Obama predicts close race in Indiana

Posted: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:04 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones
GREENWOOD, IN -- At an early morning stop at a diner here after polls opened, Obama predicted a close race in Indiana.

"I feel good," he said in response to a question from a reporter. "I think we've campaigned hard and well in this state and I've met wonderful people like this gentleman right here. And, uh, I think I think it's gonna be close. I think it's gonna be close. I don't think anybody really knows exactly what's gonna happen. So but as usual, I'm seeing a lot of enthusiasm among the voters. People are just really engaged and excited about this campaign, this process."

Obama spent about 40 minutes shaking hands and chatting with a mostly older, white crowd at the Four Seasons Family Restaurant outside Indianapolis.

He sat at the counter with Rick Jones, who said he had been coming to the restaurant for 20 years and sitting in the same seat. He had no idea Obama would be stopping by and said he was voting for him.

Obama ate only part of his House Omelet, complaining that he had lost seven or eight pounds on the campaign trail. And part of the problem was getting only a few minutes to eat. He was repeatedly interrupted by people, including one man who asked him to talk to his wife on a cell phone.

A 19-year-old, Jordan Stefanov, came in wearing a sticker indicating he had voted and told Obama he was his guy.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Thanks and Great Job

D. Davis, Charlotte North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:44 AM)

Indiana Hillary 56%-Obama 44%
North C Hillary 52%-Obama 48%

bobbi eau claire, wi (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:45 AM)

Good for the candidates that more and more citizens are involved in this years crucial election. Yes it will be close all the way thru June 3. Then superdelegates should decide who will be the democrat to defeat McCain/Bush.

rick mangone atlantic, beach n.y. (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:45 AM)

If Hillary doesn't get the nomination, then I will vote for Obama...McCain is bad.

jerry corpis/christi tx (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:46 AM)

At least, Obama is honest and realist unlike Hillary.

Frankly, I'm tried of looking at her and those hot pantsuits. Please get rid of this dreadful woman
Hillary’s windfall tax cannot get pass a Republican filibuster. It failed 3xs. If you don’t believe me; ask Hillary. It won’t; even if it does; its short term. Most of Congress doesn’t like the Clintons. It’s strange she is aligned with McCain. Don’t let her buy your vote. This is a gimmick for 3 months. We need the money for our bridges. We can’t afford another bridge to collapse, think of the lives lost in Minneapolis and Katrina. We can do it. Without the repair money to fix our cars from poor infrastructure; how much money will we have to repair our cars left; from pot holds? Hillary knows that. That's not care.
I guess Mrs. Clinton really doesn't care for the people (as usual). Let's give her a break; her judgment too could be clouded; since her trial for campaign fraud is continued. Google Hillary Project (www.hillcap.org).
HILLARY’S PETER PAUL CASE TRUMPS OBAMA’S WRIGHT& REZKO COMBINED!

My vote is for an intelligent Obama; whom I prefer as a person who will maintain a civilized dialogue with the nation and in foreign affairs.
Obama haters, wake up, smell the coffee, not the imaginary gas fumes.

Beverly (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:50 AM)

I feel good too. Whoever wins. Come January our long national nightmare will come to an end. There will be dancing in the streets. Children will laugh. The heavens will open and a choir of angels will descend. Balance will be restored to the world.

nuanced (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:50 AM)

Here's the true facts.
Obama will lose the white vote 62% to 37%. With over 1.5 million people expected to vote, and with the white vote making up almost two thirds of the expected vote, this equates to 620,000 to Obama's 370,000 votes. A difference of 250,000 votes. Hillary will lose the black vote 10% to 90%. With the black turn out expected to be 33% of the overall vote, this equates to 450,000 to Hillary's 50,000. A difference of 400,000 votes. The hispanic vote makes up a very small percentage of the expected vote. With that being said, Obama will win N.C by about 150,000 votes which is 10% of the expected turn out. Depending on how the hispanic vote break Obama will win by 8 to 10 points. You can take that to the bank.

Obama nation (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:51 AM)

Senator Obama has stepped outside of the box to show that he will be himself. He is an individual fighting for blacks, whites, green, yellow, pink, orange people. He has proven to me with his speach in Indiana that he will be THE BEST COMMANDER IN CHIEF that this country has ever seen. Senator Clinton took the low road in my opinion on to many occasions and I don't think she has our best interest at heart.

