One-On-One With Obama: Presidential hopeful spoke about Iraq, health care and Hoosiers

April 25, 2008 11:43 am

— If elected President of the United States, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., plans to pull troops out of Iraq and focus on turning around the economy in Indiana and beyond, the presidential hopeful said in a telephone interview.
Obama, who is running against Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., for a spot on the November presidential election ballot, participated in a telephone interview with The Evening News and The Tribune on Wednesday, after speaking to a crowd of 2,500 at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany.
Obama said to pull all combat troops out of Iraq would take about 16 months, and if elected, he would start doing so immediately upon taking office. He would send one to two brigades per month home.
“We have young men and women under enormous strain having to go on two, three, and even four tours,” Obama said. “The whole process hasn’t forced the Iraqi government into political accommodation.”
Obama emphasized during the interview and his IUS speech that the real American enemy is al-Qaida.
“We need to be focusing on the war in Afghanistan and those in al-Qaida responsible for killing 3,000 Americans,” Obama said during the interview.
Obama noted that while financial resources need to be devoted more to issues at home and in Afghanistan, it is important not to destabilize Iraq or place American troops in danger during any military retreat.
Obama also said he wants to improve infrastructure, research and development, and fuel options nationwide.
Obama also discussed several issues that more directly impact Indiana during the interview, including casino gambling and the economy. He said he feels there is no need to bring the federal government into regulating casino gambling.
“The states who participate are doing a good job ensuring that gambling is not harming communities,” Obama said. “I see no reason to change that.”
Obama said Hoosiers show the same concerns as many other Americans. He said they want better health care and more quality jobs.
“Many people here in Indiana have said they are severely burdened by the cost of health care,” Obama said. “I have specific plans to lower premiums and make health care available for every single American.”
Obama noted that parts of Illinois, which he represents in the U.S. Senate, are very similar to Indiana.
“There’s been terrific support in Indiana,” Obama said. “It helps that I’m a neighbor.”

Photos

Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., makes a point during his speech Wednesday afternoon at Indiana University Southeast. Staff photo by Kevin McGloshen