Crowds gather at opening of Obama campaign office in South Bend

By ED RONCO, Tribune Staff Writer

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Former WSBT-TV anchorman Mike Collins was one of hundreds to attend the opening of the new South Bend Barack Obama campaign headquarters

Former WSBT-TV anchorman Mike Collins was one of hundreds to attend the opening of the new Barack Obama campaign headquarters in South Bend Saturday morning, March 29, 2008. (Tribune Photo/GENE KAISER)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Mar 29, 2008 at 3:32 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 29, 2008 at 6:43 PM EDT

SOUTH BEND — Hundreds of volunteers packed into Sen. Barack Obama’s just-opened South Bend campaign office Saturday morning, eating doughnuts, greeting one another warmly and proclaiming their support for the White House hopeful.

Among them, former WSBT-TV anchorman Mike Collins, who left the anchor chair last year.

Collins remembered being 15 years old, growing up in Pittsburgh and seeing John F. Kennedy campaign for president there in 1960.

"He made me care about the world," Collins said of Kennedy. "He made me care about equality."

Not since that time has Collins felt about a presidential candidate the way he does about Obama, he said.

"If Barack Obama wins Indiana, it’s over," Collins added, to cheers from the people in the room.

After the gathering, volunteers began canvassing, going door to door to register people to vote.

Obama, D-Ill., and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., are seeking their party’s nomination for president. Up for grabs in Indiana are 72 pledged convention delegates.

Saturday, May 3 at 9:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...

why has CNN reported on the Clinton Documentary called "The War" room yesterday morning at hours when most Americans were sleeping,and then pulled it of the air, untill it is fully investigated? blogs are still being played all over the internet non stop. If there is any truth to this, Shame on the Clintons. THis can destroy hillary in this election. And allianate her from white Indiana voters.

Monday, Apr 21 at 8:25 PM Gary N. Ginger wrote ...

What, exactly, do you think Obama is going to do that will be so different from the rest?

Friday, Apr 4 at 4:59 PM JIMBO wrote ...

HEY EVERYBODY...NEWS FLASH..OBAMA IS NOT BLACK, HE IS NOT WHITE...HE IS HALF OF EACH...I CAN'T GET OVER THIS...IF HE LOOKED MORE WHITE THAN BLACK YOU WOULD HEAR NO BROTHER CALLING HIM A BROTHER OR ANY OF THIS "FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT" GARBAGE...NEXT THING YOU KNOW THEY'LL BE CALLING HIM THE NEXT MLK...MARK MY WORD!

Friday, Apr 4 at 4:45 PM A Dude wrote ...

I can't get over how all of these baby boomer, sixties era, ex-flower children always compare everyone and everything to somebody or something that happened in the sixties. The sixties came and went (thank god) get over it Mike!

Friday, Apr 4 at 3:27 PM Ella wrote ...

I am one of those "older white women" who will vote for Senator Obama.I am a post-feminist who has the opportunity to support a male candidate if I choose and I CHOOSE!!!!!

Thursday, Apr 3 at 6:21 AM LINDA wrote ...

I would like to know the location of the headquaters, I don't see it here or am I just blind?

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 6:53 PM LINDA RN wrote ...

WOW!!! I AM GLAD THAT WHEN SOMEONE COMES TO MY E.R I DON'T TAKE YOUR ATTITUDES. I AM WHITE AND RECENTLY WENT TO CHICAGO TO OBAMAS CHURCH TO "check it out" I was surprised to see how the trinity church WELCOMED me. Take the time to investigate before YOU JUDGE!!! Shame on Indiana

Monday, Mar 31 at 9:21 PM Dustin B. wrote ...

People, let's be clear: because the preacher at Barack Obama's church has said things that may be hateful and divisive does not mean that Barack Obama is hateful or divisive. We cannot be judged by the things our pastors say. Does the Bible not say that you should remove the mote from your own eye before you criticize your neighbor? Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart's followers are not adulterers and while Pat Robertson has said some crazy things, I do not blame his followers for it.

Monday, Mar 31 at 8:19 AM Mama wrote ...

It's past due. To have a leader who will honestly stand for the average people of this country. I trust Barack and will support him. Get over it all of you who claim he can't or won't help this country. It is my opinion that we need a younger MAN to get this country back from the clutches of the rich man. Obama stands for US.Lets get it right...God Bless America...And God Bless Barack.

Sunday, Mar 30 at 9:58 PM Mitch wrote ...

Thanks None-so-blind..great info! I am so tired of people jumping on the band wagon, but not doing the research for facts. Half these people have no clue how much Hillary has been dishonest...it's all public record...people need to look it up. It should not come down to court orders for politicians to be transparent with their records. They need to lay it all out for people to see. Hillary tried to block hers. Still hasn't released tax records.

Sunday, Mar 30 at 8:48 PM karen wrote ...

