Obama addresses oil addiction Save Email Print
1400 turn out for Elkhart County speech
Posted: 5:57 PM Aug 6, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:44 AM Aug 7, 2008
 Reporter: Mark Peterson
Email Address: mpeterson@wndu.com
52 comments
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The presumptive democratic presidential nominee had a warm welcome as he took the stage this morning in Elkhart County.

Barack Obama spoke to a packed house of about 14-hundred supporters, touching on his plan to break America’s addiction to foreign oil.

Obama promised a $1,000 energy rebate to middle class families, as he promised to invest some $150-billion over 10-years in alternative energy.

Today’s campaign stop would have been fairly routine had it not taken place in the State of Indiana, which has been a political no man’s land for some six decades.

“We haven't had a fall campaign for president that's really been contested in our state for sixty years,” said U.S. Senator Evan Bayh as he introduced Obama. “Since Harry Truman’s famous train went back and forth across Indiana several times.”

When asked by a seven year old girl why he started running for president, Obama quipped, “I got hit in the head with a rock.”

Obama said he has been campaigning for nearly two years now, and that babies who were born when his race began are now walking and talking.

Obama focused his words on what he called America’s addiction to foreign oil. Senator Obama has a ten year plan designed to break it.

“We’re going to double the amount of energy that comes from renewable sources by the end of my first term and that means investing in solar and wind and biodiesel,” the candidate said.

