Barack Obama to visit Elkhart on Wednesday Save Email Print
Posted: 10:03 AM Aug 2, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:51 AM Aug 4, 2008
 Reporter: Ryan Famuliner
Email Address: ryan.famuliner@WNDU.com
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It will be Barack Obama's second visit to Elkhart, and it comes just weeks after his last visit to Indiana.

NewsCenter 16's political analyst Bob Schmuhl says that if Obama really thinks he can pull off a victory in Indiana, the visit is a good move.

But it is no small task, considering that a Democrat has not taken Indiana since 1964.

But it seems like Obama's camp thinks it can be done.

"I've worked a lot of campaigns over the years and I've never seen anything like this. There's just a groundswell of excitement for this candidate," said Andy Jones, an Obama supporter who attended a "Cookout for Change" event at an Elkhart home Sunday afternoon.

News of the visit has supporters encouraged that Obama wants to win Indiana.

"I think it's going to be a mistake for the McCain camp to discount Indiana as being in the victory column for them. I hope that they do stay away, because we're going to carry Indiana for Senator Obama," Jones said.

Schmuhl agrees that the campaign is making a move.

"I think they're making a push -- they need to find states that they can pick up, and I think Indiana is on their radar screen," said Schmuhl. "It puts the pressure on the opponent to take the state seriously, to visit the state and make his case, to invest some money in advertising throughout the state."

Schmuhl pointed out that at this point, McCain doesn't have any election offices in Indiana, while Obama has them in multiple cities.

Obama's interest in Indiana has lead to some speculation concerning one way he could pick up many Hoosier votes -- Indiana Senator Evan Bayh is reportedly on the short list of vice-presidential candidates.

"He has a good deal to offer the ticket. Let's face it, he won decisively in Indiana, and it looks as though each time he runs his margin improves," Schmuhl explained.

Meanwhile, Obama's campaign is trying to build on the votes they already have by continuing to nurture the grassroots.

"Identifying voters, getting them registered, getting them involved. We saw that throughout the primary season, and I think the only question that one has to ask is, 'will they sustain that momentum?'" Schmuhl said.

Some analysts have wondered if Obama's activity in Indiana is meant to distract John McCain's campaign, and make the Republican use up resources here.

Schmuhl points out that a lot of time and money are being spent here, and calls it a good indication that Obama is serious about Indiana.

The Democratic presidential candidate will hold a town hall meeting at Concord High School's McCuen Gym. The campaign has not yet released exactly when Obama will arrive, but says the doors will open at 7:15 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public, but you must have a ticket to get inside and see the Illinois senator. You can pick up tickets at Senator Obama's campaign office at 116 S. Main St. in Elkhart. His office will distribute tickets from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Senator Obama made multiple trips to Michiana during his hotly contested Democratic primary with Senator Hillary Clinton. He made stops in South Bend, North Liberty, Elkhart and LaPorte County in April and early May.

Republican rival John McCain has yet to make a presidential campaign stop in Michiana.