What is Mike Collins talking about??? Where does he relate equality to o"bama when Obama goes to a church that preaches HATE towards whites, jews and iitalians, etc. I am all for equality, but Obama is not a good choice to unite us. If he doesn't agree with his pastor, he should have left his church a long time ago. I would have!

Sunday, Mar 30 at 6:41 PM craig wrote ...

mike was agreat reporter! and can endorse who he wants! get over it!

Sunday, Mar 30 at 5:56 PM None-So-Blind wrote ...

CONT. FROM BELOW 2 important bills: --Lugar-Obama Nonproliferation Legislation, signed into law 1/2007. Expands US cooperation to destroy conventional weapons; also expands the State Dept's ability to detect and interdict weapons and materials of mass destruction. --Coburn-Obama Transparency Act, signed into law 9/2006. Creates a Google-like search engine and database, allowing us to track approx $1 trillion in federal grants, contracts, earmarks, and loans! Get educated; read up--it's impt!

Sunday, Mar 30 at 5:44 PM None-So-Blind wrote ...

Re Obama's "lack of experience," he’s been in elected office for 11 yrs, 4 yrs more than Clinton. His IL Senate record: http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/07/29/us/politics/20070730_OBAMA_GRAPHIC.html Clinton/Obama US Senate 2007 record, culled from the Library of Congress website: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/20/201332/807/36/458633 Or search the LOC site yourself: http://thomas.loc.gov/ Since entering the US Senate, he's written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096. [CONT.]

Sunday, Mar 30 at 5:33 PM craig wrote ...

i loved mike collins on wsbt! now i dont agree with his choice but then why does it matter ? hes a citizen who has a right to endorse who he wants! i believe he made a great choice leaving wsbt! news is so over done these days and its all about ratings!

Sunday, Mar 30 at 5:22 PM Mr. Dignity's little brother, Integrity wrote ...

Hey Eddie, lighten up on my brother! There is not a thing in the world wrong with making the statement that Mr. Obama has only come this far because he is black. The press is constantly talking about what the percentage of voters in various states are black, or how both candidates are 'going after' the blacks votes. There's NO bigotry there; just fact! If Obama were white they would be doing the same thing to Clinton because she's a woman. Here's another fact, of the two she has a track record.

Sunday, Mar 30 at 5:20 PM Just Me... wrote ...

Cont.SB-The freedom of speech,the right to bear arms and the right to voice ones opinion as to taxes etc.Religion should not become such a major part of politics!But opinions count as votes!!Personally I think Obama has little chance! For I hope his 20yrs. church affiliation shows who he really is! Clinton has no chance whatsoever,for she is even a bigger lying worm than her husband!!And MCain has the most experience as not only a honored Vet. but also with his forien policy experience! More!

Sunday, Mar 30 at 5:05 PM Just Me... wrote ...

what a laugh I got out of this one!Wow,Mike Collins no longer has an opinion that can be voiced? Hmmm.. To Anonymous 1,Anonymous 2,Anonymous 3.Anon 4 etc. Oh,let's not forget Anonomous 5 and the other Anon's.LOL!!Get real! He just gave his opinoin as given to him, the American freedom of speach! And to SB,sorry to differ with you as fellow veteran, but as a disabled veteran myself,I always thought I was fighting for what our country was founded on! FREEDOM OF RELIGION. Cont..

Sunday, Mar 30 at 3:12 PM Eddie wrote ...

You people get me, we have people who say they have lost respect for Mike Collins beacuse he publicly endorsed Obama, which his is right as an American. Second, Mr. Dignity makes a point that Mr. Obama is black. These are all examples of whats wrong with our country today. Now Mike was not my favorite anchor by any means, but to the person who said Mike "is still thought to be an anchor" is beyond ignorant.

Sunday, Mar 30 at 2:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Collins may be entitled to like whoever he wants, but he should endorse a candidate who has yet to stand up and say: i want nothing to do with this preacher who preaches hate. hate speech is hate speech. the only way to end the cycle of hate is through teaching, and as long as obama continues to stand behind a man who preaches hate, everyone who follows obama is just as evil.

Sunday, Mar 30 at 2:21 PM Annoymous wrote ...

Welcome Obama

Sunday, Mar 30 at 12:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...

When someone gives me their opinion, I don't lose the ability to have my own. My mind is slightly stronger than that of an infant, do you see. Mike Collins just reminds me of when I was a kid and he was on channel 16. I miss the days when Dick Addis did the weather using a black dry erase marker!

Sunday, Mar 30 at 11:54 AM SB wrote ...

To: 7:58am Anonymous... Religion holds a lot more weight in these elections than you are apparently aware. I am one of those people who base my vote on what the candidate believes. If you find one that bases his or her decisions on what the Bible defines as right and wrong, then there will be no issue as to what is fair, just, or correct. Though it is law now, Christianity needs to ke the foundation of all our politics. Our country was found on this doctrine, and I personally fought for it.

Sunday, Mar 30 at 11:49 AM SB wrote ...

