Michael Barone

Obama Pitches Stimulus in Elkhart, Indiana, RV Capital of the World--Why?

February 9, 2009 RSS Feed Print

By Michael Barone, Thomas Jefferson Street blog

Barack Obama is speaking today in Elkhart, Indiana, which had very high unemployment (15.3 percent) in December, a record. But why does Elkhart have such exceptionally high unemployment? The answer is that it is, as a promotional website tells us, "The RV Capital of the World." RV sales are down this year, and I don't suppose they'll be helped by the cap-and-trade system that Obama and most Democrats want to impose on our economy. Yes, Elkhart County trended hugely to Obama. George W. Bush carried it 70 percent to 29 percent in 2004, and, Obama lost it by only 55 percent to 44 percent in 2008. Obama made those gains because of what people in Elkhart County thought George Bush failed to deliver. Now Obama must deliver himself.

On Facebook? You can keep up with Thomas Jefferson Street blog postings through Facebook's Networked Blogs.

Tags:
Obama administration,
economic stimulus

Reader Comments Read all comments (20)

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Are there tax cuts for businesses to move to elkhart Indiana?

ems of OH 5:52PM October 11, 2010

Larry of CA says, "Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe... all should be removed from the Republican Party and should be voted out of office."

If that's how you feel, talk to the people of Maine. They obviously feel well-represented by Collins and Snowe. Olympia Snowe has been chosen as a representative by the people of Maine in various offices for over 35 years. Susan Collins has been chosen to serve the people of Maine for over ten years. Obviously, your gripe is with the people of Maine and not the representatives they choose, repeatedly.

All politics is local.

VisitorZero of ID 4:01PM March 09, 2010

F*CK Obama.....I dont swallow any of his double talk, & just telling people what they wanna hear!! I still feel he doesnt have the experience to be President, & I voted accordingly for MacCain/Palin! He hasnt done anything to improve the situation here in Elkhart County, I know cause I live here in Goshen, Indiana! Well, to all the Wiggers who voted for him.....here's my middle finger to ya! Ron G.

Ron G. of IN 8:45AM February 23, 2009

Michael Barone

Michael Barone

U.S. News Weekly

Subscribe Today

Order the new U.S. News Weekly digital magazine at a special low introductory price!

Michael Barone is a senior writer for U.S.News & World Report and principal coauthor of The Almanac of American Politics. He has written for many publications—including the Economist and the New York Times.

Thomas Jefferson Street Blog

Obama’s Contraceptive 'Compromise' Doesn't Pass the Smell Test

The so-called "accommodation" on contraceptive coverage reinforces the administration's commitment to its pro-choice agenda.

On Women in Combat, Rick Santorum Insults Military Men

To suggest that the men in our armed forces cannot control their emotions is a real slap at the professionals who wear the uniform.

To Avoid a Failed February, Mitt Romney Needs a Big Idea

Mitt Romney needs a big idea to rouse enthusiasm for his campaign.

How Mitt Romney Should Respond to the Improving Economy

Even if the economy continues to improve, Mitt Romney still can present a better plan than Barack Obama's.

The Problems With the Catholic Church and Birth Control

The Catholic Church's stance on birth control is a slippery slope, as an Obama administration ruling highlights.

Democrats Rebelling Against Obama Birth Control Policy

Some Democrats are among most publicly opposed the an Obama policy requiring religious institutions to cover contraceptives.

Catholic Birth Control Fight About Healthcare, Not Just Religion

The framing of the issue of required contraceptive coverage in religious terms obscures the real question.

Rick Santorum's Sweep Means It’s Still Anybody’s Race

The GOP finds itself in the unusual position of not being sure who its nominee will eventually be.

Does BP CEO Tony Hayward Need R&R?

The CEO has gone AWOL amid the oil spill disaster.