We will continue to update you on Barack Obama's visit and on the entire Decision 2008 process on NewsCenter 16 on the air and here on WNDU.com.
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Posted by: Mindy on Aug 11, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Chris, trying to explain anything to you is like trying to nail a fart to a post. Of course you wouldn't feel differently. You have to have a heart to do that. By the way, the laws of this country was based on the laws of the Bible. May I ask if you took spelling or English in school? Never mind, I won't be back on here to read your reply. I have better things to do than argue with you. Good-bye.
Posted by: Chris Location: Indiana on Aug 11, 2008 at 12:47 PM
For one the goverment doesnt shut down those companies u missed my whole point the goverment doesnt control the economy it is a FREE market economy and i never said the elderly couldnt have medicare or medicade no once did i say they couldnt and guess what they have those programs dont they if u work and save and contribute to society you will have money when your older if you dont save then thats your fault and dont bring religion into this it has nothing to do with it so leave that out. and no i wouldnt think differently after seeing cancer patients why would i? Doctors charge alot of money yes way to much but what does that have to do with the goverment if we want the doctors to charge less its going to take a citizen uprising not goverment intervention
Posted by: Mindy on Aug 9, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Spend a couple of days in Riley's Hospital in Indianapolis, especially the cancer unit. Talk to the children and look at their faces. Talk to the parents about their finances. Then come back and talk to me about compassion. I think all of you would think differently if you did this.
Posted by: Rusty on Aug 9, 2008 at 05:33 AM
I am very compassionate, that's why I feel people should learn the hard lessons. I have been very near homeless and learned a lesson. By learning the right way, we are able to understand that it is no one's responsability to pick us up when we're down, but OUR OWN. Then we plan ahead and make better stewards of our resources when we have them for next time there is a down time. That's the difference. Not lack of compassion. It's insensitive to watch people you care about become dependant on government instead of themselves. When I reach retirement, if I am stuck on SS (classified as a welfare program) then that means I did not do a good enough job of planning for my own future and deserve to be poor. we reap what we sow. Keep reading the Scripture and you will see that God intended us to care for ourselves so that we, as a church, not government could care for the sick and poor who could not care for themselves.
Posted by: Mindy on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:28 PM
How sad so many of you think you have all the answers. What about the less fortunate like the crippled people, the elderly, the sick, the people that just lost their jobs due to companies shutting down, etc? They are not stupid nor lazy. Some have paid taxes their whole lives and now they need help. But in your worlds you would just let them do without. Someday you may come upon hard times and then what? Will you ask for help? I bet I know the answer to that. Remember-"A rich man will enter the kingdom on heaven like a camel through the eye of a needle." By the way, I'm a senior citizen, I have a job, and I do not get assistance. I just have a heart.
Posted by: Rusty on Aug 8, 2008 at 02:49 PM
One thing you forgot willie, luckily there are enough people like us that are still willing to work for what we have, AND for what they get, handed out.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Aug 8, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Some good stuff Mike, Chris, and Rusty. But you're forgetting the democrat mentality: they WANT someone to take care of them and they see government as that entity. Luckily there are enough people like us that are still willing to work for what we have.
Posted by: rusty on Aug 7, 2008 at 06:00 PM
The previous posting seemed a little incomplete, so here is the rest... When government is the answer, problems compound. Let the market dictate price, supply, demand etc. When true Free markets work, corrections will be made naturally. The mortgage "crisis" is prime example..The shady lenders making bad loans to people who cannot really afford the home and they default, it should not be "rescued" by govt. ie my earnings siezed in taxes. The people who CHOSE to buy homes that they couldn't afford with the slightest bump in the economy should lose their home if they do not pay. The lender should go belly up for lending money poorly. When the correction happens, there will be responsible borrowers and lenders left and people will buy what they can actually afford. Capitalism is GREAT when government quits meddling. This recent bailout will only delay the inevitable. Let capitalism rule, stop using the money I earn to pay for others' irresponsibility. God bless America I have 1 vote.
Posted by: Rusty on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Wow, here's a great example (local) of an economy run by the benevolent democrats. SOUTH BEND. Run and controlled by dems for what 60 yrs? My, how it has become a utopia. Everyone else in the country is trying to figure out how to get here. If you like the way South Bend has been run by dems for years, then continue voting that way for the whole country. BTW does anyone besides me remember Nazi Pelosi and the big dem majority congress promising lower gas prices in 04? Hmm they've doubled. thanks nance. The 2 biggest problems (economically) in America today are Energy costs and Healthcare, both of which are VASTLY regulated and controlled(taxed) by government oversight and regulatory agencies. Gee Mr. Obvious, I never made the connection...