Jacqueline M. Jenkins, St. Louis, Missouri (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:52 AM)

I am really tired of hearing the media say "Why can't he close the deal?" Why aren't you asking why Hillary can't close the deal? There are a lot of uncommitted superdelegates, why can't she get them to her side to close the deal? Barack has won more delegates, more popular vote, and more states. Hillary can not catch up so DEAL CLOSED!

michigan voter (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:52 AM)

I am hoping that the voters will not be blind-sided by a silly issue entitled a gas holiday, an issue that Hillary can not possibly deliver as our government does not work that way, she is just one senator and legislation would have to pass through all of congress and be signed by Bush - Do people in the midwest really think? I believe they do and hope they vote for integrity first - Obama.

claudette Dubois, Monrovia, Ca (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:52 AM)

That scares me. Last time he said it would be close was PA. He's got to get better at lying like Hillary.

This is really a question whether the 8% undecided are gullible or not. Can they be bought for 30 cents a day that they probably won't get?

Poor Does not Mean Dumb (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:52 AM)

All and all, regardless of the outcome this is really great for our country. We have rehashed some old scars that were being swept under the rug and we have started to look at Washington itself a lot closer. If only the American people can continue this type of engagement for the long term.

Its when we the citizens fall asleep at the wheel and allow our elected officials to start acting like royalty and governing in a manner that does not serve the majority that we find ourselves in a hole to deep to climb out of.

If all else we can all tip our hats to Senator Obama for lighting the spark. We now have to keep that flame burning and shed more light on the majority instead of letting deals be conducted in dark out of the way places in other countries that rob us of job opportuinties and better futures for ourselves as well as our children.

Here's to you Sentor Obama!

Mark, Lousiville, KY (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:54 AM)

I hope Indiana voters don't fall into the Clinton's Webb. The promises she are making are unrealistic; just ask the voters in New York. She has failed to deliver on several promises she made during her election run for Senator. Sen Clinton blamed others for her undelivered promises. Her record speaks for itself. She continues to run on her husband's legacy. Indiana, it's time to stop this madness!!!

Tony, Yorktown, VA (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:54 AM)

North Carolina: Obama: 54% Hillary: 46%

Indiana: Obama: 49% Hillary: 51%

Tonite- Carter, Gore, Pelosi and Reid end the race with a resounding endorsement. The pundits lick their wounds

Mike , Texas (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:55 AM)

It's time for the Clintons to go away!

Jim Borden (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:55 AM)

I called my son and daughter-in-law in Valparaiso at 7:00 AM this morning to remind them to vote. I joked that I would give them each $30 to vote for Barack. They laughed and told me they saw through Sen. Clinton's pander right away. My daughter-in-law did remark that Obama spent little or no time in Valpo, Hobart, Merrilville, etc....but Hillary and Bill did. Her co-workers take on this was that he was only interested in the "black" vote in Gary, Indy, and East Chicago. I hope Obama's campaign considered this unintended message to the white, suburban middle-class voters of NE Indiana!

Kathy Brockett, Elwood, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:56 AM)

Hillary will win by 6. The honeymoon for Obama is over. His condescending remarks and his associations with radicals are very scary to the american people. Smart democrats are realizing this guy will never beat a war hero

Kevin (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:16 AM)
===========================================
Have you heard the radical ideas of Pastors Hagee and Robertson? Scary indeed.

Ian (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:57 AM)

Hillary and Bill have gambled everything to win another presidency. She threatens to nuke Iran, destroy OPEC and Wall Street, sabotage our voting system, and ruin the lives of themselves, and everyone who has supported them. If she wins the GE, she'll start off more disliked than Bush. If she loses, she won't be effective, or be "admired" in the Senate. I seriously doubt the NY voters would want her for governor. Maybe she's our version of a suicide bomber.

Terry, IN (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:58 AM)

You know it Gobama and KB that is priceless with your $30 offer.

Just say NO to having your vote bought by a measly $30 (hold out for much more!!)

I'm kidding people. NO buying votes!!

Lisa, proud Obama supporter in New Britain, CT (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:01 AM)

Sharon, MN

Which war are you citing that the Clintons have fought in to secure the nation's freedom? You act as if the Clintons sign the Declaration of Indepdence. Have you been drinking already? Its only 11:00 in the morning.

