The State News
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks before an audience on May 14 at Macomb Community College in Warren. The rally was held in a town hall style, where attendees could ask Obama questions about his policy and opinion on current issues.
The issues
Keeping jobs in the U.S.
Obama’s solution: A plan to spend $150 billion over 10 years to develop “clean technologies” — creating jobs that also promote a clean environment.
Strengthening domestic manufacturing
Obama’s solution: $100 million annually to launch the Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which would award grants to businesses working to develop and expand products.
Funding for fuel-efficient cars
Obama’s solution: Make sure batteries and other car parts for cars of the future are made in the U.S. Set up automaker support in Washington within first month in office.
Rising costs of higher education
Obama’s solution: A $4,000 tuition credit for each college student in return for community service.
Proper rights for veterans
Obama’s solution: Proper screening prevent post-traumatic stress disorders. Online medical records.
Affordable health care
Obama’s solution: Reinsurance program to help contain costs for people with health care. People without health care will not be excluded for pre-existing conditions.
Source: Obama’s speech at Macomb Community College
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'O-ba-ma'
Warren, Mich. — Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., received a boost to his campaign with the official endorsement of former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards when Obama made his first visit to Michigan. Edwards announced he would endorse Obama during his speech at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids shortly after Obama made his entrance to cheers and wild applause.
“Brothers and sisters, we must come together as Democrats” to defeat McCain. “We are here tonight because the Democratic voters have made their choice, and so have I,” Edwards said.
Obama, who visited Warren and Grand Rapids stopped at a Chrysler stamping plant in Sterling Heights before coming to Warren, where he commented on how the state of the economy has made the job market harder for autoworkers in Detroit.
“It’s time to recapture the spirit of innovation that has always fueled America’s economic success,” Obama said in his speech.
Obama opposed the ideas of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., for creating new jobs. He emphasized making sure automobiles are made “right here in Michigan” instead of overseas, and that these vehicles are equipped with affordable, fuel-efficient components.
“I won’t stand here and tell you that we’ll be able to stop every job from going overseas or bring every job back,” Obama said. “But I will tell you that we can end the Bush-McCain policy of giving tax breaks to companies that ship our jobs overseas.”
Last week, McCain, visited Oakland University in Rochester to discuss issues of human trafficking, religion and child sex crimes.
Obama explained that it was not his choice to wait this long to visit Michigan.
“It wasn’t my choosing,” he said. “We play by the rules.”
Brad Wilson, an MSU alumnus, came to the rally to represent the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. He said Obama covered much of what he was hoping the senator would speak about: green jobs, gas prices and fair health care.
“He knows what’s going on and he has the ability to fix it,” Wilson said.
As far as getting young voters to turn up at the booths for the November election, Wilson said he is confident Obama has the necessary amount of attention from the youth demographic.
“He’s already proven that he can bring out the young folks,” Wilson said. “He’s already had an overwhelming turnout for the primaries, and I’m very excited that he’ll do the same in November.”
Detroit resident Claire Neal said she believes that Obama understands the hardships of blue-collar America.
Neal, a member of a grassroots Democratic Barack Obama organization, said she does not think Obama will have trouble relating to middle-class America, despite claims made by his opponents.
“His experiences have been cross-cultural and cross-economic,” Neal said. “This includes working white America.”
On the other side of the state, MSU students also went to see Obama speak Wednesday evening at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
Arts and humanities sophomore Emily Smith, who traveled from Petoskey, said she believes in what Obama promises.
“He can bring the change we need in our country,” said Smith, a member of Students for Barack Obama MSU chapter. “He’s a really true person.”
After the speech in Grand Rapids, Smith said she felt optimistic about the relationship between Edwards and Obama.
“Both of them are working on getting America back on track,” she said.
Smith also appreciated that Obama was respectful in regards to Hillary Clinton.
“He didn’t say anything bad about her,” Smith said. “It shows that he’s a good sport.”
While many residents support all that Obama stands for, some remain skeptical until the senator’s goals are put into action.
“I want to hear what he actually plans on doing,” said Mike Cieslak, who attends Macomb Community College for science and automotive supply chain management.