To: 7:58am Anonymous...

Sunday, Mar 30 at 10:27 AM Sandy wrote ...

I always enjoyed Mike Collins. BUT, I am disappointed. The only ways Obama and JFK are alike, smart, educated, great orators and charming. Go reread your history, Mike, Obama is no JFK. AND,JFK would never have supported an anti-american pastor. My grandmother used to say about a certain type fellow, "he is a silver tounged devil". Well, by today's standards, Obama is a "golden tounged devil". BOY!! Are the people falling for it. If he gets the nomination, I'm voting for John McCain.

Sunday, Mar 30 at 9:05 AM Thankful wrote ...

I heard that Tim Roemer was only involved to the extent that he was promoting Tony Zerkle as Obamas front runner to be vice president and Mike Collins was already projecting that the Obama / Zerkle team had won the November election!Thanks guys, now I don't need to waste my time voting in a primary or a silly general election.

Sunday, Mar 30 at 7:58 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Just curious.. What does religion have to do in this election- or any for that matter? Who cares what a candidate believes or does not believe? Keep religion out of politics! And.. if WSBT only posted comments that matched their own then your post (anonymous writer #2) then your post would be deleted. Quit whining.

Sunday, Mar 30 at 6:13 AM common sense wrote ...

dustin is so correct, if more people would have spoke up eight years ago, we would not be in the mess we are today!!

Sunday, Mar 30 at 5:57 AM Got out with dignity! wrote ...

Hey Mike I got NEWS 4 U! He ain't no JFK and you're no Walter Croncite. What do YOU know about equality? You spent nearly a half century in an industry that spews bias and prejudice by reporting AGAINST the side that does not represent the most 'veiwer or reader hot buttons'. Some of us have WORKED in the media and know exactly what we're told to show and tell. Obama may be a great guy but the story is that he's black. We have enough wanna be's reporting this we don't need 'has beens'too!

Sunday, Mar 30 at 5:35 AM Anonymous wrote ...

10:35PM anonymous is right! My take on this whole election is that it's a race issue and people like Collins and Roemer are bailing on people they have backed in the past to step up and be 'trendy'. With no more experience then Obama has there is no way he's in this election. He's only gotten as far as he has because the media is pitting a Black man vs a white WOMAN. For Collins to comment that if Obama wins Indiana the contest is over only illustrates that he'd rather make news, not report it!

Sunday, Mar 30 at 12:52 AM CJ wrote ...

Mike...as far as your comments, spoken like a true, jelous and bitter individual on Mike Collins, who's an accomplished individual.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 11:21 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Aside from what is known about his former paster, what does his church believe? I mean about God, not racial inequities.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 10:35 PM Anonymous wrote ...

You better be careful what you say or WSBT will not print YOUR opinion because it underminds THEIRS. The media in this country does not report news; they MAKE it! 35% of the price of gas is because the media hypes it up and conditions the public to pay up. It ain't news until it happens. Our 'SEVERE' Weather station. Cut the dramatics and let people read about people and thibgs that happen. Remember 9-1-1? Early on CBS reported as many as 50,000 possible deaths. Not news, just hype!

Saturday, Mar 29 at 10:30 PM Tiffany wrote ...

Stop whinning he can endorse any candidate that he wants, it is too bad that he did not choose Hillary who is the biggest sore loser ever, why doesnt she just quit now, she already has loss,just letting time pass will not help her.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 10:24 PM Dustin wrote ...

Don't shoot the messenger. Mike Collins has thrown off the yoke of impartiality and is speaking his mind politically, something he consciously avoided during his years in journalism. To paraphrase what he said on Dyngus Day, "if more journalists had spoken up eight years ago, we would not be in the mess we are in today".

Saturday, Mar 29 at 10:20 PM Anon wrote ...

I always liked Mike Collins, he was always friendly to people. I lost all respect for him now. He has the right to free speech about who he likes and so do I.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 10:12 PM john wrote ...

i say wwlcome, obama.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 9:06 PM Mike wrote ...

We didn't like him as a newsman because he was always giving his opinion,which we did not want, just give us the news & we will form our own opinion.Him & Obama make a good pair. A couple of fast talking losers.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 8:18 PM Tim wrote ...

Ananymous, Mike has every right to publically support whoever he chooses. He was impartial while he was an anchor. Your argument that he "is still thought to be" (a news anchor) makes no sense.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 6:51 PM CJ wrote ...

He's a private citizen now, and he has every God given right to choose whomever he see's fit, get off your high horse and find something better to do.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 6:49 PM Mary Jane wrote ...

In response to Anonymous. Just because someone still thinks of him as an anchor doesn't make him one and he can publicly support any candidate he wants to.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 5:35 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Well I just have lost all my respect for Mike Collins. Even though is no longer an news anchor he is still thought to be, and there fore he should not publicly support any candidate.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 4:32 PM Carrie wrote ...

Welcome Obama!! The more the merrier!!

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