“I need your help Elkhart, I need your help Indiana, let’s go grab that better future for America, you and us together.”
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Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Jenny, you didn't answer the question. While referring to Obama, you said "The senator has more experience in federal government than many previous presidents including W". Do you admit that was a fabrication?
Posted by: Jennie Location: Elkhart on Aug 10, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Perhaps you were unaware that this was a united coalition working through NATO which strengthened ties with Europe. W has only alienated our allies through this current war. Kosovo was supported by a bipartisan vote with regards to this conflict. And yes I am a Democrat who shook Bobby Kennedy's hand days before his assination, campaigned for McGovern, Carter, and anyone else who had the poor and the elderly's best interest at heart.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Jennie, so do you admit you were wrong, and you just made things up? You're a Democrat, aren't you?
Posted by: Jennie Location: Elkhart on Aug 8, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Anonymous, Still he has had more than W (that would be the current occupant of the White House to you). I would much rather spend money out of my pocket in taxes that will lead to sustainable energy than drill another stinking well in a pristine area of the world. Are you up for having them in your back yard????
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Jenny, you said "The senator has more experience in federal government than many previous presidents including W". Who are you talking about? Obama has been a US Senator for four years. That is his entire experience in the Federal Government. The rest was Illinois state. You said "Clinton did not enter a war"? Really? What was Kosovo? You want to get rid of career politicians? Let's start with Patrick Bauer.
Posted by: Eileen on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:36 PM
I had a cod liver oil addiction when I was young. It tastes nasty when you first taste it, but my mom made me take it every night and eventually I liked it, kind of like tequilla. Mom made me stop when I started making Margaritas.
Posted by: Tweety Location: South Bend on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Um - f16poor - ya know Obama's pledge to invest $150 billion in alternative energy? The first part of that pledge is coming out of your pocket. Hold on to you hat.
Posted by: Jennie Location: Elkhart on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:09 PM
B I am the grandmother of the 7yr old who spoke. If you understood an intelligent speaker you might have discerned what the rest of us did when he said "I got hit in the head by IRAQ." Perhaps you as well as the rest of these crazy anti-Obama's have dumbed down to the "current occupents" lack of mastery of the English language. I am sick of those in this country who have forgotten what it is to dream and spend their time grousing about their low interest CD's and not about how the poor are going to feed their families. The senator has more experience in federal government than many previous presidents including W. I especially liked his point about Senator McCain being part of the problem of the last 26 years, obviously he hasn't fixed things yet. We MUST promote research into alternative fuel sources as well as promote energy conservation. Oil is not renewable. Check out Chevy's Volt due out in 2010. It gets 150mpg. By the way Clinton did not enter a war and balanced the budget!
Posted by: f16poor Location: Florida on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:35 PM
I like what I read in www.JuanCole.com The only prospect for US energy independence is cheap and effective power generation from wind and solar energy, which needs new, cheaper and better methods of battery or other storage to be practical. Obama’s pledge to invest $150 billion in alternative energy is A PROMISING FIRST STEP.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 06:03 PM
KEN- you got my vote!
Posted by: Just wondering.. on Aug 7, 2008 at 05:37 PM
When's Mccain visiting?!
Posted by: Harry Location: South Bend on Aug 7, 2008 at 04:26 PM
To Dave from Bourbon: Well said!!!!!
Posted by: Ken Location: Milford on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:28 PM
If you vote for me I'll buy you a beer an take you fishing!
Posted by: Dave Location: Bourbon on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Dustin - You need to do more than parrot Dem talking points. Point 1: Bush lowered everyone's taxes, not just for the rich. Point 2: Bill Clinton promised a middle class tax cut, too before he was elected. How did that work out for us? Also, Obama's rationale for raising the Capital Gains Tax rate is laughable. He is not worried about raising revenue with it, he just thinks it is more "fair". Again, laughable. Point 3: His plan to take oil company profits and give them to us is almost immoral, at the very least it is socialist. Did you know that Exxon has a lower profit margin than the computer industry, electronics, pharmaceuticals, etc.? Did you know that they paid almost $65 billion in taxes over the past 4 years? This plan is insane, and would lead to higher prices down the road. Folks, we cannot afford to be bobbleheads, nodding in affirmation for everything this guy says. The word for today is "discernment." Listen and investigate.
Posted by: B Location: Mishawaka on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Mary-I too don't get the reference to children being born since he began campaigning. What does that have to do with his addressing of oil addiction? And what a stupid answer to that 7 year old saying "I got hit in the head with a rock." I am not an Obama fan & think he's an idiot with no experience. Can we all say anti-christ?
Posted by: Tweety Location: South Bend on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Obama, slowbama, couldn't find his ... with both hands. How is he going to run this country? Check out his website with his plane on it. Took off the American flag and put his own flag on it. Yeah, he's the guy I want to be president.
Posted by: mary Location: sb on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:42 AM
where can we find Michelle's thesis. would love to read it.
Posted by: Mary Location: South Bend on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Why is there a reference to children being born while Obama was campaigning and now they are walking and talking? I don't understand what this means or what implications it has. Anyone????
