Obama, Biden Stump In Detroit

This story was written by Jasmine Boney , The South End

Both gave empowering speeches that embraced the future of the country. Although both Obama and Biden talked about the future, Obama's speech gave details about his plan to move the country forward. He assured his supporters that their support and more was needed to win.

"I came to see Obama in person because I want to hear him talk about healthcare and getting the economy on track," Sharon Thomas, a 51-year-old Southfield resident said.

In his speech, Obama talked about the economic meltdown that is occurring in America and the proposed $700 billion bailout plan that will keep the country stable. Obama said that stability is at risk and has been at risk. Biden agreed.

Biden said Obama was warning Washington years ago about the status of the economy. Biden also went on to criticize Sen. John McCain.

Biden said McCain doesn't know what to do about the economic meltdown and doesn't know where he stands on the issue.

"At 9 o'clock last Monday, McCain said the economy is fundamentally strong," Biden said. "By 11 o'clock, he had changed his mind. John you should pick a position and stick to it."

The economy is one of the most important issues to voters. During the last eight years, the mortgage crisis has gotten out of control, the employment rate has decreased dramatically and the price of food and gas continues to rise. Since the recent fiasco on Wall Street, people have been outraged at the bailout proposal and are looking at how the candidates are responding to this issue.

"It is unacceptable to expect Americans to hand over a $700 billion check to this administration, of all administrations, without any conditions," Obama said.

Obama also said there needs to be bipartisan cooperation on the bailout.

"We cannot, and will not, bailout Wall Street when many of the homeowners are struggling," Obama said. "This is not a welfare program for Wall Street."

Joe Fuller, 20, from Los Angeles, said that the economy this past week is forcing the candidates to show how they are going to respond if elected.

Along with the economic meltdown, people are also worried about the middle class. Since the debate on Sept. 26, the middle class has become an important focus for the Obama campaign.

Obama said the government needs to move to help the people of Main Street with urgency just like it did for Wall Street.

"He has a better focus on middle class than McCain," Ollie Mitchell of St. Clair County said about Obama. "McCain has the same view as Bush and if he wins there is no change."