Clinton or Obama? Even longtime friends divided

by Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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Former South Bend Mayor and Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan and current South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke support different candidates in the Democratic presidential primary

Former South Bend Mayor and Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan and current South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke support different candidates in the Democratic presidential primary. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

SOUTH BEND — As the Democratic race for the White House takes center stage in Indiana, even longtime Democrats can't agree on who to support.

In two weeks, Indiana will decide whether it should be Sen. Hillary Clinton or Sen. Barack Obama.

The entire country is now watching. It's a close race; polls have shown it's too close to call.

The Obama/Clinton divide is even splitting friends and family. That includes two famous faces in South Bend.

Silver Hawks owner and former Mayor and Gov. Joe Kernan will be at Coveleski Stadium where Clinton will make a stop on Saturday.

He's a huge Clinton supporter, hoping Hoosiers will vote for Clinton on May 6. But his friend, Mayor Steve Luecke, begs to differ.

They have known each other for years.

"Twenty and change, I think,” Kernan said.

They are personal friends and political allies on just about everything.

"Pretty much most issues,” confirmed Luecke.

Most issues that is, except for one — who they have endorsed for president.

“Hillary Clinton,” said Kernan.

“Barack Obama,” said Luecke.

In the race for the White House, former South Bend Mayor and Indiana Governor Joe Kernan and current Mayor Steve Luecke couldn't disagree more.

“I think there's just a real clear difference in terms of experience and the ability to be able to hit the ground running at full speed the day she is inaugurated,” Kernan said about Clinton.

"I think he provides us an opportunity to give a fresh look at the way we do things in this country and I think it's time for some of that freshness,” Luecke said of Obama.

That, he says, will draw young people and those normally fed up with politics.

But the former governor says it's Clinton's plan for Hoosier jobs that jives with him.

It's a deep divide that spans their party nationwide. But, here, they promise, it isn't personal.

"Certainly among the people I consider friends and acquaintances who are on the other side there's no animosity,” Kernan said. “There's just, ‘Good luck, let's have fun.’”

But could it hurt their party?

“There is some concern,” Luecke said. “It's been a long time since we've been this deep into the process to figure out who the nominee is going to be but again, I think both candidates bring great strengths, great plans.”

And a great debate, now centered in the Hoosier state, where voters could quite possibly make history.

“We could be making the decision on who the next President of the United States is going to be,” Kernan said.

Clinton plans to speak at The Cove Saturday, and Obama plans another stop in South Bend in the near future.

Friday, Apr 25 at 12:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Not where did I say anthing about being American. But, maybe I am wrong but wasn't there a draft back then. I am referring to 20 years of a person being told somethings has to "brainwash" their mind. My "priest" shows no hatre for any race as we have all nationalities attending our church and when I "Peace be with you" to my fellow black neighbor, I mean it.

Friday, Apr 25 at 10:57 AM lee wrote ...

I am for Obama. For over 20 years no administration has done anything to get us off oil dependency, and look where are. In that amount of time, we could be totally green, with new green jobs, new auto industry, that the whole World would be buying. It is time to TURN THE PAGE, a new generation, new ideas, stand up and VOTE OBAMA.

Friday, Apr 25 at 9:46 AM Fro wrote ...

you know, if you really think about it, i dont see why this wont result in a nucleur civil war.

Friday, Apr 25 at 9:42 AM Joy Ride wrote ...

Friends till the end like Cain and Able. Another reason to lose the politicians.

Thursday, Apr 24 at 7:18 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Did you also know the pastor served in WWII? Can you think of anything more American than putting your life on the line in a military that was openly racist. Anon, I would hate for someone to take your words out of context and see how they would turn out. Judge Rev Wright by his actions. Besides, I can not control what my priest says anymore than Obama could. If I could, women would be priests and a woman's choice would not be looked down upon. I wonder what things your minister says?

Thursday, Apr 24 at 12:58 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I need to know if I am the only one thinking this? If Obama worshipped at a church that the pastor hated the white people so much, were talking 20 years, how could he not carry some of that hatred. Like those women and children in Texas this is how they were raised. I am suprised at Lueke. And no, I am not prejudiced. I have many black friends. I am contemplating not voting at all (for president)

Thursday, Apr 24 at 12:10 PM The Thinker wrote ...

Jake, you took the words right out of my mouth!

Thursday, Apr 24 at 10:48 AM Couldn't disagree more wrote ...

with Speed. This is not what politics is about. It is not about smearing your opponent to win. It is not about making up stories to make you look more heroic. It is about doing what is best for the country and not yourself. Hillary could have changed the face of the campaign but winning is more important. If we focus on issues, they people could decide based on facts not tactics.

Thursday, Apr 24 at 9:32 AM R. wrote ...

Finally someone calls it like it is, Win at all cost, how are her tactics going to help us end a war, with her ambition to win at all cost?

Thursday, Apr 24 at 8:48 AM I am with you wrote ...

Kathleen, I could not agree more with you. I have been a Hillary supporter for years. Her win at all costs tactics have turned me into an Obama supporter. Now, with her latest, I am winning because more people have voted for me...even though she agreed that Michigan and Florida would not count, is making me sick. What won't she do to win? Isnt that what Bush did and look what mess we are in today. Hillary, I am so disappointed and ashamed of you. And all those times I stood up for you.

Thursday, Apr 24 at 3:04 AM Kathleen Martin wrote ...

Contrary to all computer and political models, here's a working white Indiana Catholic woman voting for Barack Obama. Hillary turns me off with her arrogance and attitude of Ivy League "entitlement." But I am turned off to her all the more for being the Democratic Party's "inevitable" candidate. Hillary is old-time politics dressed up in new clothes. She supported NAFTA, and if her "experience" didn't tell her how we'd suffer under it, she does not have the brains to be president, in my book.

Thursday, Apr 24 at 12:36 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I'd rather have DUMB or DUMBER over the current DUMBEST!

Thursday, Apr 24 at 12:32 AM MInute wrote ...

Have evrry one fogotten we have a Republican running agenst the two Democratic tax and surrender polititions.

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 11:15 PM Jake wrote ...

I find it ironic Luecke says he supports Obama because it provides an opportunity to give a fresh look at the way we do things. Well when he was challenged in the city election by someone wanting to promote fresh ideas, he obviously was fighting hard to keep that from happening. I'm sure he is implying Hillary has been in Washington too long and we need a fresh newcomer to show us the way. Well after 12 years of Luecke, we need a fresh look at the city. What's good nationally is good locally

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 9:05 PM A joe kinda guy wrote ...

If Kernan is FOR Hillary and Lueke ENDORSES OBAMA...isn't that like the same thing? The smart money is on Hillary and the even smarter money says that you look at what Lueke thinks is a good idea and go the other way. So they really DO agree. I would like to see Joe endorse Hillary and then lead a loyal bunch of supporters down to our state capital with a rope and lynch Mitch. What a grand weekend that would be.

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 8:48 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Whats to agree on? DUMB OR DUMBER

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 7:57 PM Speed1953 wrote ...

This is what politics is all about...GREAT FUN ! Support who you want during the primary season and then for the fall, reach out to each other, join hands, and vote for your parties nominee ! Work hard and celebrate EVERY victory !

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