In regards to the November election, Obama made his intentions for America’s future clear.
“It’s a choice between more of the same failed Bush policies that have done nothing but to harm American manufacturing during the last eight years, and real change that will help write a new chapter in the story of American manufacturing,” Obama said.
Other issues discussed in a question-and-answer panel in a public forum were veteran’s benefits and goals for the educational system in the United States.
Next week, Obama will travel to Florida to continue to reach out to voters in crucial voting states.
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., who won the West Virginia primary Tuesday, has yet to visit to Michigan during the primary race.
Both Obama and Clinton seek extra voter support after scheduling issues caused some Democratic candidates to be absent from the Jan. 15 Michigan primary ballot.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Published on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Comments
Ben
05/15/08 @ 7:08am
He's gonna loose so freak'in badly!!! Thank you Dems for the gift of a lifetime.
Ben
05/15/08 @ 7:10am
or lose, whatever.
Get over yourself, Ben
05/15/08 @ 8:36am
The only way McBush will win is if 1) they Republicans steal the election for the third time in a row, or 2) something bad happens to Senator Obama before the election (crosses fingers that some racist right-wing nut-job doesn't do anything horrible)
JR
05/15/08 @ 9:32am
To: 'Get over yourself,' I was amused by your off-the-bat stab at McCain and correlating him to Bush. I suspect Americans will see that a lot from those who obviously haven't done their research on the candidate.
I equally enjoyed how you so subtly use 'steal' in your first description… of course the conspiracy theories fly when a democrat didn't win… "the republicans must have stolen the election!" Get your feet on the ground, and your head out of the clouds.
However, I am in agreement with you that I too hope nothing bad happens to Obama… I see you failed to mention you hope nothing happens to McCain as well, maybe you wish harm upon him. I'll not speak for you, but I hope nothing bad happens to either of them.
Commenting on the article at hand, Obama seems to confuse the current Bush's policies as those of McCain's doings. I guess instead of giving tax breaks to businesses who outsource jobs to people who work for it, we should just GIVE the money away in the form of a "Global Poverty Act":http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=56405 … 854 billion dollars: which would cost ALL American tax payers, and account for .7% of our gross national product which is already diminishing the value of the dollar. That is as much as the cost of 5.9 years of military spending in Iraq… but all in one check. Then again, nobody ever claimed he was an economist or had the ability to realistically compare numbers. Oh yeah, let's give more of our money away on 'social programs' that don't have any real return on investment… swell idea.
Obama again confused McCain with the current Bush, saying it's a choice between Bold:more of the same (he should have given credit to Al Gore's broken record phrase) and real change. I hope America votes on change for the better, and not this democratic rhetoric 'Let's change for the sake of change' nonsense.
I hope whoever wins has their head on their shoulders properly and gets us our troops home safely from overseas, doesn't let other countries attempt to bully us around, and provides some well thought out legislation and stimulus to get us out of our current financial conundrum. Obama and McCain appear to be very calm, cool, and collected guys with great speaking abilities (unlike Bush) – but I also don't think public speaking skills alone qualify one to be a great president. I think it requires great fiscal sense, a strong commitment to democracy and our constitution, and the mindset of keeping American money in America and allowing taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned cash. Those are the things that will truly help America… based on his resume, I don't think Obama has the experience to do that and I don't plan on voting to hire him for the position. Have a great day Americans!
JR
05/15/08 @ 9:41am
P.S: I forgot to mention that sometimes it takes a bigger man(President) to tell other people(countries) that we have our own problems at home and we need to focus on fixing those instead of giving our money and military support away to said person(country) interest free with no-strings attached. I'll bet none of you (nor myself) got student loans interest-free and no strings attached… why should America do that with our own money? Sometimes you have to take care of number one (yourself) and for America, now is that time! Other countries don't have a favorable opinion of us now? What happens if we stop giving them money, aid, and military support and start trying to help ourselves out for a change? They'd probably be singing a different tune then, and realize all that we had been giving them was a gift and maybe they'll realize we weren't so bad after all. Isn't the goal of foreign policy to have others to have respect for you? Not at the cost of our own well-being. How is that for Foreign policy?
