Former President Bill Clinton spoke at Warsaw High School on May 3, 2008. (WSBT photo)
Story Created:
May 3, 2008 at 6:23 PM EDT
Story Updated:
May 4, 2008 at 12:53 AM EDT
WARSAW — From bigger cities like South Bend and Indianapolis to smaller communities like Warsaw, voters across the state are being told their vote counts. That's something many say they're not used to hearing. But do visits from big names, former presidents, even the candidates themselves really make a difference?
Matthew Towsley has seen tens of thousands of voters across the country.
"I think I've done like 14,000 miles in the last three weeks," he said Saturday in Warsaw.
Towsley travels for a private company, selling Hillary Clinton t-shirts, hats, playing cards and buttons.
"I call this the small town tour," he told WSBT. "Just because they're going through all these small towns. That's what they did in Pennsylvania and I think it actually made a big difference.
During his stop at Warsaw High School in historically Republican Kosciusko County, former President Bill Clinton's work was cut out for him.
"This country's in a lot of trouble, and you know it," Clinton told the crowd of about 1,200.
Dozens of people at the rally told WSBT they're not sure who they're voting for in Tuesday's primary election.
"I really haven't heard from any of them what I want to hear — even from McCain," said Larry Walls.
In his speech, President Clinton touched on his wife's plans for gas prices, the economy, jobs, the war in Iraq, health care and free trade. He also told everyone they can make a difference on Tuesday.
"Aren't you glad Indiana's going to have such a big voice in this nomination process?" he asked the crowd.
But did he change any minds?
Matthew Towsley said he's met a lot of people who have changed their minds from McCain or undecided to Hillary Clinton after hearing the Democratic presidential hopeful and her husband speak.
But even after hearing Clinton speak Saturday, Warsaw Republican Tom Allen said he will not be voting for either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama on Tuesday.
"I wasn't sure, but he almost convinced me," laughed Bob Gast.
For more election headlines and voter resources, go to WSBT.com's Campaign ‘08 section.
Tuesday, May 6 at 12:02 PM DMY wrote ...
Today was the first time I've voted in 18 years.We, too, were able to buy our first house during the Clinton tenure.We had money in the bank & didn't live paycheck to paycheck.Now that's almost all gone. Obama has NO answers to any questions except generalizations.We have that with the government we have now. Time for a change & not with him.I'm willing to take a chance on REAL change with Hillary.