Mark, Ky (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:01 AM)

Oh Sharon, Mox and others, so you don't mind that your candidate lies through her teeth, panders and should probably be facing legal charges? Huh? No answer? Yeah, right. Keep it going for her, she will never be president. We are millions strong and we will sit on our hands, she doesn't DESERVE my vote. I'm an honest person.

LB, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:01 AM)

"The question remains, with Obama in such firm control of the nomination, why aren't people voting for him in droves? He should be winning these last remaining states by 20 points or more. Yet, he struggles. People really do not believe in this man.

Sargie Norton, Cambridge, MA"

Its because he is fending off TWO Clintons, the parties most powerful family and doing a masterful job.

Why does he not get credit for beating a former President and a US Senator by HIMSELF??

This should be the news...Not that he cant close the deal, that he has gone this far and is still ahead!

Lonny, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:02 AM)

Figure on this awhile:

Pre McCain nomination: Obama wins IA, KS, MS, IL .. all Midwest w/ blue collars
Post McCain nomination: Obama BARELY loses TX, OH, PA

Only question is how many cross over Repugs vote for HRC. I am from IN originally and I know of 2! These are 2 people who never get off their lazy cans to do anything ... we'll see, he's taking all comers!

(Bobbi, lay off the Pabst baby)

Lanny Davis (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:02 AM)

Obama has persevered through all of the anti-media publicity and desperate political attacks from Clinton. However, it will take the people of Indiana to propel him over the top. North Carolina is a given.

Obama for president.

Jack Frost, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:03 AM)

Make us proud Indiana and North Carolina. Here in Oregon, we'll return the favor in a couple of weeks.
Obama 08

sheilah, portland, oregon (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:03 AM)

Obama, you are a loser! You will lose Indiana, you will barely win NC, and you will lose all the rest of the primaries by huge margins. America is waking up to who you really are...a snake oil salesman who will destroy this country worse than Carter...you will hand us over to the Mullahs of Iran because you have no spine, you will make us all pay reparations to your fellow AA's for slavery. Sorry, but I will not have any of that. Anyone but Obama.

---------------------------------------------------

To the person that wrote that Piece.. you are a real loser. You are exactly what is wrong with america. You are the slime of this country, but you know what, thank God we will in a free country where you can hide behind your computer and spew such racist rants.

God Bless America and God help you.

Lisa, Florida (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:04 AM)

"Obama spent about 40 minutes shaking hands and chatting with a mostly older, white crowd at the Four Seasons Family Restaurant outside Indianapolis. "

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Loving all the racial descriptives . . . why none for Senator Clinton?

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:06 AM)

We want a revote in California

Seriously, folks I have talked to in CA believe that if the primary is held today, Obama would win handily. Clinton got lucky and can claim her big state victory. But we definitely did not vote for this pandering candidate riding in pickup trucks and supporting gun rights and drinking beer and acting like a high school drop-out. We voted for the smart first lady with a Yale degree. She left the campaign in Ohio. DNC: We want to change our mind here in California.

Becky Smith, California (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:07 AM)

Obama will not bring up any baggage of Hillary's that would be detrimential to her campaign. He is playing politics ona different level. Furthermore, he doesn't want to hurt the party any further.

The media could easily throw open Hillary's baggage and expose the rot in there. There is stuff that is being suppressed during this campaign but the Rebulicans will be happy to pull out in the General Election.

The media is waiting for Obama to lower himself to bring up the baggage...won't happen!

MANDY, California (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:07 AM)

Indiana Hillary 56%-Obama 44%
North C Hillary 52%-Obama 48%

__________________________________

KEEP DREAMING

Indiana Hill by 3-5
NC Obama by 10-15 if not a 25 pt BLOWOUT

OBAMA/BLOOMBERG O8 (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:09 AM)

Newsflash Obamabots: your adoration for your savior will lead to president McCain. The namecalling and hate hurled at those who dare to support Hillary will lead to many of us staying home in November. Stop drinking the kool aid and realize that Obama is a pandering, calculating POLITICIAN! He most likely will be the DNC nominee and will need the help of the Clintons and their supporters desperately.