SoCal Spartan
05/15/08 @ 9:51am
Senator Obama is a great man and I feel that McCain will defeat himself. Go Obama!
ps are we supposed to bicker on this blog?
ChiSparty
05/15/08 @ 11:16am
Funny how democrats still cling to the idea that any of elections were stolen. Laughable really.
Oh, and here is something else. If you really believe that, why do you think they wont be able to do it again in '08?
new prez
05/15/08 @ 11:19am
SoCal…no, of course you're not supposed to bicker, but it's over a political article, so it's kind of to be expected. It's all opinion-based, unfortunately, so politics will forever be a topic that is argued over. That being said, I refuse to say who I plan on voting for, because I don't feel like getting slammed for it, and also because I'll take anyone over that guy they call "president" right now. Good Riddance.
SoCal Spartan
05/15/08 @ 11:28am
I must express this, anyone could do better then Bush. There are good Republicans and good Democrats, our President currently lays deep in the depths of hell and should have never been elected.
Anyone who doesn't see the shadiness of the 2000 election is blind, selectively. I think that Obama and McCain will reform politics greatly, but what I think is nothing more then an opinion. I do believe it will be a election between to good people! So bring on the battle!
beau
05/15/08 @ 11:31am
Your all right. The bad news is that the Republicans as a whole are going to lose big in the next election. Not just for president but also seats in congress. America wants a change and at present the Dems are the only choice. Not sure they're up to the job either but will be interesting election year.
rachel
05/15/08 @ 1:43pm
The rally in Grand Rapids was amazing, for any who were wondering, and I think that Obama and Edwards were a little shocked at the turnout. Almost all of the seats were filled in the stadium and the floor was really packed up front, so definitely numbers in the tens of thousands. For only two days notice, it was very impressive. There were rumors that Edwards would be there and when he came out from behind the curtain he was welcomed with the crowd chanting "V.P.". Whenever Obama mentioned Edwards, enticing rallyers to look around at each other like "he's gonna announce him as a running mate". It was great fun, i'm glad I got the chance to see our next president speak!
Meh
05/15/08 @ 2:18pm
I hope something "bad" happens to McCain. Then the Democrats are guarenteed a victory in November.
And I think Richardson should be Obama's running mate. He's popular in the south, and he's pro 2nd Amendment (sayeth the NRA), so that will appease the gun nuts. Remember, it was the gun nuts that cost Bush I the election in 1992. I hate guns (and people owning them), but we must do what needs to be done.
Paul Damiano
05/15/08 @ 3:29pm
Mccain looks like he's about to die, whose gonna vote for a corpse but the undead is what I say so if A=B and B=C than anybody who doesnt vote for obama=a vampire.
beau
05/15/08 @ 3:51pm
Meh: Whoa dude, better check yourself on hoping something bad happens to anyone. I don't like Bush and the boys but I also don't wish harm to anyone. I'm not sure anyone wants the support of a vindictive little s**t like you.
SoCal Spartan
05/15/08 @ 4:02pm
Let's not fight amongst Obama supporters. McCain has had horrible stuff happen to him already, so he's always a patriot in my eyes. POW, that equals strength and resilience! He's a good man with bad ideas! Don't hate a player, come on now G.
ph
05/15/08 @ 6:11pm
I think it is pretty amazing that Sen. Obama can draw such massive crowds and it is good to initiate some form of interest in politics.
With that being said, it is apparent that these massive crowds are filled with weak-minded people who fail to think for themselves. Sen. Obama has some sort of ability to influence people into a movement, a movement that has no substance.
His repeated proclamation of "Change!" is something that does not solve America's issues. It is scary to see so many people support this man merely because he claims to be something different. Surely, he is not the typical candidate for the Presidency. Does that qualify someone for the position?
Three years of polarizing Senatorial work (half of which is spent campaigning) should not be considered the schedule of a unifier. How does he plan on uniting Democrats to the GOP when he is the most extreme Senator (to the left) in Congress?
Please, someone, explain a substantive issue that Sen. Obama has a true grasp of. I would like to understand this wave of support. I am open minded to opinions but I have come to the conclusion that he is getting this far based on a weak-minded constituency who approves of the excitement produced by a different looking candidate. Prove me wrong.