Posted by: chris Location: indiana on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:52 PM
When are people going to realize that people control the economy not the president. If your poor its because ur stupid. GET A JOB if u cant get a job get an education and dont say u cant do it. everyone starts off poor its the ones that dont say why me all the time that make it. you cant expect the goverment to help u out just because ur down help yourslef
Posted by: Mike Location: Elkhart on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:39 PM
I keep reading about how bad it is for the "Poor" when a republican gets elected. Instead of complaining how tough you have it, get an education and get a job. The people I see that suffer the most is the people who can walk 5 miles to the welfare office to collect a check and food stamps but they are not capable of working a 40 hour a week job. I am tired of hearing how bad you have it. If you truly have an issue where you can not work and need assistance, this does not pertain to you. This is for the majority of people complaining and yet they are too lazy to get out and earn a living like the rest of us. I can't wait until someone passes a law requiring you to fail a physical and to pass a drug test before you get any of the tax dollars that I went out and earned. I have problems just like everyone else and I have kids that I send to daycare, but that does not stop me from earning a living for my family. Don't blame the Republicans, they want you to work and earn a living.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Charles Barkley said it best: "Poor people have been voting for democrats for the last 50 years, and they're still poor."
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Fair enough: According to Congressional Quarterly (CQ) McCain voted with Bush 1005 of teh time in 2008, 95% in 2007 for an average of 88% in the past 7 years. The average for republican senators in 80% so he's above the average partisan. He's actually more of a Bush rubber stamp than most republican senators. http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:SK3EsXX1tcQJ:www.progressivemediausa.org/2008/05/27/john-mcsame/ mccain voting record bush&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=12&gl=us
Posted by: Shelby on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Chaz - pictures hugging = just like Bush....that’s the first thing you have said that is irresponsible. Must have posted this when you were tired. I'd like a site for that 'voting with Bush over 95% of the time" reference. Mindy - that fact that he is half black is irrelevant. He is also half white raised by Caucasians. Who cares? He's an empty suit and I am concerned about who has their paws on his puppet strings. Probably Pelosi.
Posted by: Mindy on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:45 PM
No where in my post did I ever call anyone an idiot. Learn to read before you respond please. I know for a fact that every time a republican was voted in president, all the poor people in this country has suffered even more financially. When we have a democrat for president, we are all better off financially. History proves it, and I've lived a long time kids. Long enough to see a lot of it with my own eyes. Has anyone ever wondered why Bush has been voted as the United States most hated president in history? Well, McCain plans on taking up where Bush is leaving off. Are you happy with the way things are now? If you are, then you are one of the very lucky ones, because many of us are suffering under the republicans. Many of you are just scared because the man is black. Get over it! He's a good man. And by the way, I do enjoy my freedom of speech and I always will. Thank you for asking.
Posted by: Concerned Voter on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Obama just says what you want to hear and McCain is another Bush. So who is the best? Neither one they will not do a darn thing to help the middle class. This country will really be in the toliet next year!
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:46 PM
So McCain voting with Bush over 95% of the time makes him a maverick and centrist as does the Bush bashing that never really happened. (See many of the pictures of them hugging) And of course he could be lieing about his positions too right?
Posted by: Joe on Aug 6, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Obama has a good ideas just through money at all the problems and it will all go away. Good idea but its my money! Take some of his money that he has wasted on his campain and put it in the pot! Now lets talk !!
Posted by: Shelby on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Chaz - Obama's website is merely propaganda and is skewed. Politicians will do ANYTHING to get elected. Even lie (gasp). Furious: McCain is not Bush. He has been a vocal critic of Bush since losing the republican nomination to him.
Posted by: mike Location: elkhart on Aug 6, 2008 at 03:26 PM
