Several thousands gathered at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis yesterday to see presidential candidate, Barack Obama. As the line to the entrance of the grandstands grew, so grew the anticipation, motivation and sense of urgency among the crowd.
Volunteers walked the line urging those waiting to sign up for early voting and to volunteer for the Obama campaign’s 100,000 doors program happening in Indiana throughout the four days prior to the election.
Once the gates opened, “Yes We Can,” “We Want Change,” and “O-BA-MA” chants echoed throughout the grandstands. However, nothing seemed to resonate more amid the people than the need for change and soon. This urgency comes accompanied by the current economic crisis and wall street failing.
Tracey Duerson of Indianapolis says the reason she’s voting for Obama is because, “I’m tired of the republicans and the situations they have put us in. We deserve better.” Barbara Terry agrees, “This is a chance to make a difference and make a change in Washington. We need change now more than ever.”
Agreement also stood on the issues of this presidential election. Education, the war in Iraq, energy reform and health care were among those voiced in concern next to the economy. The current wall street crisis and economic downfall took the lead of the most concerned issue in this election among the crowd.
In the minutes before Senator Obama took the stage, Indiana government officials rallied those in attendance for their support of the democratic ticket, which has been absent in the state for several years. Brief appearances by candidate for governor, Jill Long Thomson and Congressman Andre Carson furthered the need for change in Indiana. Senator Evan Bayh explained that the change needs to “not further divide red and blue states, but unite states as red, white and blue.”
The cheers erupted as Obama took the stage even when he proclaimed, “We meet with great uncertainty.” Opening his speech with the most urgent issue of the economy, Senator Obama explained that the U.S. economic issues have gone global with the Wall Street crisis causing a “ripple effect.”
Quick to offer hope, he explained that even though times are tough, “this is not a time for fear. It is a time for resolve and steady leadership.” As he explained his economic plan to give $15 billion a year to renewable energy sources that would create jobs especially in the closed factories to make wind turbines, solar panels and energy efficient automobiles.
Obama criticized McCain, who proclaimed that the “fundamentals of our economy are strong,” by stating that “there is nothing more fundamental than a job.” Obama also explained their differences in tax cuts. While McCain’s tax cuts are supposedly focused on C.E.O.’s and large corporations, his tax cuts would give 95% of workers a break, especially those making under $250,000. The middle class deserves a break, and “the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle class,” stated Obama.
The differences between the two candidates didn’t end there as Obama then moved to discuss his health care plan. Claiming that McCain’s plan would give health care to families by taxing benefits and because American people wouldn’t notice. Obama responded, “Well, I’ve got news for John McCain-we do notice things.” Obama’s plan would lower premiums and ensure that those without health care would be given a government plan.
The senator then briefly discussed educational issues proclaiming that every child must be given the skills and knowledge they need to compete globally. He stated that he “won’t allow other countries to out teach us.” Obama also explained that college education will be made more affordable for those willing to serve their country whether by joining the military, americorps or volunteering in government organizations.
As he wrapped up his speech, Senator Obama asked the audience to believe. “I ask you to believe in yourselves, believe in each other and believe in the future.” The chants range through the crowd again, but as they died down the sense of urgency and desperation remained. While early voting has begun in Indiana, perhaps the election can’t come soon enough.
Volunteers walked the line urging those waiting to sign up for early voting and to volunteer for the Obama campaign’s 100,000 doors program happening in Indiana throughout the four days prior to the election.
Once the gates opened, “Yes We Can,” “We Want Change,” and “O-BA-MA” chants echoed throughout the grandstands. However, nothing seemed to resonate more amid the people than the need for change and soon. This urgency comes accompanied by the current economic crisis and wall street failing.
Tracey Duerson of Indianapolis says the reason she’s voting for Obama is because, “I’m tired of the republicans and the situations they have put us in. We deserve better.” Barbara Terry agrees, “This is a chance to make a difference and make a change in Washington. We need change now more than ever.”
Agreement also stood on the issues of this presidential election. Education, the war in Iraq, energy reform and health care were among those voiced in concern next to the economy. The current wall street crisis and economic downfall took the lead of the most concerned issue in this election among the crowd.
In the minutes before Senator Obama took the stage, Indiana government officials rallied those in attendance for their support of the democratic ticket, which has been absent in the state for several years. Brief appearances by candidate for governor, Jill Long Thomson and Congressman Andre Carson furthered the need for change in Indiana. Senator Evan Bayh explained that the change needs to “not further divide red and blue states, but unite states as red, white and blue.”
The cheers erupted as Obama took the stage even when he proclaimed, “We meet with great uncertainty.” Opening his speech with the most urgent issue of the economy, Senator Obama explained that the U.S. economic issues have gone global with the Wall Street crisis causing a “ripple effect.”
Quick to offer hope, he explained that even though times are tough, “this is not a time for fear. It is a time for resolve and steady leadership.” As he explained his economic plan to give $15 billion a year to renewable energy sources that would create jobs especially in the closed factories to make wind turbines, solar panels and energy efficient automobiles.
Obama criticized McCain, who proclaimed that the “fundamentals of our economy are strong,” by stating that “there is nothing more fundamental than a job.” Obama also explained their differences in tax cuts. While McCain’s tax cuts are supposedly focused on C.E.O.’s and large corporations, his tax cuts would give 95% of workers a break, especially those making under $250,000. The middle class deserves a break, and “the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle class,” stated Obama.
The differences between the two candidates didn’t end there as Obama then moved to discuss his health care plan. Claiming that McCain’s plan would give health care to families by taxing benefits and because American people wouldn’t notice. Obama responded, “Well, I’ve got news for John McCain-we do notice things.” Obama’s plan would lower premiums and ensure that those without health care would be given a government plan.
The senator then briefly discussed educational issues proclaiming that every child must be given the skills and knowledge they need to compete globally. He stated that he “won’t allow other countries to out teach us.” Obama also explained that college education will be made more affordable for those willing to serve their country whether by joining the military, americorps or volunteering in government organizations.
As he wrapped up his speech, Senator Obama asked the audience to believe. “I ask you to believe in yourselves, believe in each other and believe in the future.” The chants range through the crowd again, but as they died down the sense of urgency and desperation remained. While early voting has begun in Indiana, perhaps the election can’t come soon enough.
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