Thousands pack The Cove to hear Clinton speak

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., speaks during a rally in South Bend, Ind.

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., speaks during a rally in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, April 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

By Beth Boehne

SOUTH BEND — The May 6 primary is less than two weeks away and it could make or break for Sen. Hillary Clinton in her bid for the White House. Thousands packed Coveleski Stadium Saturday to hear her.

Scott Kirner wanted his daughters to be part of history. But that's not the only reason he came to hear Clinton speak.

"I don't know. It's really difficult, that's why I'm here just to listen and learn,” said Scott Kirner.

Kirner is just one of many undecided voters.

"Actually I like both candidates. I like Obama and I like Hillary," said Johnnie Johnson.

And Clinton hoped to win over those voters Saturday.

"It is about working to make the changes we know we must have," Clinton told the crowd.

"And so the difficult thing for me is, the candidates are so similar on a lot of those issues," said Kirner.

And political science professor David Parker couldn't agree more. He says the only difference between the two candidates is their style.

"She says, 'Hey, I have all this experience and all this detailed policy knowledge and I'm ready to go on day one.' He says, 'Politics is broken, this system is broken, I'm a fresh face I can come in and bring people together,'" Parker said.

Parker says holding rallies is one way to show voters their style. Saturday's visit to The Cove was Clinton's third stop to the area in less than a month.

"I was thinking that we were in Mishawaka, some of you may have been there in the high school known as The Cave. Today we're in The Cove," said Clinton.

Parker thinks rallies like these do have an impact on people, especially undecided voters. He says not only does it show how they connect with voters, it also dominates the local media in a way that reinforces their advertising.

"So it's just kind of a bombardment. I'm getting all these leaflets in the mail. You're seeing the TV advertisements. And now we're seeing the local news. So yeah, I think they're very, very helpful," said Parker.

But for Kirner, Saturday's rally may have made it even more difficult to decide.

"Yeah, I'm still not sure," said Kirner.

Hillary Clinton will return to Indiana next week with stops in Kokomo and Terre Haute.

Wednesday, Apr 30 at 8:20 AM lussy wrote ...

Not much to choose from-Hillary may have lied-but Obama doesn't have enough experience and could NEVER lead the military!

Tuesday, Apr 29 at 8:12 PM Michelle R. wrote ...

IT'S SIMPLE: Senator Hillary Clinton is the RIGHT PERSON for the job to turn the economy of this country around. She's also the ONLY candidate with a UNIVERSAL healthplan for all Americans! With a proven track record as the Senator of the state of New York...She's tough, to the point and detailed on all her platform issues,and passionate on working for US! THAT'S THE KIND OF PERSON YOU WANT running this country! I can't think of a better qualified candidate than Sen. Clinton for President!

Monday, Apr 28 at 9:11 AM Anonymous wrote ...

They are all liars. Of course they are going to say what voters want to hear. But when they actually get in office nothing they say would happen happens.

Monday, Apr 28 at 7:09 AM ev wrote ...

it is hard to hear obama say he does not want to debate, but then, when you think about WHO he would be sitting talking to, it does make more sense. billary just lies and twists things to make him look bad, and is not going to actually be truthful or accountable in anything said during a debate anyway. so, i guess i can't blame him.

Monday, Apr 28 at 1:21 AM Me wrote ...

All politicians are liars. That is just how politics work. Anyone that is elected will inevitably not come through with campaign promises. We have seen this time and time again. All you can do is read UN biased facts and decide for yourself!

Sunday, Apr 27 at 9:15 PM Todd wrote ...

I may not agree with Obama not wanting to do a debate, but he has answered any question asked of him. It did not take court orders and months to get records like in Hillary's case. She wouldn't even release her tax returns till the water got too hot. The reason for holding the records was quite clear..she did not have the experience she states. Most trips she was in an observation role only while overseas with Bill.

Sunday, Apr 27 at 4:11 PM Nascar Dad wrote ...

Yeah I don't see Obama as the President, he's not ready for the job. He's having trouble handling the stress of this election, and hasn't even been asked tuff questions yet. Doesn't want another debate because he fears him short-comings will be exposed. He's just another person built-up by the Media.

Sunday, Apr 27 at 2:02 PM Middle Class American wrote ...

Obama is as phony as a $3.00 bill, he's keep speaking of change, but doesn't get specific about how said change will happen. He calls middle America bitter gun nuts who are overly religous. His wife saids she isn't proud of the U.S.A., and yet the media loves this guy. I have voted in every presidential election since I was 18, and voted for both Dem. and Rep. canditates, always for who I thought would bo a better job, and this year will no different. Obama did get money from oil company exec.

Sunday, Apr 27 at 1:17 PM Chris wrote ...

http://digg.com/politics/INDIANA_fellow_hoosiers_please_READ_and_VOTE_MAY_6th There have been few polls in Indiana to indicate which candidate is favored. Recently though as this article shows, polls are indicating that Obama is positioned to take Indiana. If we act as Hoosiers we can put this smoke-and-mirrors campaign of Clintons to an end and begin the process of re-uniting the Democratic party and the nation!

Sunday, Apr 27 at 10:04 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Obama is liar too. he has taken millions of dollars from "energy company" employees. Yeah sure, he may not "take money from lobbyists and special interest grous." But he is getting the money from them---as individuals give to him...

Sunday, Apr 27 at 9:05 AM Trebor wrote ...

Reality heck you make a lot of good points, Obama will do what the dnc tells him to do if elected. America needs a strong third party that won't sell Americans out. reformparty.org

Sunday, Apr 27 at 8:57 AM Frank wrote ...

Obama's legislative record is dismal. He voted "present" instead of fighting for most issues. He and is wife are anti-middle America. We will be even more divided than ever with this man and his cronies leading our country.

Sunday, Apr 27 at 8:30 AM Mitn wrote ...

I agree with Dale. Hillary is all double talk. I wish she would just drop out of the race. Please get out of Obama way.

Sunday, Apr 27 at 7:46 AM Reality Check wrote ...

We cannot replace one corporate, divisive Republican with a corporate, divisive Democrat and expect things in Washington to change. The problems America faces: gas/energy policy, the economy, security, and health care, call for a leader who can bring people together and resist the influence of lobbyists and PAC's. That leader is Barack Obama. www.barackobama.com

Sunday, Apr 27 at 7:33 AM I agree wrote ...

Socialists like she and Obama are like that. I agree. It is the way that they fool the sheeple, with their hands out wanting the govt. to take care of them is what should scare us all. Reminds one of Germany in 1933, scary.

Saturday, Apr 26 at 11:01 PM Dale Bennett wrote ...

Hillary Clinton is a huge liar. Sniper fire, leading the popular vote, her experience, her being blue-collared etc... She is a nasty shape shifter who is willing to do anything to attain power.

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