Former President Barack Obama Sunday said voters cannot fall for scare tactics ahead of Tuesday’s mid-term elections.
Obama told a crowd of more than 6,000 at Gary’s Genesis Center that the scare tactics often work, and that voters can sometimes be compared to Charlie Brown when Lucy holds the football for him, only to pull it away as he tries to kick it.
“He always fell for it,” Obama said. “Don’t be Charlie Brown with the football.
“While they’re trying to distract you with all of this stuff, they’re robbing you blind,” Obama said.
The former president Sunday rallied support for Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., who is running against Republican Mike Braun and Libertarian Lucy Brenton.
Obama said the Democratic Party is the party that will protect people’s interests, and Tuesday’s election is the most important of their lifetimes.
“I know politicians always say that, but this time it’s really true,” he said. “America is at a crossroads.”
Health care for millions, a fair shake for working families and the character of the country are in the balance, Obama said.
“We have been at crossroads before. Each time, ultimately, America has made good decisions,” he said. “Sometimes it’s taken longer than it should have.”
The Republican leadership has tried to kill health care, Donnelly said, but his vote saved it. Donnelly said the leadership is now looking to cut Medicare and Medicaid, but he and the Democrats want to protect them.
If people don’t like that, they need to vote, Donnelly said.
“This is a very, very close election, and every vote counts,” he said. “Your vote is your voice.”
Polling still indicates it will be a close race between Donnelly and Braun. An October Fox News poll of registered voters had Donnelly leading with 42 percent and Braun at 38 percent; A Marist College poll had Donnelly ahead with 47 percent and Braun at 45 percent.
Obama said, “Joe Donnelly and I didn’t agree all the time, but Joe always let me know where he stood.”
Hoosiers don’t want another “yes man” in Congress, the former president said.
“We need leaders who will actually stand up for what is right, regardless of party lines,” Obama said.
Rep. Andre Carson, D-Indianapolis, said Donnelly is under attack from Republicans.
“They’re so afraid of Joe Donnelly they brought President Trump in three times in a week,” he said.
Carson said there’s a lot at stake this election.
In eight years, Obama brought people affordable, quality health care, job growth and strengthened the United States’ reputation around the world, Carson said. Obama worked for children, for veterans and the disabled, he added.
“Our Republican friends are tearing that legacy down,” Carson said.
Obama said since he left office, the Republicans have had two years of control in Washington.
“What have they done with that power?” Obama asked.
The Republicans promised to take on corruption in Washington, Obama said, but instead “wrapped up enough indictments to field a football team.” Obama said they pledged to support the “little guy,” but doled out a $1.5 trillion tax cut for billionaires and corporations.
“Don’t boo. Vote,” Obama said.
When they cut taxes, they didn’t fund it, Obama said, and now want to take that money from Medicare and Medicaid.
“Don’t boo. Vote,” he repeated.
“Joe Donnelly is not going to let that happen,” Obama said. “But you’ve got to vote on Tuesday to make that happen.”
Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Gary, said people need to remember why they should vote for Democrats. He said it’s about good-paying jobs, good health care, secure retirement, safe work environments, and protecting a just and tolerant society.
“You can’t govern if you don’t win elections,” Visclosky said. “We have to vote.”
