Barack Obama: 'What strong countries and strong presidents do'

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Sat Apr-12-08 02:14 AM
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Barack Obama: 'What strong countries and strong presidents do'

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) � When in Indiana, one must do the 500. The Little 500, that is � the Indiana University bicycle race that inspired the 1979 movie "Breaking Away."

Barack Obama waded into Bill Armstrong Stadium on Friday and was greeted by a colorful array of spandex and a raucous student body. The race announcer credited him with bringing the good weather.

Friday's race was the women's contest � 32 teams in a 100-lap relay race around the stadium's quarter-mile track. This was THE sporting event in town. Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan, celebrating his birthday, was there. Local bars carried the race on television. And, of course, Obama and his entourage caused their own commotion.

The Illinois senator climbed to the receiving stand and waved, but he made no remarks. He then walked along the edge of the track as students and race participants strained to shake his hand or take his picture.

So who was Obama rooting for? He didn't say.

His visit came with little advance warning. The campaign did not officially announce the stop until the senator�s motorcade began pulling into the driveway of Bill Armstrong Stadium.

Obama was greeted at both places by throngs of screaming and cheering students who crowded in, trying to catch at least a glimpse of the political phenom. The lucky ones got a handshake, a smile or a nod from the senator.

When the presidential contender showed up and walked around the circumference of the track at Bill Armstrong Stadium, shaking hands with riders and screaming IU students.

Obama then took a position off the field, surrounded by police officers and his Secret Service detail, and watched the start of the race.

It was a bit of a madhouse -- and serious security challenge -- as Sen. Barack Obama arrived at Nick's English Hut after his visit to the race, a popular watering hole and restaurant here. (http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2008/04/obama_visits_ius_little_500.html)

The celebration for this weekend's Little 500, a popular bike relay at Indiana University, was already well underway.

Hundreds of people lined up outside as Obama arrived early this evening, after the Illinois Democrat stopping by the race and stadium for some colorful photos and plenty of handshaking.

Inside Nick's, the fire code capacity had almost certainly been exceeded as Obama shook hands and posed for photos with students, including at least a few who had appeared to have been drinking for a few hours.

The Little 500 race was playing on television sets throughout the bar.

After Obama walked to the establishment's second floor, he signed a wall, apparently a local tradition for visiting dignitaries.

"Remember, everybody's got to vote," Obama said, reminding the college students of Indiana's May 6 primary.

As Obama left the bar, there was a chaotic scene, as the crowd had swelled and become relatively aggressive in trying to press up against the senator.

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - After fifteen months of campaigning Senator Barack Obama got a rock star's arrival of thunderous applause when he arrived at Terre Haute North Vigo High School Friday evening. As the primary is just weeks away he's trying to Wabash valley voters on his side.

But his time on the road seems to be taking its toll. "This is about as close as I get to home these days," the Illinois Senator told the crowd. "I'm thinking about making a break for Illinois!"

Obama is still promoting his vision of hope and change but told voters he's well aware of the problems facing middle class America like the rising costs of gasoline, groceries, and college.

The Illinois senator also had strong words for rival Senator Hillary Clinton. "She's says I'm out of touch? I'm in touch. People are angry and frustrated in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they're bitter and frustrated and fed up and they want to see a change," Obama said.

Barack Obama said he would pull U.S. combat troops out within 16 months under his plan to end American military involvement in Iraq.

�We will do it carefully � I am talking about one to two brigades per month and that will take 16 months from the time I take office� if elected president, Obama told more than 2,000 people Friday evening in the gym at Terre Haute North Vigo High School.

�George Bush isn�t going to pull out more troops. That means we�re talking two years from now. This war has lasted longer than World War I, Word War II and the Civil War.

�It will be seven years by the time we have our combat troops out. Under my plan, we will have been there seven years. If we can�t get the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own government in seven years, we won�t do it in 14 years, in 21 years, in 35 years or the 100 years that John McCain is talking about; it won�t happen,� Obama said.

The U.S. senator from Illinois said as commander-in-chief he would �keep you safe. I will not hesitate to strike against those who would do us harm.�

He said the U.S. military should also be treated properly �when they come home. No more homeless veterans, begging for disability payments, no more waiting in line at the VA.

�It also means using our military wisely. The war in Iraq was unwise. That is why I opposed it in 2002 and that is why I will bring it to an end in 2009. It is time to bring our troops home,� he said to a standing applause.

Obama spoke using a podium used by former President John F. Kennedy during a presidential campaign visit to Terre Haute on Oct. 5, 1960.

Looking at the podium, Obama said he wants to restore diplomacy to foreign policy.

�I was reminded of what John F. Kennedy said. John F. Kennedy, who spoke on this lectern, he said, �We can never negotiate out of fear, but we can never fear to negotiate.� That is what strong countries and strong presidents do. They talk to their adversaries, they tell where America stands and try to resolve differences without resorting to war,� Obama said.