Posted by: Adam Location: Elkhart on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Obama sucks
Posted by: Anon Location: South Bend on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Obama has no clue! Read some inserts from his book...he is all for the muslims. Also read thru his wife's thesis....will tell you alot about how she feels about WHITE americans.
Posted by: Alan Location: Elkhart on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:54 AM
$1,000.00 ain't squat. In grade school I was told by now we would have flying cars. I want my flying car. Listening Detroit? If you believe the flying car deal you'll believe anything this idiot has to say. He is a socialist.
Posted by: Lorraine Location: Goshen on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Big deal, what is this going to do for the long term? We use oil for many more things than gas. We will forever need to use some oil. People are so blind to Obama's lack of a good plan to help the U.S. I am still waiting to see his whole plan to fix the issues. I am really starting to see how full he is of empty promises and it will only get worse. Most of us will need to use the $1000 to pay bills anyway. That money more like a slap in the face at this point. Come on people; think about the big picture! He cannot make a decision and stick with it long enopugh to make me think he will follow through on anything at this point.
Posted by: Dustin Location: Mishawaka on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Obviously Kevin is not a fan, but anyone else who is curious about Obama should look at his OFFICIAL website, not some of the crackpot junk elsewhere on the internet. Avoid any site or e-mail that claims to know the "truth" or the "real story", or "what the mainstream/liberal media doesn't want you to know" about Barack Obama. These are often the same wingnuts who claimed that Obama is a Muslim. There are many people who are ignorant and want to infect others with their ignorant ideas. Avoid them.
Posted by: Dan Location: Boulder, CO on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Not Enough, soon enough. Doubling nearly nothing still is nearly nothing. This issue is clearly not a priority with Sen Obama. If there were clearer goals (like 40% of our energy in 4 years) on a nearer-term plan this would indicate real commitment.
Posted by: Lisa Location: Shipshewana on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:56 AM
I agree on the oil addiction. Opening up more drilling will cost us money for exploratory drilling and how long will it take to get back to the consumer? It is however a nice thing to hold over the heads of the speculators(those who should be blamed for the gas prices). Supporting alternative, replenishable sources of energy seems to me to be a more responsible way to go forward. Sounds to me like he has it right on that part. I do believe that rather than going after the oil companies, the speculators need to be investigated and perhaps have their hands tied a bit tighter when digging in the money pots of futures trading. On that issue he needs to rethink.
Posted by: Hey Joe Location: in Elkhart on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Just because we're poor doesn't mean we don't work!!! Don't you get it? That's the problem!
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Actually Joe, under Obama's plan we'll get more of a tax break than under McCain. Does that matter? If not, why not?
Posted by: Kevin Location: Elkhart on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:44 AM
We are witnessing a political phenomenon with Barack Obama of rare magnitude. His speeches have inspired millions and yet most of his followers have no idea of what he stands for except platitudes of 'Change' or that he says he will be a 'Uniter'. The power of speech from a charismatic person truly can be a powerful thing. Certainly Billy Graham had charisma and both his manner of speech and particularly the content changed millions. On the extreme other hand, the charisma of Adolph Hitler inspired millions and the results were catastrophic. Barack Obama certainly is no Hitler or a Billy Graham, but for many Americans out there feeling just like a surfer who might be ecstatic and euphoric while riding a tidal wave, the real story is what happens when it hits shore . Just Some of What Defines Barack Obama: He voted against banning partial birth abortion. He voted no on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. Supports affirmative action in Colle
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Obama supports reparations for slavery. Not just I'm sorry but we'll show you the money which equals higher taxes. Google Obama reparations and read for yourself.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I was going to vote for Obama until he said that his administration would build cars that get 130 mpg. Then I knew he was just making campaign promises to get elected. What I do not understand, if he is going to lie, why not lie and say "my administration will build all electric cars that will cost half of what current new cars cost, and will go 500 miles per charge." I mean if you are going to lie to the people....then tell a real whopper.
Posted by: Dustin Location: Mishawaka on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Joe, President Bush has given away free $$$...twice. Remember the $300 check when he came into office and the latest $600 check? Those did not work, and he still cut taxes for the richest in America. Obama spoke a number of times yesterday about tax cuts for the middle class in America, including a new stimulus package to help ease the impact of high gas prices. That is a short term fix and would help with the high mpg cars now on the road. We can also use the idea that John McCain now agrees with, check your tire pressure. It's funny, so many who comment here claim that people want the government to do everything for them. The real short term solution to easing pain at the pump is up to you. If you have a high mpg car or suv, trade it for a more efficient model. If you cannot do that, get a tune up and drive more slowly.
Posted by: Nicole Location: Elkhart on Aug 7, 2008 at 06:55 AM
His 10 year plan has many flaws, such as the countries he named for oil addiction - we only get about 20% of our oil from them. Yet, we do get more oil from Canada, Nigeria and Mexico. You have to also look at though he may have 5 million new jobs available - what will happen to the people who work for the oil and coal industries when their businesses begin to see a slow down. They will then lose there jobs. The US actually tried this is the 1980's and it didn't work - it actually raised prices up since oil companies began to produce less and less oil. Do your research please Obama.
