Long lines form for tickets to see Obama

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People line up on W. Wayne Street in South Bend, waiting for tickets to Sen. Barack Obama's Wednesday night appearance at Washington High School.

People line up on W. Wayne Street in South Bend, waiting for tickets to Sen. Barack Obama's Wednesday night appearance at Washington High School. (WSBT photo)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Apr 8, 2008 at 9:58 AM EST

Story Updated: Apr 8, 2008 at 4:48 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama will deliver a speech at Washington High School Wednesday night. The event is free but to get in you have to have ticket, and they are already gone.

As Sen. Obama's staff arrived at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, the line for tickets already stretched around the block.

Many of those in line say they support Obama and his campaign for change.

"My thoughts standing here in line is that I am ready for a change, and I am here to support that hope for change," Alma Powell told WSBT News.

Elsewhere, people waited in line for tickets at the West Side Democratic Club. Everyone was allowed two tickets per person.

The doors at Washington will open Wednesday at 8 p.m. and the event is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.

Washington Street from Lombardy Drive to Summit Drive will be closed to through traffic. Parking is available on neighborhood streets, or in the large lot at the former K-Mart at Summit Drive and Western Avenue. From there attendees can walk to the school.

The Illinois senator's appearance kicks off a three-day "Road to Change" tour across the state, ahead of Indiana's key presidential primary on May 6.

For the latest on Sen. Obama's visit to South Bend, stay with WSBT News and WSBT.com.

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 6:37 AM it should be safe wrote ...

It should be safe on the westside for husseins visit. At least till security leaves. Have fun, I'm going to bed.

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 6:21 AM Anon wrote ...

Either way, it's a waste of time and money.

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 5:03 AM Dom The patriot wrote ...

Race or gender or preference had NOTHING to do with saying no to CLINTON. It was her request time- period! You poeple are ridiculous! Can't you just allow the rules to be played without bringing prejudice into it. OBAMA had the good sense to ask at the right time! Accept that! He shouldn't be penalized for that. Racism is so stupid!

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 12:12 AM not now not ever! wrote ...

I read that Obama's wife said that for the first time she was pround to be an American,I also read that Obama preacher/mentor condemned the US,I read that Obama has ties to the man who allowed the Iranian president speak at that University some time ago, we all know the Iranians hate us!so why does Obama associate himself with so many anti-American people? I still think that Obama is just trying to make history by becoming the 1st black President,is not going to change nothing especially my mind

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:14 PM Your Neighbor wrote ...

Here are the facts, the United States has had 43 Preidents so far, all of them have one thing in common- they have all been WHITE MEN ....I don't care if the next President is a woman , or man of a different color, I just want this knucklehead in office now gone.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 9:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Hey, "Nobody", you managed to reply with a full paragraph, but didn't say anything Obama does, except you claim he writes his own speeches. That must all you know about him then.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 9:56 PM Todd wrote ...

First off...please go read the policy which has always been online for SB schools. No disrupting events during the day. They just upheld policy. Hillary could of moved to the evening, but chose not to. Her people asked that student traffic be diverted in the school. They did the right thing. And gail..do you really need to ask why you would need tickets to see him? Far more supporters in the area. Oprah for pres...are you kidding me? Oprah is the scariest person I know! Complete freak!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 8:56 PM annonymous wrote ...

say no to socialism...if you plan to vote for him, you're going to have to learn to spell his name

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 6:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...

SBCSC to Clinton: Sorry, you can't come. Mishawaka to Clinton: Come here, we'd love to have you. SBCSC to Obama: Okay, we'll let you come. Obama: But we want tickets. Mishawaka: We want it open to the public and to our students, no tickets necessary. Come on people... you know the reason why SBCSC said no during school... heaven forbid should a youngster bring a gun to school---that's why Obama's at night and during break---then again---he's coming to the westside of SB---interesting

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 6:36 PM gail wrote ...

WHY ON EARTH WOULD WE HAVE TO HAVE TICKETS FOR OBAMA AND NOT HILRAY CLINTON?

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 6:14 PM Teresa & Albert wrote ...

I can hardly believe the remarks that I'm reading. Careful folks your racism is showing

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 6:02 PM Nobody you know wrote ...

anonymous: "So, Dustin. You're so pro-Obama, so tell us what specifically he is going to do. Don't tell me "change" or be a "leader". He's nothing but a tax and spend democrat that has a good speechwriter." So it's impossible to give good speeches AND get things done, too? Why does one preclude the other? You think he's going to give speeches all day as president? For the answer to your question, go to: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/ And by the way, he writes his own speeches.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 5:58 PM anonymous wrote ...

does anybody know if video cameras would be allowed to videotape the event?

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 4:26 PM amishman wrote ...

how many of you people like hillary? i know i don;t like her or bill . never did liked them

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 4:25 PM Bob wrote ...

