the law. You need to treat the problem, not just the symptom and for too long we've viewed abortion as the problem rather than a result of some larger issues. Regarding homosexuality, I can't recall, what was Jesus stance on it? I'm pretty sure he had a lot more to say about hypocrisy, love, compassion and the poor than he ever said about how one chooses to live their life. If you think being gay is a choice, then being striaght must be as well. Ask yourself if you could all of a sudden be gay. If not, how can you expect gays to change?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 14, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Sure, turn the other cheek and your gonna get that one slapped too! I've made up my mind this year to vote for NO ONE. I'd rather let all of you idiots pick my fate than to be a part of either Party forum. Either way this goes, its not going to be good for the USA. We aren't the super power we once was. We are a 2nd rate country at best now. We've allowed illegal immigrants to run all over this country without much or any resistance from anyone. They WILL get amnesty eventually from either Obama or McCane. That's clear. Once they become citizens, they will change the course of history in our country that none of you will like. It will all become Hispanic. How's your Spanish language lessons coming by the way?? Learn their language - it's going to become our ONLY language soon.
Posted by: American on Jul 14, 2008 at 04:50 AM
Hey John and Tom, It is no wonder he has a Lenin, Stalin type of portrait. His favorite classes in college were "Marxism" and "Anti-American Literature." I wonder how many of his sheep followers have read his book? He is a SOCIALIST, PURE and SIMPLE.
Posted by: BD Location: Nappanee on Jul 14, 2008 at 12:39 AM
To Chris: I'm not judging Obama - i'm simply stating one cannot call themself a Christian and give sexual immorality a pass as well as abortion to suit their political ambitions; that's hypocritical. It also speaks volumes of obama's understanding of what he states he is and is not. I'm not judging homosexuals either or pro-choice advocates, I believe their choice is wrong and we need to show them love and compassion as it's not our place to judge people (as some do), but as Christians we have to stand-up for our beliefs and not let everything get "marginalized". Abortion is the grossest form of ingratitude for God's blessing (Psalm 127:3-5; 128:3-5) God makes no mistakes.
Posted by: chuck Location: Mishawaka on Jul 14, 2008 at 12:07 AM
You brain-dead, gutless, ignorant baboons. Hillary and Obama shared 90 per cent of the same platform but you say you won't vote for him. So this basically means you agree 100 per cent with how the Bush crime regime has destroyed this once proud nation in a scant seven years. I can forgive the RepubliCONS for they have legitimate mental illness but you traitors would rather see bordering on senile Johnny McSame do four more years damage. Shame on you. Experience? You dare talk about experience after the last 8 years of this "experienced" administration. Question: Who had the foresight to predict the greatest military and economic blunder in our nations' history(Iraq)? Hint: It sure wasn't McSame or Hillary I'm an Obama supporter but if they suddenly reversed the decision and gave Hillary the nomination I'd be screaming bloody murder but come November I'd march right down and vote for her. But then again I'm not a traitor and I want to see justice for Bushs' Iraq lie.
Posted by: Chris Location: Elkhart on Jul 13, 2008 at 09:50 PM
Wow...unbelievable. People need to just chill out. With either candidate as president has to be better than the one we have now. One other thing, yes the Bible says that homosexuality is a sin, and I don't think abortion is right either, but if you read the Bible there are a two other major issues - grace and forgiveness. Instead of condemning those that may be sinning, show grace, kindness, and forgiveness. Judgemental, unforgiving Christians are the ones that give Christians a bad name around the world in the minds of nonbelievers. P.S. Can someone specificaly tell me where it talks about abortion in the Bible (and not the murder commandment of the Ten Commandments)? Jesus loves everyone. Period.
Posted by: Bob on Jul 13, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Working Mom of 6, my hat is off to you. That was nearly perfect -- I thoroughly enjoyed it. The only needed change is to "babies daddy." Actually, it should be "babies' daddies," for obvious reasons.
Posted by: KR Location: Elkhart on Jul 13, 2008 at 08:51 PM
I don't trust Obama at all. He will say whatever he can to get elected. I don't think he will do a darn thing in office except gloat and give smug speeches. Just what we need another election in 4 years with people complaining about how bad and inexperienced the president is!
Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on Jul 13, 2008 at 08:37 PM
John from Mishawaka, thanks for pointing out the picture. I never gave it a second look till I read your posting. You are dead on right. It looks just like the old propaganda posters of Lenin and Stalin from the early Soviet Union. Same type of pose, shading and color tones. Makes you wonder why Obamas campaign people would choose posters like this for his campaign. It's actually a little bone chilling if you think about it. What are they trying to say?
Posted by: deborah Location: south bend on Jul 13, 2008 at 08:36 PM
well fred, before i would say women only voted for her because she is a women, i would say obama surport came from color!!He has little to no experence....??????
Posted by: Jen Location: South Bend on Jul 13, 2008 at 06:53 PM
No, John, you're not the only person who noticed the Stalin-like poster.
Posted by: anon. Location: the real world on Jul 13, 2008 at 06:26 PM
you traitorous censors and your counterparts at WSBT are pathetic losers. Have you been promised your niche in the 4th Reich (obama or mc cain adms.} for helping to cover up the truth?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 13, 2008 at 04:50 PM
It's going to be an Obama-Nation!
Posted by: John Location: Mishawaka on Jul 13, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Look at the poster of Obama in the picture from this story. It reminds me of the communist propaganda pictures that were plastered all over the Soviet Union during the Cold War. I surely can’t be the only person who noticed the similarity. I hope its not foreshadowing of things to come if this guy gets elected.
Posted by: hillary supporter on Jul 13, 2008 at 02:35 PM
hillary should be who is running! she had experience and obama lacks this! hate to say it but my vote will be for mccain this nov. he's the more respected man in the race and the more experienced.
Posted by: BD Location: Nappanee on Jul 13, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Liberal Agenda = Socialism. Note: Obama says he a "Christian", but he's pro-choice and for gay rights - anyone want to argue with me that he's NOT a hyprocrite?!? Please - i dare one of his supporters to try and rationalize his stance on these issues - i'm not even getting into his politics, this just proves he is weak and no DOES NOT stand-up for his so-called "Christian Faith" as there are no gray areas in the bible about these issues.
Posted by: Working Mom of 6 on Jul 13, 2008 at 01:09 PM
I wonder if I can sign up for govt programs at Obama'office, you know, medicaid, Social Security programs, Section 8, TANF, food stamps, welfare, WIC and free gas, electric, and Can I pick up my free cheese here to? Can I also get free lunch applications for my kids, free textbooks, free birth control, free healthcare, and a free ride to do all this stuff? I would ask my babies daddy to help but he's incarcerated, and I only make minimum wage at KFC. It cost a lot of money raising 6 babies. Obama will save the USA.
Posted by: Mike Location: Osceola on Jul 13, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Lets all pray this Marxist doesn't get elected as president or it will make the Carter years look good...read his books people and you'll understand his hate for America and especially white people.
Posted by: Fred on Jul 13, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Jennifer the basic reason most women supported Clinton was because she is female. So yes they are dumb for that. For them to support Obama