Chloe, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:09 AM)

Sharon in MN,

Please tell us what the Clinton's sacrificed for this country? I really didn't follow, you didn't lay out the specifics, and I'm certainly not acutely aware of what they sacrificed.

Philip (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:09 AM)

Obama, Si Se Puede! Dale Gas! ( translation: go for it!) This Hispanic is with you!

Oscar Contreras, Tucson, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:10 AM)

I can't believe some of the comments here from Hillary Clinton supporters. It's amazing to me that anyone with half a brain could say that Obama not Hillary will say anything to win. Obama will only tell you the truth thats why he took a stand against the gas tax. Which is the furthest thing from pandering i have seen yet in this campaign. It is Hillary that would say anything to win. She would eat glass if she knew it would make here the winner. Frankly though what blows my mind is the blinders the Hillary Clinton followers are wearing. Do you guys really not understand that she can't win? I'm not exaggerating she would have to start shooting other people's delegates to actually win. I think its like 20% or more margins she would have to win both states by. I would expect that at least one Hillary supporter could actually add and subtract and stop wasting the Democratic parties' time voting for a candidate that is destined to lose the nomination at the detriment of the party and the nation. Its frankly selfish!!!!!

mrducks (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:12 AM)

"If you're fading at the tape and you win, you still win the horse race."

Hillary's "if I can't have it, no one can" attitude is disgusting.

Go home to .. uh, where's your home again? You lose.

Obama Realist (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:12 AM)

I sincerely hope that this ends today. If it does not I will have to force myself not to read first read until June 3rd at least. I cannot believe that someone just wrote that if Obama becomes President he will force us to pay slavery reparations. That truly disgusts me and so does the rest of these ignorant and angry comments. I have to force myself to believe that these people are actual Democrats. Democrats, as flawed as we can be sometimes, are supposed to be the party that cares for people, The party that transcends hatred, war mongering, misogyny, racism and ignorance. This race and the comments about it, especially here on first read, have shown me that perhaps I have been dead wrong and that is truly depressing.

Mark, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:13 AM)

"In reading some of the comments on these blogs, I am completely put off by most of the Obama supporters. It is so obvious so many of you are of a more uncivilized nature and have no respect for anything or anyone. In a fight for power you have been devious, deceitful and vulgar and a mirror reflection of your candidate. If there is any hope for this nation and the world, it does not lie in the campaign of Barack Obama."

Put off by the Obama Supporters? "Devious, deceitful and vulgar." Umm - shall I mention "Bosnian Warrior" (Oh- sorry- she "misspoke, or lied), "Obliterate Iran", or "high crimes or misdemeanors ("I did not have sexual relations with that woman!!!")"

TG (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:13 AM)

Zogby is just out with a new 2 day tracking poll...

Indiana:
Obama - 45%
Billary - 43%
Undecided - 7%
Someone else - 5%

North Carolina

Obama - 51%
Billary - 37%
Undecided - 4%
Someone else - 8%

Maddog, Charlotte NC (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:15 AM)

"Obama, you are a loser! You will lose Indiana, you will barely win NC, and you will lose all the rest of the primaries by huge margins. America is waking up to who you really are...a snake oil salesman who will destroy this country worse than Carter...you will hand us over to the Mullahs of Iran because you have no spine, you will make us all pay reparations to your fellow AA's for slavery. Sorry, but I will not have any of that. Anyone but Obama. "

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
To Sharon, MN:

And you say it is the Obama supporters who are disrespectful? Seriously?

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:16 AM)

There was an Indianapolis radio host on CNN this morning stating that there were many Republicans voting for Hillary because they know they can beat her in the GE. There was also an exit poll interview with a woman stating that she is Republican but voted today to screw the dems... She will be voting Republican in the fall (as she smiled). WHY IS THIS NOT BEING COVERED TO THE FULL DEGREE!? Instead, the media chooses to play dumb and analyze why Clinton is getting so much of the white blue collar vote (at the same time most of the unions are backing Sen. Obama). FRUSTRATING!!!!!!!!!!

MDB, Baltimore (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:16 AM)

Gary Shrago in piedmont, ca,

Please tell me what Billy Graham ever said that was blatantly anti-semitic? you clearly have not heard the man ever speak. He only preaches Christ and Him crucified and if that offends anyone, be they Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Atheist, etc., then so be it. But he hasn't preached anything remotely anti-semitic.

