Local reaction to McCain's VP, Democratic National Convention

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Posted: 6:50 PM Aug 29, 2008
Last Updated: 6:50 PM Aug 29, 2008
Reporter: Alana Greenfogel
Email Address: Alana.Greenfogel@WNDU.com

52 comments

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No matter if you bleed red or blue, it’s been an eventful 24-hours for both republicans and democrats.

Republicans now know who they want to fly in Air Force Two. And democrats are still on a high from the convention—with Obama’s speech the cherry on top.

She’s being compared to a “Hail Mary" pass you may see at the end of a football game—risky but with the potential to score big.

"She's exactly who I need. She's exactly who this country needs," McCain says before introducing Sarah Palin to the country.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be on the ballot with Senator John McCain in November.

"She's far more experienced than Senator Obama is," Sam Wakim says. “And she plays hockey so I'm not concerned with her being able to take on Joe Biden."

Wakim is an Indiana delegate from Granger heading to Minnesota for the Republican National Convention.

"If you’re looking for change, Governor Palin and Senator McCain are two reformers who have taken on the establishment, one in Washington and one in Alaska," Wakim explains.

“I’m a Republican,” says Jessie Bochert from Granger. "I voted for Bush in the last two elections and the way our country's gone…it's sad. It's just sad. And I feel guilty. I voted for this man twice. I just can't do it anymore. I can't because I feel like voting for McCain would be like voting for Bush again."

Bochert has been active with the Obama campaign in South Bend. She even recorded last night’s speech on her television, she says, to save a clip of history. Friday, she replays the highlights.

"You can't beat this moment. It's hopes and dreams fulfilled," Bochert says, tears running down her cheeks.

"I think he's the one who can bring our country back to what it was, to what it was founded on."

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Golfer Chris Smith and family still in shock over weekend accident

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Myrt on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Rick: If all Mom's stayed at home with the kids, we'd all be on welfare! A special needs child can still be supported, cared for and loved by a working mom. Crawl out from your "man cave" and see what is happening in the 21st century. O BTW, what does a Vice President do??? :)

Posted by: J on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:48 AM
All you need to look into is the past history of the candidates. Speeches are written for most of the candidates by someone else. So look into what they do and that will tell you their morals.

Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:02 AM
When are the debates? I can't wait.

Posted by: Renee Location: Mishawaka on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Rick, you think just because a woman decides to have a baby should stay at home and take care of her kids? Women can work and raise a family, been doing it for many years now and alot of women do it on their own! She does have a husband who I am sure is capable of helping raise the family! When did it come the sole responsibility of the mother to stay home and care for the kids. For anyone to vote for either candidate everyone needs to listen, read and research all parties and make an educated decision, not just base a dicision on who can give a good speech. None of the candidates are going to be the perfect solution, but vote for who represents your beliefs that best.

Posted by: XResident Location: The World on Sep 7, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Women, ask yourself. Do you want a bible thumping, book banning, anti-women rights, anti-gay, oil driller who needs intensive campaign training in the first few weeks just to answer questions from the media? She can't even write her own speeches and sounds like a broken record already. Obama graduated with honors from Harvard, not some no name college with a broadcasting degree. I would love to see O'Reilly give her what he gave Obama and see how she does. She'd probably cry. Not only did McCain toss a hail mary picking her, he lost the election with this backwood woman who doesn't put FAMILY FIRST. And you believe she'll put Country First? No, she'll put Caribu Barbie first. I can't wait to see what else they dig up on this train wreck of a choice. Women be afraid, very afraid.

Posted by: Tony Location: mishawaka on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Hey rick, What kind of father will obama be if he gets the job? Why does that question never get asked? is it because no one cares when its a man? or is it because deep down you know that sara palin can have a job and be a mom too? Do you have kids AND a job? what kind of father are you? those kids are your responsability, you chose to have them and yet you go to work. Sound retarded, That is what your post sounded like @ 6:20 aug 31

Posted by: lucy Location: south bend on Sep 5, 2008 at 03:39 PM
McCain or Obama Bin Biden? It's your choice.

Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on Sep 1, 2008 at 09:47 AM
rick, Aug 31,6:04. I take it you don't have much of a sense of humor. Either that or you think political candidates don't have the right to make jokes. She isn't more qualified than Obama and she's just the V.P. candidate. Obama thinks he can be president with his pathetic qualifications.

Posted by: rick on Aug 31, 2008 at 07:20 PM
How dare anyone call me a marxist for pointing out what the republicans have ignored. Palin is not qualified to be dog catcher. The talking heads for the GOP spouted rubbish as qualifications for this woman. She is episode 1 of Night Court. She got the job because she answered the phone. WHO IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF THE BABY? SHE CHOSE TO HAVE IT IT IS HER JOB TO CARE FOR IT. Some family values! How marxist of me. Evidently all the other Gov.s of larger states were not qualified enough for McCain as they don't have a uterus. Can you say pander to the base?

Posted by: rick on Aug 31, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Palin asked during an interview on CNBC "what does a vice president do?" Yes, Sarah Palin is very qualified! I love it when I am right.

Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on Aug 31, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Todd, don't need to do any research to know that Obama sat, for 20 years, in a church pastored by one of the most racist and anti-American pastors in the U.S.. It's common knowledge. And he only left when it became a hindrance to his campaign. He says he was in the church for that long and didn't know his pastor's beleifs. That makes him either a liar or very stupid. Of course my "research", as you put it, was about Sarah Palin. And nobody has disputed what I found out about her, except to spout some ridiculous rumours. And I'm not sure what you mean by Obamas contributions being at a 25-100 level. If your refering to some poll, that only proves that Obama is good at deceiving people. In fact, according to the record, he has done very little for his district or anyone else for that matter. I'd expect more "change" in Washington from Sarah Palin than Obama/Bidin could ever bring.

Posted by: eric Location: south bend on Aug 31, 2008 at 01:41 PM
so if obama does not win then america is racists, if mccain dosent win america is sexist.

Posted by: Mr. Obvious on Aug 31, 2008 at 11:43 AM
This just in: same old politicians get nominated, say things politicians always say, folks act like it's the first time they're hearing it.

Posted by: To Rick Location: Elkhart on Aug 31, 2008 at 10:54 AM
She must be a great choice because look at the histrionics comeing from marxists such as yourself! You would fit right in in North Korea! I think she is FANTASTIC. Color the race lost for dems...

Posted by: rick on Aug 31, 2008 at 10:32 AM
john mccain doesn't know it yet since he doesn't know how to use the internet but he has been swiftboated by karl rove. again. who do you think gave him the name and vetted palin? karl rove. she is under investigation and if even part of the rumors about her are true she is going bye bye soon. any politician that said she was a wonderful choice will soon be suspected of being nothing but a toady and lacking in judgement. 87% of alaskans think she is guilty of abuse of power and she does not have the stellar approval rating they claim. do you really think they want mccain in office, what would rush have to talk about? sean hannity, rush limbaugh and karl rove my heroes of the week. thanks for palin!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 31, 2008 at 03:25 AM
I can wait to see what all of you obama supporters are going to complain about if he is elected into office. I guess we will see you complaining about the gas prices or maybe the tax hikes he has in store for us. He has absolutely no experience what so ever and you think he is going to "fix" our country. I hope and pray that he will not be elected as our president.

Posted by: RICK on Aug 31, 2008 at 12:37 AM
what kind of woman hides her pregnancy for 7 months then gets on a plane and goes to texas, goes into labor, tells nobody about it, gets on another plane and flies back to alaska without telling any of the airline staff she is in labor just to have her kid at home? she was 44 with a high risk pregnancy and she did it anyway. she is both stupid and irresponsible. we do not need sara palin or they guy who chose her running our government. she doesn't even know what the VP does. stick up for her ladies! she doesn't pass the smell test. all i wrote is factual, she gave interviews about it.

Posted by: rick on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:23 PM
if bush and palin get into the white house we are going to need a LOT of wire hangers, just for the rape and incest victims alone.