Here is a link for contributing to Obama. Notice the languages the site is available in. ( http://www.acropolisreview.blogspot.com/2008/02/endorsements-of-barack-obama.html ). Tell my why Obama is after contributions from those speaking Chinese, Arabic, Korean and Russian. It's like a who's who of recent enemies of the United States. Who is it that's contributing to Obama, our enemies?

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 4:12 PM Anonymous wrote ...

So, Dustin. You're so pro-Obama, so tell us what specifically he is going to do. Don't tell me "change" or be a "leader". He's nothing but a tax and spend democrat that has a good speechwriter.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 4:02 PM Shonta wrote ...

You people must don't have a job to sit around online all day to say derogatory remarks about Obama. It's not a racial issue. Yes Zimmerman screwed up and didn't let Clinton come to Washington High School during school hours but I assume this is the board's way of covering up a mistake. Yes, I would love for Clinton or Obama to win the presidential election. It is history in the making...and you idiots have so much hate in your hearts that you don't even see it. What losers!!!!!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 3:47 PM disappointed citizen wrote ...

Wow....it looks like there is a lot more racism in this community than people wanted to previously talk about it. Obama will be at night when the kids are on spring break. Clinton was during the day and only open to students/school memebers. There are differences here. I would agree this should be at the Joyce or something, it's going to be a large event, and hopefully a safe event!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 3:24 PM craig wrote ...

10 oclock on west side good luck

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 3:23 PM Jay wrote ...

You people make me sick wake up South Bend didnt realize there are so many Hill Billies there

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 3:20 PM Anonymous wrote ...

If I was a resident of South Bend I would protest this event. Shame on SBSC to deny a white female but ok for a black male to come. What is this showing our children and what is this saying about the school system. Why couldn't they have it at the century century or the joyce. Somewhere that both canidates would have been welcomed.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 2:50 PM JIM wrote ...

MISHAWAKA SHOWED CLASS BECAUSE CLINTON WANTED TO SPEAK IN SOUTH BEND AND SOUTH BEND WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TOO. SO THEY LET HER SPEAK THERE. NOW SOUTH BEND SAID ITS OK FOR OBAMA AND NOT CLINTON?! WHATS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 2:46 PM Dustin wrote ...

The people who comment in all capital letters here remind me of a line I once heard in a movie, "You're not only wrong, you're wrong at the top of your voice!"

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 2:44 PM shameonallofu wrote ...

Obviously this is gonna be a bad idea..why cant they have it at the Joyce or century center..come on Obama camp be a little more understanding what your causing here..unless Obama wants to get votes playing im a minority card. this is why are society is messed up its divieded into catagories of race,wealth,power. whatever happen to everyone created EQUAL

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 2:24 PM Sherry wrote ...

Doesn't racism go either way? If your not racist then let them both speak.After all they are the same party, right?

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 2:20 PM MOM OF FAIR wrote ...

SOUTH BEND SAID NO TO CLINTON, BUT YES TO OBAMA? THATS NOT FAIR! EVEN MISHAWAKA SAID YES TO CLINTON, WE DIDN'T! ZIMMERMAN WHAT ARE YOU TELLING OUR KIDS?!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 2:11 PM saynotosocialism wrote ...

Like sheep to the slaughter. A line of people with their hand out wanting something from the govt. for free, knowing their "GUY" will give it to them, if he is elected. I make my own way in life. I want NOTHING from Obama and the govt. I stand on my own 2 feet, I'll be a MAN and vote for MaCain!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 2:07 PM Your Conscience wrote ...

Here are the facts, the United States has had 43 Preidents so far, all of them have one thing in common- they have all been WHITE MEN ....I don't care if the next President is a woman , or man of a different color, I just want this knucklehead in office now gone. Grow up South Bend or Michiana as we have now been called for too long.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:50 PM South Bend wrote ...

Very Well Said!!! "How did Mishawaka show more class? They had a candidate, South Bend is having a candidate. Obama's event is at 10pm during spring break, Clinton's event was at 10am during a school day. Everyone is invited to Obama's event, Clinton's event (if at Washington) would have only been open to voting age students. The thing that scares me is the latent racism in our community that this event has uncovered."

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:49 PM embarassed wrote ...

Finally! An issue all of the dim-witted racists in this area can rally around. "We don't want no talkin' in our city!" They've had to hold their tongues for too long, now finally they can let their bigot flags fly high and proud. Shameful.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:20 PM Greg wrote ...

This is not a race issue. It is stupidity from Dr. Z and the board. They are trying to make good on one mistake and making another. Way to go!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:17 PM WRONG PERIOD wrote ...

