Bill Clinton woos Hoosiers

THE GOSHEN NEWS

May 04, 2008 12:07 am

— WARSAW, Ind. — Approximately 1,200 people showed up at Warsaw Community High School Saturday afternoon to hear former President Bill Clinton stump on behalf of his wife’s campaign.
“I would be here for her even if I had never been married,” Clinton said early in his statements, defending his support of her as the best possible candidate for the presidency. “She has the best economic plan, she would make the best commander in chief and she’s the best change maker I ever saw.”
Clinton divided his speaking points between the three topics, focusing mostly on the economy, the driving force of the “Solutions for America” theme.
He was quick to point out that Indiana carried a disproportionate share of the 3.3 million lost manufacturing jobs, directing attention to Hillary’s plan to create 8 million jobs that may not be outsourced. Current laws and loopholes, he argued, create benefits for companies who close factories here and move them overseas.
“What about a tax credit for reinvesting in American manufacturing?” he suggested, adding that the country must cease outsourcing manufacturing jobs related to national security projects.
According to Clinton, part of the path to more jobs and a stronger economy lies in a “serious committment to energy independence,” an issue he has been involved with personally since completing his own terms in the White House. Included in that path is the repealing of federal subsidies to oil companies who continue to rake in record profits.
He also made mention of closing landfills and using trash as a source of renewable energy. Through these and other measures, he said it is possible to bring manufacturing back to the country while rebuilding the middle class and bringing the poor up into it.
Under the topic of her potential as commander in chief, Clinton spoke to her military plans, which include troop reductions and a series of new programs for returning troops to aid in counseling, mental health care and housing assistance. Rebuilding the military as an effective and respected tool is also one of her goals.
“It’s time to send a message that America is back in the cooperation business (internationally),” Clinton said.
He also made note of the fact that Indiana has supplied more national guardsmen that any other state.
“We need to be looking at problems to see what can be done to empower people to make their lives better,” Clinton said.
Attendees cheered often throughout, giving vocal support to Clinton’s talking points.
“I thought it was a really great speech, it was very dynamic,” 24-year-old Warsaw resident Emily Mikel said. “I kind of came here to be swayed to one side or another, and I heard a lot of very great ideas.”
Although most seemed pleased with Clinton’s statements, some were still curious about issues not raised at the event.
“It seems like he’s in touch with what we’re dealing with, but I’m worried about some of the values issues he didn’t mention, like abortion and stem cell research, which I’m against,” Faith Heisler of Warsaw said.
Kendallville visit
Earlier in the day, Clinton visited Kendallville, where he spoke at the fire station on Drake Road.
“If you make her president, she’ll get us back to a balanced budget and reclaim America,” he said.
Clinton noted that the high cost of gasoline has resulted in many Americans having to choose between filling their tanks and paying for food. He said that while Hillary is not promising to make oil cheaper, she does have plans to have high-mileage cars made in America.
“You ought to be able to buy a really high-mileage vehicle in two years,” he said. Clinton also said that the federal government should be selling “green” transportation bonds.
On the issue of health care, Clinton said his wife’s health care plan will cover every single American. Those who want to keep their current plans will be able to do so, but those who are not insured or can no longer afford their plans will be able to have the same plan offered to members of Congress.
If Hillary Clinton is elected president of the United States, “She will be there for you, thick and thin. She never quits, never gives up, and she will never give up on you,” Clinton said.
Clinton was scheduled to speak at Plymouth and LaPorte High Schools later Saturday before meeting up with Hillary for a rally in Indianapolis with special guest John Mellencamp at 8:30 p.m.