To Furious: What type of drugs are you on? Or are you just drunk? People like you are such idiots. Here's the way it is: Regardless of whether you're a republican or a democrat, what really matters is your view on how the country should be run. And even at that, unless you have a congress that is on your side, nothing will ever get done because they will vote against you if you're a rep and they're a dem, or vice versa. It's just the way it is. Stupid huh? But as long as he prez has ideas that are for he good of the country, at least we're heading in the right direction. Obama is all about change. Who could not agree with the FACT that we need change? McCain is all about continuing what is going on now, which is nothing good for the US citizens. I'm Not a democrat or a republican, but I think at least Obama is wanting to try something different. Bush has sure not done us any favors and McCain will follow suit. I think whoever gets in needs to think about this country only, no one else.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Aug 6, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Actually if you look at Obama's website Anonymous he wanst to increase the size of the army by 65,000 troops and the size of the Marine Corps by 27,000. Also, the last 7 years have seen more stifling of free speech and a shredding of contstitutional rights than any other time in our history. "Free speech" zones that are the only place you can protest, suspension of habeas corpus, subversion of the 4th ammendment, etc. I could go on but I hope you get the idea. The idea that the democrats want to take away your rights is ludicrous. Even mroe so when you see that the republicans have been doing that for the past 7 years.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Mindy - you have a right to free speech. Doesn't it feel good to be able to call people idiots? With Obama you won't be able to do that anymore. Your beloved Democrats are trying to silence what they call hate talk or anything religious. You keep voting Democrat and find out where your free speech ends up! I'll take freedom of speech, the right to bare arms against the government if necessary, the right to choose my own health care provider, and the right to have as many children as I want, and the right to grow old without feeling like an unnecessary weight on society. And by the way; Obama wants to downsize the military because he knows that they are a threat to his running this country the way he and his liberal friends are dreaming of. To Shelby - He wants to fund a campaign against HIV in Africa. That must be a joke! Obama could care less about people dying!
Posted by: Hoch Location: Elkhart on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:02 PM
One thing for sure, if Obama does not get elected he could always become a Town Council member for Roseland. He would fit in.
Posted by: Shelby on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Mindy - Have you not been reading? Obama wants to nationalize the police and fund it higher than our current military. He states he will send more troops (10,000 ) to the middle east and he wants to fund a world campaign against the HIV epidemic in Africa. Where do you think this money is going to come from? YOU! Get informed.
Posted by: Les on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Well Chaz you do understand. This country was founded by people that wanted to take care of their selves. That IS what makes the US different in this world. They did not want the government to take care of them and I do not ether. If you want the government to take care of you then the democrats are definitely your party. Here are a couple of countries that the government take care of you, Cuba, Russia, and China; the list goes on. There is one thing you may not be aware of; you can NOT help anyone that is not willing to help themselves. Which brings me back to the democratic (Sen. Obama) seems to think that we can help the helpless. YOU CAN'T! No matter how deep they go in my pocket it will never work. And to MANDY HOW many people do YOU know that make over 70.000? So how many people does that leave to pay for all these programs he wants to start? I will be honest there is not one person in my family or friends that makes half that much. Wake up and hear the tax man coming
Posted by: Bb on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:46 AM
O.K. people, if you really want to know who has done what, look it up online. There is a wealth of information about the candidates and what each party stands for. It might help some of you with these far out ideas and opinions.
Posted by: Myrt on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:49 AM
To Voter: Amen!!!!! Oops, I probably shouldn't write that because somebody will be offended and the ACLU will step in. Vote for the person that YOU feel is representing you and your needs. I could NEVER understand how a person could vote a straight party line unless ALL the candidates in that party have the same views as you do - the chances of that happening are slim. Vote your for your beliefs, not what a certain party believes!!!!
Posted by: Leo Location: Granger on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Free Health Care ... are you kidding, did Obama actually say that! You must realize that nothing is free. Is the government going to print more money for EVERYONE to have free health care? Nothing can be free with out taxes being raised considerably. The welfare program is already out of control.... the working people are getting tired of paying for everyone's health care plus their own. We need to help those in need, but after years and years of getting free health care while I pay for my families has got to stop. So called "free healthcare" will be payed by a few in higher taxes. Lots of good ideas, but more and more government programs are not the answer.
Posted by: voter Location: USA on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:14 AM
I will vote for Qbama because he's black, no wait I'm a Replican, but to be corrct we need to elect a blck man. People stop being so stupid. Vote for whats right for America, not just a party or color. Get your heads out of your you know what and think for once. Really think about what your doing. Don't just vote for someone because that is your normal party, HELP America.