Paul (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:17 AM)

The spin on MSNBC by Clinton pundits are unbelievable. They are saying that Obama was way ahead and is a known quantity in Indiana, and predicted huge wins there. Now only ONE poll ever had him ahead, in fact she was way ahead, but of course MSNBC never questions what they say; and he never claimed a slam dunk. I think Hillary people are running scared. If you live in either NC or IN and support Obama, get out there now and help get people to the polls. We HAVE to get rid of the Wicked Witch or we'll be voting for McCain in the fall, come on troops!!!

LB, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:17 AM)

How incredibly short sighted of the Obama campaign to fan the flame of Clinton hate. Anyone who has followed politics for more than a few years knows that Obama will need broad democratic support to beat the GOP. Reading the comments here--mostly full of juvenile Clinton bashing-- I now understand why the GOP desperately wants to face Obama in November. He will have alienated half of the democratic base and will be routed in a 40 state defeat.

Jake, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:18 AM)

Sharon from MN, your post is so stupid and laughable. Nobody owes anything to the Clintons! Give me a break!! What are you? an ex girlfriend of Billy boy?

Obama just continue to be graceful and you'll see that class outbeats trash in the end!
OBAMA '08!!!!!!!!!!!

jodi from jerzee (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:18 AM)

Fat chance you dont like black people do you and I bet you are over weight!!!!!! Right so you can put down your waffles....We cant seal the deal because of people like you...Join us we can do great things for the country!!!!!

OBAMA 08-12

SHERYL HOUSTON TX (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:20 AM)

It is funny how Killary uses whatever she can to try to pursue people in a time of despair. I am too, feeling the pinch of gas prices; however, I feel that the federal gas tax is more beneficial to maintain the stability of our country. The oil companies that will be so called "taxed" in light of Killary's proposal are only 10-15% of the oil companies that run the world's oil. So all they are going to do is raise the prices and once again hurt the consumers. It is ashame that no one is telling that this propsal will not make it through congress!

OBAMA for President!

Let the OBAMA/ McCain race begin! (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:21 AM)

I voted for Bill Clinton twice, but never really liked Hillary. After this "win at any cost" campaign waged by the Clintons, I don't like either. Clinton supporters, had the media been telling voters ad nauseum that the Clintons go to trial in 2009 for a fraud suit ( Paul vs. Clinton) and had they been playing the comments of Bill's ex-mistress, Gennifer Flowers, in her book " Sleeping With The President" over and over like they have those of Rev Wright, Hillary would have never gained momentum. Flowers states that Bill told her that, " Hillary has slept with more women than I have." For those of you who do not think anyone will listen to an ex-mistress, I say, "Why not?" because they have sure allowed themselves to be swayed by the crazy statements made by an out of touch, old pastor. When Rush and Sean Hannity get through sifting through all of that Clinton dirt, we will WISH we had a candidate whose biggest problem was a nutty pastor. I can hear the GOP pundrity now, " Should voters really take a chance on a second Clinton impeachment should the Clintons be found guilty in the matter of Paul vs. Clinton?

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:23 AM)

This as well as MSNBC kills me! You people who support Hillary are as full of BULLSHIP as Chris M. on HardBall...And to the person who posted that he stated yesterday that the Rev.Wright story brings ratings. I'm DONE with MSNBC...All if the B/S political "shows."

I can't believe how damn gullible Hillary's supporters are! On the one hand they complain about the dumb ass president we currently have and yet they're complainnig about the possibility of havig an intelligent president, i.e. Barack Obama.

Yet, the glory in the prospect of having an admitted lieing, cheating, do whatever, say whatever BITCH as president of the US. All I can say is...IGNORGANCE AT IT'S VERY BEST!

Faith - Mobile, AL

Faith, Mobile, AL (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:25 AM)

"Hillarys people arent as rude and obnoxious"

What?!?!?

Expelliarmus, OH (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:25 AM)

Sharon - What kind of drugs are you taking? Or better yet, where have you been since 1991? Just wondering because you certainly do not have a clue on what is going on. The Clinton's have paid their dues? What in the heck does that mean?

Jan, Reston, VA (Sent Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:25 AM)

<< Previous

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=985060