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Obama's Closing Argument to Indiana Voters
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ShareMay 03, 2008 3:33 PM
ABC News' Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller report: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., made an economic heavy closing argument to the voters of Indianapolis, Ind., summoning up a historical reminder of the last time the state’s primary was so closely watched.
“It was 40 years ago this May that Robert Kennedy took his unlikely campaign to create a new kind of politics to Indiana,” Obama said, just three days before the Indiana primary, where he's seen his poll numbers slowly dropping.
Obama painted a picture that the American dream is slipping away and it takes more than tinkering around the edges in Washington to bring back prosperity to American working families. As he has in many campaign events leading up to the Indiana and North Carolina primaries, Obama used his opposition to the gas tax holiday to demonstrate this problem -- highlighting his dissention from his two opponents, who support the plan.
“There’s not an expert out there that believes that this is going to work. There’s not an editorial out there that has said this is actually the answer to high gas prices,” Obama said of the gas tax holiday plan. “In fact, my understanding is, today, Sen. Clinton had to send out a surrogate to speak on behalf of this plan, and all she could find was, get this, a lobbyist for Shell Oil to explain how this is going to be good for consumers. It’s a shell game, literally.”
Obama was referencing Steve Elmendorf, a Clinton supporter, who told CNN that Clinton’s gas tax holiday plan was a good proposal. Elmendorf is also a lobbyist from Shell Oil.
“We can’t afford to settle for a Washington where our energy policy, and our health care policy, and our tax policy is sold to the highest-bidding lobbyist,” Obama said, and criticized Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., for a plan that he said would do nothing to solve the gas price problem. “This is what passes for leadership in Washington -- phony ideas, calculated to win elections instead of actually solving problems.”
Part of Obama’s closing argument to voters is to flesh out his background, one that has been called into question in the wake of the incendiary comments made by his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. The senator has been retelling the biography of his family, with an emphasis on his and his wife’s humble roots, and asking people to move past controversies that have dominated the news cycle recently.
“The only way a black guy named Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, and started his career on the streets of Chicago, is standing here before you today -- and that’s the only way we can win this race -- is if you decide that you’ve had enough of the way things are,” Obama said, and brought recent controversies into the fold.
“If you decide that this election is bigger than flag pins or sniper fire and the comments of a former pastor –- bigger than the differences between what we look like or where we come from or what party we belong to.”
Joining Obama on the campaign trail today are his wife Michelle and two daughters, Malia and Sasha, who rarely make an appearance with their father at events. The family have a pot luck dinner tonight in Kempton, Ind., at a home with some of his Kansas family roots: Obama's 2nd, 3rd and 4th great-grandfathers owned the land, and Obama's great-uncle built the home.
May 3, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (48)
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I hope superdelegates have real vision and can see the writing on the wall...
BO smells like mcgovern, dukakis kerry and gore
of course, all obama barack supporters - want to change the subject from wright...
the problem is barack sat in the church for 20 years and it Infected him - it's part of who he is... and Obama was cool with it...
Most people know that if their pastor
DAMNED AMERICA FROM THE PULPIT IN A SERMON - it ain't right. ...
you find another place to worship... do something… maybe a profile in courage…
That's what hillary said she would have done. That's what most AMERICANS would do.
What's wrong with Barack he couldn't see this....
Barack defended the lat week and in Philladelphia,
SO, NOW HE IS FINALLY MAD AND THINKS THIS GUY IS OUTRAGEOUS.
WOW what kind of president would he make...
Posted by: greg | May 3, 2008 3:41:09 PM
ultra liberal democrats don't care about all of baracks baggage:
-James Wright's "damnning America" sermon,
-Antoine' Rezco, jailed political fixer
- "he ever asked me for anything" BO
-domestic terrorists Ayers and Dorhn
these guys blew up 25 bombs in the US
-bitter small town Americans
-HAMAS in the church bulletin
-he admitted smoking crack / cocaine
but mainstream americans / democrats do:
see PA OH and if the media exposed the real barack earlier, he would never have won the states he did...
for 16 months hillary got hammered and obama got a free ride... now that some of his skeletons are out of the closet he can't win dem primary...
