In a state where basketball is a practiced religion it seems that politics has taken center stage for one day at least. Hoosier memorabilia has been swept aside to make room for Hillary yard signs and “yes we can” buttons. Figures like Larry Bird and Reggie Miller have been temporarily replaced by two dueling Senators from New York and Illinois. Hoosier Nation is ready for its close up.

 

“Excited” is the word I hear most often from voters. People are excited that Indiana will finally play an important role in the nominating process. They are also excited to see the campaigns and their repetitive 30 second commercials head elsewhere.

 

Having spent the past few days talking to Hoosiers it seems to me that younger voters and senior citizens are the most enthusiastic. College students are ready to finally have their votes count. Most have enjoyed the campus rallies hosted by Obama and Clinton. Many Indiana University students have told me that the recent Dave Matthews concert in support of Obama was their favorite college experience.

 

“It was like a riot. People were tailgating,” explains Indiana University senior Mike Abrams.

 

Older voters seem determined to have an impact on the final results. They display an impressive mastery of policy issues. While discussing health care, social security, and the War in Iraq they really show a depth of knowledge.

 

Barack Obama’s advantage in campaign funding is highly visible. He has put together an impressive ground game in Indiana’s metropolitan centers. His commercials run constantly, his campaign workers calls houses three to four times a day, and his flyers are everywhere. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing all morning and I’m pretty sure it’s a member of his campaign each time.

 

From the polls…

 

A strong turnout is predicted so it was no surprise that voters waited in lines during the early morning rush. 

 

“Turnout has been heavy for a primary. We’re seeing quite a few more voters than a normal primary,” explains Indianapolis polling inspector Jim Seiver.  

 

Seiver says that most voters have asked for a democratic ballot and notes that even registered Republicans can vote in the Democratic primary.

 

On a personal note…

 

I have to admit that this whole process is awesome. Pundits keep saying that the primary campaign is taking too long and that it’s bad for the Democratic Party. Well, it’s certainly not bad for democracy. I’ve never seen so many people so involved, so informed, and so passionate.

 

I’ve met 70 year old grandmothers who say they feel young and energetic watching the Hillary campaign. Their support is so intense that one mean stare would make Chuck Norris cry like a baby.

 

Of course, Senator Obama has his own diehard supporters. At one of his campaign offices I met college students from across the country that have followed the Senator from state to state pushing his campaign forward. 

 

Win or lose each campaign owes its strength to the tireless efforts of everyday Americans working for a better future.