SoCal Spartan
05/15/08 @ 7:19pm
If you want to learn about Obama, but have not put any effort into that, why can you call us weak minded? I research things and let others develop their own opinions on things. It is funny when someone is so slanderous about supporters of a candidate. I believe what I believe, that is due to reading.
Go Obama!
ph
05/15/08 @ 7:26pm
SoCal,
This, simply put, is not slander.
Furthermore, you lacked to enlighten me.
Believe me, I have enough research and knowledge of the candidates. Thank you for making my point for me!
SoCal Spartan
05/16/08 @ 12:02am
By definitions Slander is a "malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report" Do you think this statement falls within that definition—> "weak-minded people who fail to think for themselves"?
Weak minded is not a kind thing to say, nor is it polite. Etiquette is what I'm talking about here.
One area to point your strong minded self is unto Obama's position with Disabled Persons, like myself. ph I must ask, who is your candidate? Due to the negative mindset you seem to have for Obama supporters, who is your candidate? I bet it's a person who is held within the doctrine of Richard Nixon, who actually was a good president. That doctor being reaping the fear of others and standing behind "Family Values". You know, the party that sunk this country DEEP into the abyss of problems, good ole Republican'ts (although some can).
Fess up you strong minded person ph, who is your candidate and what is your knowledge of his position? Back to Obama, he additionally was an Illinois senator prior to US Senate. Also, he was a well respected man working to help Chicago peeps in times of turmoil. Additionally, worked for University of Chicago teaching Constitutional Law. Top this off with a Juris Doctorate from the first Law School in America.
My oh my, he knows nothing. He has strong support for he has not been in the national power structure long, which allows him not to be a liar, cheat and thief…like many politicians happen to be.
I believe Senator Obama truly cares, he is not part of the elite class that's been raking in millions for years. By the Grace of God he will bring himself to the Presidency of the United States of America and help steer us away from the horrors we now face. McCain is a worthy opponent, but he cannot steer clear of the power of Obama and all the "weak minded people who cannot think for themselves".
ph, have fun listening to Limbaugh, watching Fox News, and believe the spinsters galore. Meanwhile, I'll tune into NPR, surf the web on my Mac, and do design engineering. You know, like the weak minded do.
Matt
05/16/08 @ 1:09am
Obama = Black Jimmy Carter
ph
05/16/08 @ 6:34am
SoCal,
This is the stimulating conversation I was hoping for. I did not claim that every Obama supporter is weak-minded, but I am very comfortable suggesting that a great deal of these supporters are behind him not on policy stance, but the support comes for a place that lacks substance.
The single earth-shatterieng policy that elevates Sen. Obama above the rest is his stance on Disabled Persons?
I cannot say I agree with Richard Nixon's hypocrisy on family values and your anticipation of me making some lame excuse for Nixon will not be met.
"Back to Obama, he additionally was an Illinois senator prior to US Senate. Also, he was a well respected man working to help Chicago peeps in times of turmoil. Additionally, worked for University of Chicago teaching Constitutional Law. Top this off with a Juris Doctorate from the first Law School in America."
So being a State Senator for a few years (and a "working man")qualifies one for the Presidency? Teaching at U of C qualifies for the Presidency? Well, then I suppose we should put self-proclaimed terrorist Bill Ayers on the ticket as well, because he is a U of C Professor.
You claim that Obama is not a "liar, cheat and thief…"
So, explain how he could stumble over the Wright issue for so long. This man was clearly a huge part of his life and surely he knew of Wright's disgusting beliefs, as even Oprah Winfrey had the courage to leave this place. Obama also had the political courage to throw his Grandmother under the bus for political gain. I could go on and on explaining how Obama is not above any other politician. As time goes on, you will see for yourself.
Obama is not the elite class? I didn't realize that someone who graduated from Harvard (Ivy League wife), lives in a multi-million dollar home and earns in the millions could be an average American.