Posted by: voter | May 3, 2008 3:43:03 PM
It is worth noting that the primary in NC and IN and ultimately the election hinge on a bet by two of the candidates that low information voters will believe their preposterous assertions that a "gas tax holiday" will help them pay their fuel bills this summer.
Anyone with a high school level education in economics will tell you a gas tax holiday will actually have the effect of raising gasoline prices. The consumer will simply never see a dime and the oil companies will make even higher profits. Not to mention the fact that it might put as many as 300.000 people out of work when the country is reeling from job losses or drive our debt even higher.
It is simply impossible to even suggest that such a measure could be introduced much less pass through congress before the end of the summer given nobody but McCain and Clinton support it in congress.
We are witnessing an epic and historic clash of old and new politics, one rooted in pander and deception of the past and one with the promise of truth and transparency.
My vote is for Senator Obama
Posted by: Deward Bowles | May 3, 2008 3:49:00 PM
I am a trucker and need some relief from these high prices... Thnk you Hillary.... the people working on the road thank you.
Posted by: Harlan | May 3, 2008 3:54:18 PM
Do you know what, I get tired of this whole Obama got a free ride bit. The flag pin controversy was around October last year. His middle name has been bandied around from since before he was even a candidate. Truth is nothing that has been thrown at him though should disqualify him from the presidency, and if it does we are down to a very short list of people who could ever be President, which surely is precisely what America is not about. The slightly concerning thing though is that Obama has not been more vocal in pushing back against the criticisms of him , and far more aggresive against Clinton. He mentioned that today the person Hillary got to speak in favour of the Gas tax holiday was a representative of Shell. He in my view really needs to push that as old Washington Politics and why we need real change in Washington.
Posted by: markymark | May 3, 2008 3:54:23 PM
HRC is uninspiring to Democrats, she is so unlikable. It would be easy to vote against HRC in a general election. Now, add in the dishonesty factor, the lies about sniper fire in Bosnia (that would be exploited and linked to disrespect for U.S. soldiers) and you have a big win for McCain in Nov. If you want the war in Iraq to end, if you want the economy to improve, if you want a president that upholds the constitution...then Barack is your candidate. He cares about seniors, education for young people, and giving our veterans the resources and the respect that they deserve. I am looking forward to an Obama Administration. Our country will once again be a world leader and a peaceful nation. Obama '08 Yes we can!
Posted by: Bethany | May 3, 2008 4:16:43 PM
If one wants more of felons pardoned and lies vote for Hillary.
Posted by: disambiguates | May 3, 2008 4:22:25 PM
Rise O Barack Obama and save us Americans and the rest of rest of the world. The moment is yours. The chant will become a river, a nation, the sea and the rest of the world. Hail the new leader of the free world.
Posted by: Warren5678 | May 3, 2008 4:33:53 PM
Robert Kennedy JR strongly supports Hillary Clinton- not Obama !! He has apologized for his Uncle Teddy Bare and his cousin Caroline supporting Obama. Both he and his sister have spoke for and supported Hillary. Obama- you're NO ROBERT KENNEDY !!!
Posted by: jimbo | May 3, 2008 4:35:01 PM
Warren5678-- Obama will be walking on the waters tonight so you better run and join his flock. Then the sun will shine at night and the birds will sing and there will be world peace and Obama will give one of his speeches and all our enemies will lay down their weapons and fall at the feet of Obama and the Heavens will open and Angels will sing and the Devil will be cast out and Obama will take water and make it into wine and all the murderers and the evil will repent and follow Obama as he takes us to a new world. Warren - get some therapy, you've have too much Obama - kool-aid !!
Posted by: jimbo | May 3, 2008 4:40:48 PM
The Clintons are congenital liars. Why would anyone still fall for HRC's pack of lies is beyond me. The only reason she put up with her husband is for her own presidential ambition. SHE IS A MONSTER. Wake up America! We can't afford to put another dishonest person in the White House. It's time for change, vote for Obama!
Posted by: John | May 3, 2008 4:42:24 PM
Everyone has forgotten about Health Insurance and the war in iraq. the big news of the week has been about suspending the gas tax... for the summer . It's called HUSH money and designed to keep you quiet for at least for a couple of months.At first I was I was concerned that perhaps there were a lot of Hillary supporters blogging.... then I remembered Lush Rhimbaugh and his operation..... It seems to me that the Republicans are going out of their way to get Hillary nominated, because they believe she would be the BEST opponent against McCain. That would be great ..... getting to pick your own opponent. That's what they do in wrestling... isn't it ?