Posted by: rick on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:17 PM
who is going to take care of that baby? some mother she is. she said that if her daughters were raped and got pregnant she would refuse to let them have an abortion. she is fully in favor of rape and incest victims being forced to carry the child to term. mccain made a BIG mistake with this woman. but, he only met her twice so he knows nothing about her. just another holy roller creationist to please james dobson and his ilk.

Posted by: Aaron on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Everyone keeps attacking John McCain for his pick for VP but didnt your boy Sen. Obama say he was for change of the good ole boy washington and he picks one of the senators that has been there since he has been a young child are you kidding me how can this be change? And dont say its for foreign policy experience because that is ridicolous this man is a hot head im just waiting for him to blow up on someone and it will send Obamas campaign into chaos so talk all you want Biden ..

Posted by: Paul Location: Benton Harbor, Mi. on Aug 30, 2008 at 09:36 PM
If John McCains VP choice is an example of his decision making; he is just as bad as George Bush.

Posted by: rick on Aug 30, 2008 at 08:06 PM
According to Alaskans media outlets Sarah Palin never looked pregnant,and Bristol Palin was taken out of Anchorage high school for 5 months during her mother’s pregnancy for a prolonged case of mono. To add fuel the speculation the Alaska Department of State has now taken down all the photos of Sarah Palin and her family from their website.

Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Aug 30, 2008 at 06:30 PM
Tom and Pam...I would seriously question both of your "research". Obama's main contributions have been at a 25-100.00 level by thousands of regular Americans. There is absolutely no proof that he is a radical nor anti American. Show me the proof. I bet the source is not mainstream trusted media if you can. Pam, Obama is far from anti White. Matter of fact, if you really did do any research, you would know he was constantly touted as a kid for not being "black" enough by his peers. Does that sound like somebody anti-white...hardly think so. Nice try. Drive back to Alabama and do some more research.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 30, 2008 at 06:25 PM
I don't care who wins, just will someone PLEASE decriminalize marijuana already? Prohibition sucks.

Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on Aug 30, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Do some research, Sarah Palin has broken up major corruption in the Alaskan oil industry and has the highest approval rating of any govenor in the U.S.. She has a reputation for integrity, and thats something I think we all can agree is needed in Washington. All Obama has accomplished is making some people excited about some mythical "change" that he can't even prove he'd be able to bring about.His record as a Senator is very unremarkable as he's done very little for his district. And then there are all the legitimate concerns about his intentions for this country. I don't want to trust my future to a man who has associated with racist anti-Americans and isn't even sure if he wants to make open gestures of patriotism for this country.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Goshen on Aug 30, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I'm excited about it.

Posted by: chuck Location: crawford TX on Aug 30, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Osama i mean obama just got "rope a dope" poor Mrs Clinton...Ha Ha

Posted by: John Location: South Bend on Aug 30, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Why should we vote for Barack? He's a radical leftist with ties to domestic terrorists. No way should anyone vote for a guy with a shady history like this man. He's a liar and crook.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 30, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Chaz and the rest of you uneducated simpletons, you should be worried. McCain and Palin will be good for the people and this country. It really upsets you to think that people with experience and commitment who do what they say might be running this country doesn't it?

Posted by: pam Location: south bend on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:44 AM
I am sitll amazed at how short sited so many americans are. If you would actually do some homework on Barack Hussein you would see that a large portion of his campaign $$ came from foreign countries Hm, now why would they be supporting a canidate? And his ideas on redistribution of wealth, there go your retirement funds, IRA's Pensions, etc, he wants to give them to the welfare recipients to insure they will never have to get a job and try to better themselves. We will then have more of the working poor and even more people sitting on their lazy butts reaping the benefits. Obama is so anti white he can't help but always bring race into every speech he gives. But of course you can't call him a racist now can you. God Help us all if he wins the election.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Aug 30, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Want to know about Sarah Palin? Read this comment by the Republican Alaskan State Senate President. "State Senate President Lyda Green said she thought it was a joke when someone called her at 6 a.m. to tell her the news. “She’s not prepared to be governor. How can she be prepared to be vice president or president? said Green, a Republican from Palin’s hometown of Wasilla. “Look at what she’s done to this state. What would she do to the nation?” If that doesn't sum up her real world qualifications, I don't know what does. I bet if she'd had a wart on her nose or been 25 pounds heavier, they would have passed her up.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Aug 30, 2008 at 09:40 AM
McCain is a Maverick? The man has voted with Bush and his party 95% of the time in since 2000. 100% of the time 2008. That's hardly being a maverick. Like we need someone with absolutely no national experience a heartbeat away from the presidency. She's been governor for 20 months. Before that, she was mayor of a town with less than 9,000 people. And this fool from Granger thinks she has more experience than Obama? But no, republicans are more concerned about a dozen little flags that were thrown away at the democratic convention. Priceless commentary on their priorities.