As for your comments for me: I cannot stand Rush Limbaugh and I cannot stomach Sean Hannity. There is no difference between them and Keith Olbermann or Arianna Huffington. They are polarizing figureheads and they are never wrong. I am voting for Sen. McCain because he is realistic with his stance in Iraq and I disagree with Obama in principle on many issues, including the Democratic push for socialized medicine. I also feel that Obama is simply not ready to keep America secure. There is a comfort level with John McCain and I hope he picks a running mate that has a true grasp of the economy, notably Mitt Romney (I would also take Lieberman).
Look, it is clear that Obama has a very solid background but the experience simply is not there. The best thing he could do, assuming he loses, is go back to the Senate and produce some results. My overall point is that most voters for Obama are excited but they have no genuine answer for why they should be excited other than Obama is different.
SoCal Spartan
05/16/08 @ 10:05am
ph, I agree this is fun!
The difference sets him apart, and people are sick of the political machine. Plus, the youth have been reintroduced to the political system. So basically, Obama represents a youth revolution. This brings out many on the other side, too. So it's all good!
How is McCain and/or Romney more prepared to be president? Does senatorial time of lobby agents and back door bribes and bs earmarks prepare you to serve the people and the nation? Hopefully Obama would include McCain in his group of knowledgeable cabinet, but he's to old and to angry.
I say he is not elitist due to not being born with a diamond crusted platinum spoon in his mouth, and a crib that had some bump, along with a stroller with tight chrome and hydraulics (Clinton/Romney/McCain's wife).
Matt, I understand the hesitance in belief and it's understandable…and possibly true. Overall, once again I do like John McCain. It's just to bad that Bush slandered him (unarguably) in 2000. Had he been against Gore, probably would have lost. So we would have got through 8 years of Al Gore, and the nation would be in FAR better shape. This is true for America and the entire globe!
beau
05/16/08 @ 10:34am
ph: Weak minded is voting for the same cookie cutter politician's who have vast "experience" in Washington and expecting something different to happen, no matter which party. You have some valid concerns but what are the alternatives being offered? The Hilster brings more Clintonia for all of us swallow (pun intended), had enough of that already. McCain, great guy, but offers an extension of Bush and would probably pack his cabinet with the same old players. I would really like to hear who each candidate would have in their cabinets as this would tell us a lot more then the sound bites and TV posturing we are pounded with all time. Presidents set the agenda and then try to work with the Congress to get through programs that can garner majority approval and will pass constitutional muster, well sometimes. Lack of experience in Wahington is what most Presidents since Reagan have run on. Now there is a guy who actually offers limited experience in DC and he is being hammered for it. Hard to please the electorate no matter what's offered I guess. O'Bama (good Irishman) may not have spent years in DC heating up a chair and having his palms greased but I think everyone has had enough of that and are willing to take a chance and see what happens. The ol' boys will still be there to see to it things don't get too whacky. Almost forgot, despite his lack of "experience" he was the only current candidate who had the judgement to realize Iraq was going to be a classic boondoggle, now that is experience.
KuBoots.
05/16/08 @ 11:18am
This may not be much to add to the discussion table. However, I'd like to point out that one of our GREATEST Presidents who had minimal experience before entering office, was President Lincoln. Same goes for Kennedy. Obviously the times are different from the past, but chastising Barack for his lack of experience is puzzling. Our "experienced political past" has created a mess for all areas of our Government that we deal with everyday. We need something Fresh. Fresh is not a Republican candidate, at least not McCain for that matter.
Meh
05/17/08 @ 8:45pm
The democrats must win by any means nessesary this November. If the Republicans cheat and are delcared winners, we need to take to the streets and bring them to Justice. Mind you, the Republicans have cheated in every election that they have won since 1918.
noObamainthewhitehouse
05/18/08 @ 9:41am
Obama is a races like his pastor, Come on be real how can this Obama(joke attend the church for twenty years and not hear His Pastor views and feelings. Obama is a Big races
If Obama steal the election You will see a up raising that Our Country as never saw before. Obama as President will put Our Country in a Civil War. All you clinton fans remember when billy closed all the North Military Bases and moved them South. Have you not heard the South will raise again, this races name Obama will be the start.
wow...
05/19/08 @ 3:01pm
noObama…:
I haven't heard such uneducated diatribe since the last time I was in West Virginia.
We'll see who is right in November.