Obama expected to speak about energy and the economy during trip to Elkhart County

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Barack Obama's last visit to Elkhart was on May 2nd before the Indiana Primary. (WSBT Photo)

Sen. Barack Obama's last visit to Elkhart was on May 2, 2008 before the Indiana Primary. (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

ELKHART CO. -- Preparations are underway in Elkhart County for Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama's visit to the area. Obama plans to address the economy and the energy crisis in a town hall meeting Wednesday.

During the summer, Dave Reiff enjoys taking long road trips with his dog, Sasha. But this year, high gas prices have forced him to stay closer to home.

"Gas prices are putting a crimp on everything. I think that's the biggest thing I'm concerned about at this point," he said.

Others say it's job loss. RV manufacturer Monaco Coach recently announced it will lay off 1,400 workers in September.

"It's a big factor. I think it is to everybody," said Elkhart County resident Jerry Brimhall.

People won't have to wait much longer to voice their concerns. Sen. Barack Obama will hold a town hall meeting at Concord High School on Wednesday.

"I'm pretty excited about it. I'm going to go. I"m going to stand downtown on Monday and try to get some tickets and hopefully I can get there," said Elkhart County resident Jessica Miller.

Obama's campaign says the recent job cuts and gas prices did play a role in the senator's decision to visit Elkhart County.

"The need to create new and additional energy sources so that we have energy independence for America. I know Senator Obama believes in that as well and a desire to create more jobs right here in our community," said U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly.

But Saint Mary's political science professor Sean Savage says Obama may also be coming to the area for other reasons, including reacting to John McCain's recent criticism.

"Obama was over in Europe being this rather superficial, international celebrity, while McCain was here in the Midwest, namely Ohio, talking about jobs and healthcare and other bread and butter issues," said Savage.

"He's coming back to Indiana because this is a state he's concerned about. And also because this is a state that Senator Obama has a great chance to win,” said Donnelly.

This will be Obama's fourth visit to the area this year. John McCain's most recent visit was in July of last year. Polictical experts think McCain is trying to build himself up in states where he's competitive with Obama, like Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Monday, Aug 4 at 6:11 PM Tom wrote ...

Anybody can jump on a problem, like the Monaco closings or gas prices, and blame "the other guy" for it, then make a bunch of empty promises about how they will fix it. Obama is doing exactly that. He will come here and say how he is going to bring that magical "change" to make it all better. But all he has is very cleverly stated rhetoric with no substance. He has no new ideas he's just good at pumping up a bunch of easily influenced liberals with his speaking ability.

Monday, Aug 4 at 1:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Obama hasn't got an energy crisis, he can afford to tour around Europe with his entourage in tow, for publicity purposes. It's ordinary people who are suffering.

Monday, Aug 4 at 8:44 AM k wrote ...

big fricken deal....he has decided to come to Elkhart and make more empty promises and blah blah blah his way through this crappy campaign. I'm so sick of him acting like he's already the President. Wake up Obama! quit walking around like you're all that, when you aren't!!!!!

Monday, Aug 4 at 8:35 AM wish wrote ...

I'd sure like to go and hear him speak. I hope this is going to be the announcement he will take Evan as his running mate...

Monday, Aug 4 at 7:23 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I guessed it right! He was going to speak on energy and the economy. The man is predictable! Thanks but no thanks Mr Demosocialist.

Monday, Aug 4 at 4:57 AM energy? wrote ...

You mean like he won't drill in America? You mean like his party has been in charge of Congress for 2 years and we have $4.00 a gallon gas? Thanks for the Recession, demosocialists....

Sunday, Aug 3 at 9:49 PM Dustin wrote ...

I am immediately suspicious of any site that claims to have "the real ____". It is usually highly suspect information from a highly suspect source.

Sunday, Aug 3 at 9:16 PM sort of fat Albert wrote ...

Hey, hey, hey! They've got a good one going on over at humanevents.com. If you want some insight into the real Obama don't miss this. Pat Buchanan wrote a column entitled "Whitey need not apply" and it's garnered 877 comments so far. A real barn-flattener. Makes WSBT comments look lame, lame, lame! Bye! Gotta get back. Don't miss this!

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