Posted by: Cyndi Location: South Bend on Aug 30, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Not sure where Wakim gets his info but I read, yesterday when I looked her up, that she was made mayor in 2004 and governor in 2006 so that's a total of 4 years experience. I THINK Obama has more than that doesn't he? She sounds good but McCain would still be the man in charge and he's so rich he's, like Bush, out of touch with everyday people.

Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Aug 30, 2008 at 09:08 AM
I am also a Republican...life long. I will not be voting for McCain and his circus tricks. Tony, how can you even begin to say that Obama's speech was hate filled? Did you even really watch it...or do you have a beef with ethnic people? It was far from hate filled. Very inspiring. I will certainly vote republican on my other choices...just not the president this time. The country would be in astronomical trouble if McCain could not finish his term due to health. He is a one term person even if he does get elected. How can he change all he promises in less than four years? He can't. His choice of VP has ZERO federal level political background!!! What was he thinking? Was it really worth putting his election bid on the line to try and gain Hilliary's voters? Poor choice McCain. I might of changed my mind if you picked someone like Mit.

Posted by: Tony Location: mishawaka on Aug 30, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Hey whatif, Sarah Palin is the only one in the race for cheif of the executive branch of govt with executive branch experience. I would be very comfortable with her as president. Read up on her reforms and waste cutting and you would too. She is exactly what is needed in DC. Her husband is a WORKER ie guy with hard hat, for an oil company. That means he is helping supply which (econ 101) lowers price. The dems took over congressional majority and promised lower gas prices in 06 and they have doubled. lets try something different this time.

Posted by: jim Location: mishawaka on Aug 30, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I know (as well as everybody elese) that the news interviews the most pathetic people, did you get her to cry on que or did she just do it on her own? tell to watch the 700 club!

Posted by: Gort on Aug 30, 2008 at 08:55 AM
It's too bad you can't power turbines with dishonest arguments.

Posted by: Ryan Location: Elkhart on Aug 30, 2008 at 08:06 AM
If you think voting for McCain is like voting for Bush you are misguided by the MSM. Vote on what they say they will do, not because they are affiliated with any party. I wonder why that Hillary Delegate decided to not go to the DNC and instead was featured on a McCain ad saying she was now going to vote for McCain. The Democratic party is sexist. They tried once with Ferraro and failed miserably but it wasn't her; it was Mondale. Now the DNC is afraid to put a woman on the ticket. My only wish would be to put McCain on the back-burner as VP and move Palin up to Pres.

Posted by: Bob Location: Granger on Aug 30, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Does anyone expect WNDU to be truely fair in their coverage... Good Luck! In St Joseph County Indiana, the Socialist Party of America (commonly known as Democrats) could run a dead skunk for office, and the folks of St. Joe Co. would vote for the dead stinking remains because it was a "member of the party"... Good luck getting fair and unbias coverage around here! Thank God we still have AM radio..... at least until the Socialist Party of America finds a way to get of rid of it....

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 30, 2008 at 07:22 AM
yeah, pro-drilling which will SHOCK provide jobs (good paying jobs, I might add) is really bad for the environment. It's NOT bad for the environment. I guess whatif wants to pay $5/gallon gas. Then again, maybe whatif is one of those elitists that can afford it. Then again, maybe not. It shocks me at the number of people who simply won't read up on Obama. you take what his people say at face value. Whatif, explain to me the environmental risks that isn't from the far left. No seriously. Explain it.

