Bill Clinton throws support behind Donnelly, Gregg - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Former President Bill Clinton came to Indianapolis Friday to support two Democratic candidates in Indiana. Gubernatorial candidate John Gregg and US Senate hopeful Joe Donnelly stood on stage right beside the former president, along with former Sen. Evan Bayh.

After admitting, "I didn't expect to be quite so involved in this campaign," Clinton explained that with his daughter working in television news and wife Hillary Clinton as secretary of state barred from participating in electoral politics, "you're stuck with me."

Clinton quickly launched into a stump speech that attacked his Republican opponents while outlining the Democratic philosophy. He talked about the importance of building up the middle class, arguing that it leads to a "shared prosperity."

"We learned that a philosophy of 'we're all in this together' works a lot better than 'you're on your own,'" he said. "If people are doing well it's because government and business work together."

Clinton also argued about how the "conservative" label is applied to the GOP.

"I resent the fact that it's called conservative because it's not. The four people on this stage - we are way more fiscally conservative than the people they got running for president vice president and every other office."

As Clinton addressed a packed house at North Central High School, it was like we had flashed back in time to 2008 when he visited Indiana 39 times campaigning for his wife Hillary.

"I almost feel entitled to sing back home in Indiana," he said.

But this time he was here for two Indiana Democrats.

"We are going to win. We are going to do this!" John Gregg promised supporters in the crowd.

"It never hurts to have Bill Clinton say good things about you," said Joe Donnelly.

But he was not so kind to Republican Richard Mourdock, Donnelly's rival.

"I don't understand how you could say your biggest thrill in life is to impose your opinion on somebody else. Especially if you don't know what you are talking about," said Clinton.

He didn't stop there.

"What is this idea that it is my way or the highway?" Clinton said, characterizing Mourdock's no-compromise stance.

"I was raised to believe no one is right all the time. Now maybe Mr Mourdock is. He's very right all the time; I know that," he said.

The 42nd president clearly relished the opportunity to return to Indiana. The choir seemed to enjoy just as much as he did.

"I thought the speeches were inspirational. I really hope Hoosier voters will see the common sense in Joe Donnelly and John Gregg's platforms and elect them both," said Sharon Cruz.

"He explains things clearly. He excites the base and it was nice to have him here in Indianapolis," said Shara Wesley.

"President Clinton was so inspirational. He hit every point. He taught us all but too bad he is just preaching to the choir!" said Ellen Shevitz.

Mike Pence's campaign released a statement saying, "It's good that Hoosiers show our hospitality to a former President, but Mike Pence is focused on sharing his Roadmap for Indiana with Hoosiers interested in how we can build good jobs and great schools."

The Mourdock campaign said, "The President's visit reminds Hoosiers that Richard Mourdock stands with Mitch Daniels, Dan Coats and Governor Romney, and Joe Donnelly will stand with Clinton, Reid, Pelosi and their allies."