Posted by: Steve Location: Mishawaka on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:40 AM
Obama...What a schmuck...
Posted by: Joe Location: Elkhart on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:44 PM
all those people crowding there love him because they are promised by him and are going to get his free $$$. How bout the folks actually WORKING who he'll tax and take away their income?? I had to work today SO I CAN PAY TAXES THAT HE"LL GIVE AWAY TO EVERYONE THERE NOT WORKING!
Posted by: joseph Location: south bend on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Yeah! Great idea!! Hurt the people who create the jobs for us all. That's exactly what we need to do! Then they figure out how to make cuts and save money and we all know the most expensive bill on your company is payroll. So where do you think they would make cuts? Good answer!
Posted by: Scared Location: South Bend on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Sadly, I believe he'll win. He gives me the creeps with how he works an audience.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mish on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:31 PM
10 Years??? More CREDIT no no no.
Posted by: a True American Location: Indiana on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:28 PM
He has a 10 year plan. He is a first term Senator who has done nothing where in congress. Now everyone thinks he is the savor of the free world. Get real! He is a muslim and preaches socialism. Wake up America!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:22 PM
So, when you start overtaxing successful companies, how long until they start reducing production? Then they start the layoffs, which increases the tax burden on the ones still working. Ummmm, who is your financial advisor, Steve Luecke?
Posted by: Jack Location: Michiana on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Obama rallied and tried to kill Indiana jobs at the BP Whiting Indian plant. A 3 Billion Dollar investment. I hope he can raise enough tax money to pay everyone to be on unemployment. Obama is Simplistic and stupid! Congress, US House and Senate is controled by democrats. Congress just adjourned without passing an energy policy, another promise made by these people fighting to bring down fuel prices for us. What a joke. Congress hasn't kept one promise they ran on 2 years ago and the democrats know it. Change? No way. The only change from 2 years ago is 2.00 more for a gallon of gas. Dems say Obama has the policy. All of you turkeys going to run out and buy 3 new cars for his policy?
Posted by: B-O change that smells funny on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Hmmm, so he flew in his own jet, wonder if he had them over inflate the tires?
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:07 PM
If Obama wins, within four years, we will still be dependent on oil, we will not all be driving hybred cars, and this country would have been attacked somewhere in the world, because the bad guys know he would not do anything about them. He would sit in his office like Carter did, on his hands and do nothing. This whole terrist mess started with Carter and the Iranian hostage crisis. He did nothing. They only released them, because there was going to be a changing of the guard in the white house, and that President, would stand up to them.
Posted by: anon Location: everywhere on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Joe, BD, Bill - I am an undecided voter, but you 3 sound like idiots. You are bashing somebody for trying to lower our nation's dependence on foreign oil, while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs for Americans. We are sending $700 billion/year to our enemies for their oil and you say that we need to do nothing. Are you guys insane or just retarded?
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Anyone who thinks McCain would be a better president is probably too stupid to vote.
Posted by: Jon Location: South Bend on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:15 PM
McCain sucks and he is old! Obama will win and mcain knows it! Mccain is all about war and money in his own pocket, just like that retarted president we got now!
Posted by: Kipp Location: Elkhart on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Alternative fuels are fine, but what's going to power the millions of vehicles that are on the road NOW!?? Drill HERE, NOW, WHILE starting alternative fuel plans. Anything else is just idiotic. Just another example of how clueless our elected officials are.
Posted by: Lew Location: La Porte on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:00 PM
And what does Barack Hussein Obama II drive? And how does he get around the country? Oil. I'd say he is more dependent than most people. Good grief, what a loser.
Posted by: J Location: IN on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:51 PM
You want to hear about the real Obama go here http://www.atlah.org/broadcast/ndnr07-28-08.html
Posted by: Blutnick on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:19 PM
What a great idea; it's a little like your landlords cousin steals your car but then the landlord gives you back a hubcap. Probably need to raise the rent though to pay for all these free hubcaps. Methadone for us Petroin addicts, doesn't really solve the problem but makes you feel tolerant for a short time.
Posted by: Joe Location: Elkhart on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Somebody should hit him with a lot more rocks for those dumb ideas!
Posted by: BD Location: Nappanee on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:26 PM
So let me get this straight, we're going to TAX "substantial profits" of successful companies to hand out to people? What a great plan - makes me want to start a business today! If any of his suppporters do not understand the concept of socialism - this plan is a great example of it! obama = SOCIALISM!
Posted by: Captain Planet on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:19 PM
If Obama doesn't win I am out of this country. Republicans are D-Bags. No doubt.
Posted by: BILL Location: Elkhart on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Sorry O' you got no chance in this state! It will go an easy 60% for McCain, and come on in 10 years you think you can do all that? Dreams with no backing dude. If you want to come up with some real ideas that would address the current issues I think you should tell us. To me O' is just saying things that people whom are ill-informed actually believe could happen! Wake up folks, good citizens of this great nation we need better than the O' man!
Five Day