Posted by: Verity Chastain on Aug 30, 2008 at 03:34 AM
It seems that John McCain is just going for the heading of Former Republican Presidential Nominee for his obituary. This woman had no business accepting the nomination. I can hardly wait until Phyliss Schafly and Concerned Women of America voice their outrage. Palin has a 4 month old special needs child that she needs to be taking care of instead of roaming the country trying to convince Hillary supporters to vote for McCain. McCain doesn't even know her, they have met twice briefly. If the base is exited then one really has to wonder about them.

Posted by: Hilah Location: South Bend, In on Aug 30, 2008 at 02:01 AM
McCains a maverick, a maverick with no common sense. Historic yes, common sense no.

Posted by: whatif Location: south bend on Aug 30, 2008 at 01:05 AM
The ONLY concern here is that what if something happened to MCCain and she would then become our president> Would you REALLY feel comfortable and want her to be PRESIDENT? I think not, being the mayor of a small town of 9,000 people and then a gov. of Alaska HARDLY prepares her for assuming the duites and responsabilities of the President...YIKES!!! Let's not forget she is PRO drilling and willing to not only risk the environment of her own people's state, but also obviously knee deep with the big oil boys,,,double YIKES!!! Get real, McCain made a really stupid judgment call and now Iwould not want him to be president either...triple YIKES!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:42 PM
“I’m a Republican,” says Jessie Bochert from Granger. "I voted for Bush in the last two elections and the way our country's gone…it's sad. It's just sad. And I feel guilty. I voted for this man twice. I just can't do it anymore. I can't because I feel like voting for McCain would be like voting for Bush again." -- this is one UNINFORMED voter. McCain is a liberal conservative. Perhaps she should educate herself and stop listening to the liberal media and start doing her own research by reading up on Obama. Be prepared folks: We're going to see a repeat of the John Adama's presidency where he was so concerned with people thinking ill of him, he passed the Sedition Acts which limited free speech. Obama's camp is already trying by bullying television stations into stop airing an ad that OUTS Obama's association with Ayers, the unregettable homegrown terrorist who took joy in bombing buildings with this fellow terrorits. That's not right wing, that's from the MSM.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Don't you love the pathetic journalism with the phrase [She’s being compared to a “Hail Mary" pass]? I can do that too! The author of this article is being compared to Bill Clinton. How is that? It's not a lie, is it? I just did. Why don't you ask a couple in your office to say this was a bad decision, and then write "some people say the selection of Palin was a bad decision"? Then you technically wouldn't be lying. It would be more poor journalism, but then that seems to be typical of WNDU.

Posted by: John Location: Fort Wayne on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Sounds like it's time to pack it in for John McCain and the Lady friend who's supposed to help him?? That old man is NUTS!! This broad is like a flag pin for McCain, she's just another decoration on his uniform!?!? Good luck folks!!

Posted by: John on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:35 PM
WNDU how far did you have to search for Jessie Bochert? Please do you really expect us to belive this story?

Posted by: Open your eyes on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Hey Bochert. Go back to watching America's Got Talent.

Posted by: Tony Location: mishawaka on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:34 PM
I watched that hate filled America bashing speech last night and cannot for the life of me figure out how his highness inspires people to weep at his word. Mccain isnt my first choice either, but this VP pick was the slam dunk he needed to win big.

Posted by: Nick Location: Mishawaka on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Sam Wakim says that Palin has more experience than Obama. If the race for the presidency were to be decided by pageant, I suppose that would be true. First the McCain campaign harps on Obama for being a celebrity, and now they tap a gal who seems to have a penchant for popularity contests? Please.

Posted by: Tim Rosbrugh Location: South Bend on Aug 29, 2008 at 07:58 PM
There's no way that Jesse Bochert is a Republican. If she was she would realize how important this election is and the damage that would be done by electing the MOST LIBERAL Senator in the senate to the position of the President of the United States.

Posted by: Anon Location: Gary East on Aug 29, 2008 at 07:46 PM
The next president of the united states is Obama Hussein!