I'm a bit confused? I thought, that it was against South Bend Community School Corporation policy, to hold any political event, at a school? That is was our Superintendent, Robert Zimmerman said, in a written. It was also said that they (school board) didn't want it (Hillary's visit) to make it look like they were endorsing one specific candidate. So, what does it look like now? Please clarify this! This just reminds why I will be voting for new members who are not hyprocrites, to represent Sout

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:16 PM Kathy wrote ...

11:45 AM Oprah for president! wrote ... I wouldn't walk accross the street to see him! He scares me...

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:15 PM Anonymous wrote ...

11:45 AM Oprah for president! wrote ... I wouldn't walk accross the street to see him! He scares me... paid for by the Republican Party

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:11 PM WHO KNEW! wrote ...

'm a bit confused? I thought, that it was against South Bend Community School Corporation policy, to hold any political event, at a school? That is was our Superintendent, Robert Zimmerman said, in a written. It was also said that they (school board) didn't want it (Hillary's visit) to make it look like they were endorsing one specific candidate. So, what does it look like now? Please clarify this! This just reminds why I will be voting for new members who are not hyprocrites, to represent South

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:08 PM Curious wrote ...

Who the heck does a campaign visit at 10 o'clock at night?!? There is something fishy about that! I think that the police will definately have their hands full that night! Ought to be interesting...I won't be there!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:08 PM OBAMAVOTENO wrote ...

So why this irrational attraction to Obama? He promises change, but what kind of change? He promises a change in direction for America, but what if this is a direction that most Americans don't want to take--such as amnesty and driving licenses of illegal aliens. Withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq when now al Qaeda is on the run. The transfer of hardened Muslim terrorists from Guantanamo to the U.S. given the same rights as American citizens. Americans shoul

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:06 PM BITS AND BITS wrote ...

ABC News Discovers Obama Is a...Liberal Who Loves Raising Taxes ABC News sent Terry Moran to Springfield, the capital of Illinois, to explore Barack Obama's record as a state Senator and, deep in his Monday story on World News, Moran acknowledged a reality rarely mentioned in network campaign coverage: "Obama was...considered a reliable liberal Democratic vote in Illinois, voting for most gun control measures, opposing efforts to ban so-called 'partial birth abortions,' and supporting hundreds

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:05 PM Betty and Tim wrote ...

Well you can certainly tell which ones here are already voting for Obama, LOL!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 12:00 PM Confused wrote ...

Why don't they all speak at Bendix Theater? Why do they need a school?

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:55 AM Ray wrote ...

If you have an issue about what Zimmerman did, then you become the superintendent of the South Bend School Corp. Until then, what he does is what you will have to take.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:53 AM John wrote ...

Attaining 'change' is not as simple as casting a vote for a man who promises change. Change is created by individuals. "Good luck with all of that" is what I say to these folks who think that their lives are magically going to improve with no effort whatsoever on their own part, should Barack get elected.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:46 AM Tim wrote ...

Methinks there's been some serious spinning going on around S.B.! How clever, during spring break and after 10pm! This is truly a miracle! And anyone who thinks that this a manipulative act why hush your mouth!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:46 AM today's women wrote ...

I understand why Superintendent Zimmerman said No! Because it was not the right time of Senator Clinton to come to the school. So by having it at night it is a choice by the parents if they want their children to come or not.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:38 AM Sheri wrote ...

Mishawaka had to interrupt classes to allow Hillary to visit, haven't the kids missed enough class time because of all the snow...I appreciate that South Bend schools want to keep on schedule...

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:35 AM Carolyn wrote ...

Oh here we go with race. When are you all going to wake up and realize that this is 2008. This man will be good for our oval office. Atleast we wont have a president that doesnt have his hand hand in the cookie jar when it comes to 3.45 on gas.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:28 AM Dustin wrote ...

How did Mishawaka show more class? They had a candidate, South Bend is having a candidate. Obama's event is at 10pm during spring break, Clinton's event was at 10am during a school day. Everyone is invited to Obama's event, Clinton's event (if at Washington) would have only been open to voting age students. The thing that scares me is the latent racism in our community that this event has uncovered.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:09 AM JIM wrote ...

MISHAWAKA SHOWED MORE CLASS! SHAME ON YOU ZIMMERMAN!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:07 AM JOYCE wrote ...

NO FOR A WOMAN, BUT YES FOR A BLACK MAN! WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE ARE YOU SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY BOARD ARE YOU SENTING OUR CHILDREN?!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 10:56 AM INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE wrote ...

Robert L. Zimmerman, Superintendent South Bend Community School Corporation 215 South St. Joseph Street South Bend, IN 46601 283-8292 (work)

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 10:45 AM Oprah for president! wrote ...

I wouldn't walk accross the street to see him! He scares me...

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 10:44 AM Bobby wrote ...

I can not believe the South Bend Community School Corp.! No Hillary Clinton, but ok for Obama! Talk about racist! Oh Zimmerman is voting for Obama. I got it! What kind of message are you senting our children?!

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