WTHR |Obama campaigns in Elkhart

Obama campaigns in Elkhart

Kevin Rader/Eyewitness News

Elkhart - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama came to Indiana Wednesday for two joint appearances with fellow Senator Evan Bayh. The joint appearances have some experts speculating that it could be an audition for Bayh, who could get the second spot on the ticket.

Senator Bayh introduced Obama to a capacity crowd in Elkhart, walking right back into the Democratic vice presidential speculation sweepstakes.
 
"In five short months the Bush Administration will be done forever," said Sen. Bayh.

Bayh offered a rousing endorsement that sounded every bit like a man with possibilities.

"I would like everyone to give a huge round of applause to one of the finest U.S. senators, Evan Bayh," Obama said.

Then the Illinois senator, citing JFK's man to the moon challenge, offered one of his own.

"In ten years we will eliminate the need for oil from the Middle East and Venezuela," he said, outlining a plan that would invest billions of dollars and create five million green jobs in the process. Obama would finance that in part with money that is now being spent in Iraq since Obama argues that country now touts a $78 billion dollar surplus because of high oil prices.

"Evan Bayh is a valued colleague and a critical part in helping us win here in Indiana by appearances like today. You can see how popular he is," Obama said in response to a question about Bayh's chances at vice president.

The town hall meeting at Concord High School in Elkhart offered Hoosiers the chance to ask questions.

"Why did you start running for president?" asked a seven-year-old.

"Why did I start to run for president? I got hit in the head with a rock.  When I woke up I made my announcement and it was too late," Obama joked.

With that, Senators Obama and Bayh were off to Portage. Obama says he is just happy that Indiana, long a Republican presidential stronghold is currently in play.

Meantime, Republican presidential candidate John McCain is calling on his colleagues, including Senator Obama, to reconvene and vote on a comprehensive energy package.

"I hope that the Congress will come back into session, address offshore drilling, which is absolutely vital, address nuclear power, and all the other approaches that are vitally necessary to achieve energy independence," said McCain.

The Republican presidential candidate wants to see 45 nuclear power plants built by 2030.