Posted by: Furious Location: Concord Township on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Reader: You hit it right on the head of the nail. The Democrats do plan to take our guns, tax us out of our houses and make us see Government Doctors so they can decide whether we deserve the treatment or not. Look at how well liberalism has gotten countries that follow these policies. Why can't you learn from other countries mistakes? Try being over the age of 80 in Canada and get any health care. Obama is not welcomed in Indiana and most certainly not in my hometown and definitely not in my township. I am a white girl clinging to God and my guns. I am also glad I was punished with a baby. Make that three babies! Obama is a sick, sick man! Don't let them fool you. If the Democrats could kill off all the babies and old people they would. If they could make us all slaves like in China they would.
Posted by: Mindy Location: Marshall County on Aug 5, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Go ahead and bash Obama if you want to, but yesterday on The View, he said he would lower taxes for anyone who makes under $70,000. Today on The View McCain said he would lower the rich people's taxes and enlarge our armed forces. Who's going to pay for the the enlargement of our Armed Forces if he's lowering the rich person's taxes??? US POOR PEOPLE, THAT'S WHO! Obama said he would make sure that everyone has health care in this country. McCain is just like Bush, he could care less. I for one cannot afford to vote for McCain. We need someone in the White House that cares about the poor, the sick, and who isn't in there to make the rich even richer. I VOTE FOR OBAMA!!!
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Aug 5, 2008 at 04:03 PM
On the subject of "taxing the rich", and why anything but a straight percentage isn't fair: Jane makes 250k per year and Joe makes 25k, and they both pay 10% tax (dream on, I know). That means Jane pays $25,000 in taxes per year and Joe pays $2500. Is Jane getting more government services even though she pays ten times as much? No, in fact, it is more likely that Joe is getting government help. And (back to reality), if Joe has any kids he's probably not paying any taxes at all. So is it fair to try and tax Jane even more, as some want to do? FLAT TAX is the only equitable solution. I'd like to hear some opinions on this (yes, Chaz; you too).
Posted by: joseph Location: maryland on Aug 5, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Why hasn't more tv stations, other than fox news, commented on the book "Obama Nation by Dr. Joseph Corsi. Are they trying to keep this quiet?
Posted by: Mike Location: Elkhart on Aug 5, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Well Chaz, I guess there is more than one thing that we agree on!
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Mike, we just have fundamental disagreements on this stuff. I will clarify something though and this may change your view of me slightly. I wish churches and people would support many of the programs that government currently provides. I view them as social concerns that the church should address and has failed to do so. I think people that are down on their luck and need help should be able to get some support from the church and their fellow man as Christ calls us to do. Kind of like the Amish. Unfortunately, we don't do that. It's every man for himself. Until we can correct that, I'm fine with the government providing the help. Except for healthcare. I view that as a right and it's just plain a good investment versus reactionary emergency care which cost so much more. As for the dems, they've been holding hearing on stupid stuff so it looks like they're doing something because the republicans are being so obstructionist. As for my spelling, frankly I just don't care that much.
Posted by: Mike Location: Elkhart on Aug 5, 2008 at 07:20 AM
But Chaz, when the rich invest their money, isn't that going back to companies to invest in jobs? And if you are going to invest, you're going to do it to make money. You're not going to invest in something or a company that doesn't give you a good return on your money. So when they sell their stock, it's worth more than when you bought it. The one thing that you and I do seem to agree with is small business. They do employ most of the people in this country. They also do need protection if this country is to prosper. Since the Dem's have been in power, we've had all kinds of hearings about why we have steroid use in baseball. Is that something government should be involved in? I'll also remind you that Nancy Pelosi chose to go on summer break without voting for drilling off shore. Barack also flipped yesterday and said it was a good idea. Now what he does if he's elected is a different thing. You know Chaz, the price of oil is down just because we've been talking about it.
Posted by: Mike Location: Elkhart on Aug 5, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Reader,I never said you lived in Michigan, maybe you assumed I did. But when you started calling all kinds of names like that, I did assume that you were out in left field somewhere! Chaz and I don't always agree with each other, but I do respect the fact that he uses his own name. At least I know who I'm talking to. Instead of calling names why don't you tell me what Barack is going to do for this country? I haven't really heard yet. I have some pretty good ideas of what he's going to do , but that's my opinion. So from now on, why don't man up and use your own name? Oh wait, maybe I was wrong to assume that you're a man......
Posted by: Les on Aug 5, 2008 at 06:55 AM<