Posted by: Ron | May 3, 2008 4:45:51 PM
The Superdelegates will side with the "honest politician" - Obama!
Thank goodness they have the education to see through Hillary's desperate pandering attempts.
Like Chris Matthews stated: "she'll do it anywhere"!
Blech!
Posted by: Elizabeth Arnold | May 3, 2008 4:54:15 PM
Seems like many people are just hating one candidate or another, picking up on the soundbites and opinion news. I believe these people need to take a step back and breath. We all have been screwed by politicans for many years in many places, so your enthusiasim could very well be misplaced, in the end. Be an adult citizen, and think for yourself.
It is a sad state of affairs in the Democratic party, and our nation. The Clintons and Bushs just seem to weave in and out of the executive branch, yet the country seems none the better for it.
Posted by: Charles | May 3, 2008 4:54:48 PM
Those little lapel flag pins, ARE MADE IN CHINA.
Maybe we should all run out and buy a dozen.
Posted by: jpozap | May 3, 2008 5:03:12 PM
As this election process gets closer to the wire, it is clear one thing.
We don't wish to be educated.
We don't wish to be fair minded.
We don't wish for a real difference.
If we did.
We wouldn't care
the race of our president,
the religion or non of our president.
It isn't about who is perfect, it who is best for the job.
I think it would be nice if we became better educated, more understanding of real issues, and the world as a whole and realize that USA is not the beat all end all of the earth.
We need a president that understandss that, embraces it and goes out and makes peace happen and prosperity for all, not just his own citizens.
I think a close look at the candiates tells there is only one real choice.
but we have freedom to select anyone we want when we go to the polls, God Bless America for that.
Lets hope the truly educated and well informed voter gets their way this election.
Posted by: Jacquie | May 3, 2008 5:04:24 PM
The truth is:
Obama voted twice in his state to reduce the gas tax. But why is he opposing it now?
The Wright flip shows he doesn't have good judgement. Remeber there is also Rezko on trial, who may cut a deal with the prosecutors soon. There is also bill Ayers. He hasn't answered that question yet. A simple backgroud check of Obama turns out so many things that an average American couldn't easily feel agreeable. Michelle cried out that this is distraction. But shouldn't Americans have the right to know all the aspects of a person who is going to the leader and in charge of pretecting the country?
The rational that a lot people are using to support Obama is "I like him, he seems so honest". Isn't this the same reason that people got Bush into the office?
Posted by: Amy | May 3, 2008 5:05:20 PM
Listen and hear, look and see. Barack Obama is what the US needs to free its people fromm lies and broken promises. He is the future. His past is HIS past. BO has the strength to bring other nations together to build a better future for our children and their children. He can see the light beyond the darkness where others are happy to stay in the shade. As a non American and ally I say to you, think beyond tomorrow!!Barack Obama is the way.
Posted by: Mark Savery | May 3, 2008 5:15:09 PM
OBAMA SPLITS THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
IT'S GOING TO BE A BIG MESS IN DENVER.
BLACKS SUPPORT OBAMA
WHITES SUPPORT HILLARY.
AS AN INDEPENDENT VOTER I CARE LESS.
I CAN VOTE FOR McCAIN IN GENERAL ELECTIONS.
Posted by: NIcholas | May 3, 2008 5:19:20 PM
The ONLY American politician who can impact gas prices RIGHT NOW is BUSH; and he will not; because Bush DOES CANNOT CARE about the plight of ordinary Americans!
No candidate for Presidency can impact gas tax now!
So McCain & Hilary are just PANDERING!
Hilary is just playing politics as usual'!
Bush can tap into the OIL RESERVE; since we do have an emergency.
And Bush can appeal to his oil buddies to ROLL BACK GAS PRICES as a PATRIOTIC DUTY!
The Special Interest Congress WILL NEVER pass a windfall tax.
And the BUSH WILL NEVER SIGN a windfall tax on oil executives!
Now is the time for the PRUDENT Presidential candidate to AGAIN remind Americans of the NEED FOR AN EFFECTIVE ENERGY POLICY!
Posted by: Patriot | May 3, 2008 5:23:15 PM
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