Barack Obama’s ideas for energy solutions have been dismissed as inadequate by John McCain - even the butt of jokes. But at Baldwin Wallace Tuesday, Obama swung back. He said he agrees with John McCain's view on what caused American fuel problems.
OBAMA: "A few weeks ago, John McCain said and I quote: 'Our dangerous dependence on foreign oil has been 30 years in the making and was caused by the failure of politicians in Washington to think long term about the future of our country. What he didn't mention was that he was in Washington for 26 of those 30 years. And he didn't do anything about it."
Obama said solving healthcare and the mortgage problem have to be addressed as well as the fuel crisis, but his first goal as president would be to eliminate America's need for Mideast and Venezuelan oil -- within the decade.
OBAMA: "Senator McCain has taken a page from the Bush/Cheney textbook. He's offered a plan with no significant investment in alternative energy. He's offering a gas tax holiday that at best would give you 30 cents a day for 90 days; 28 dollars in savings -- half a tank a gas. But that only assumes the oil companies would pass on that savings to you -- what do you think the odds of that are? Not much."
Obama spoke and took questions for about 40 minutes in a gymnasium before about 3,000 people after an introduction by Gov. Ted Strickland and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown that was speedy by political standards.
During the questions, Obama told one woman who wanted to wear her new dress at his inaugural ball he would have to get back to her.
OBAMA: "We've got about 90 days worth of hard work to do. But we'll get your name and we'll see what's going on after the election."
A 20-year-old father of a toddler asked if Obama knew a way to give credit and encouragement to young men who are raising their children,.
OBAMA: "First of all I'm proud of you. For understanding that being a father is more than a matter of helping to conceive a baby. Being a father means taking care of your child. So, I'm proud of you there. I will also say that if you have a 4-year-old child it's worth remembering that we teach our children that sexuality is sacred and important and not something to be done casually. There's nothing wrong with communicating that information. I think it's great that you’re doing what you're doing, but 16 is a young age to start being a dad."
The crowd was small compared to many Obama events. Supporter Diane Stricker of Hinckley said she thought the small crowd could have been a reaction to McCain's criticism that Obama is too popular.
STRICKER: How stupid. Talk to me about my brother who hasn't had a job two years, had a heart attack and has no health insurance.
Stricker, who has a son in the military, said she sees McCain ads comparing Obama to celebrities as a "typical smear" from Republicans – and it won’t change her vote.
Kymberli Hagelberg, 90.3.