Obama’s LV visit draws comparisons

When Sen. Barack Obama campaigned in Las Vegas on Friday for the Democratic presidential nomination, he summed up the rising disparity between the pay of chief executives and that of average workers in one line: "A CEO makes more in one day than the average worker makes in one year."

During her campaign appearances in Nevada on Wednesday, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., dealt with the same issue of economic fairness, explaining in far more detail that 30 years ago, the pay of CEOs was 25 times that of the lowest-paid person in a company, compared with 262 times more today.

"They've both got the same agendas," said John Cooney, a 64-year-old grocery worker who attended appearances by both candidates. "I'd say that overall Obama probably has more style and Clinton probably more substance, but they're really saying the same thing. I love them both."

Obama's stop at Silverado High School, where he spoke on issues ranging from health care to the war in Iraq, followed an earlier campaign stop at the Culinary union.

At both stops, the Illinois senator's revival meeting, staccato-burst speaking style drew rousing ovations. He said people know what President Bush "can't do, won't do and won't even try to do" for the common man.

When people have challenges, "we must work together," he said. He suggested that the Bush administration wants everyone to go it alone while in crisis, with no government help. "That isn't what made America great," he said.

Like Clinton, Obama has repeatedly said the middle class must be strengthened; and both favor ending the war in Iraq and making health care affordable to all Americans. The similarities in their stances has Cooney thinking of a dream ticket.

"I'd love to see Clinton running as the presidential candidate and Obama running for vice president," Cooney said. "I think America is ready for a woman and a black man in the two top spots. She has more experience, knows more people in Washington and he has incredible energy. But I still think he's a little green."

A recent Review-Journal poll of registered voters shows Nevada Democrats want Clinton to be their presidential nominee. That poll, released in early May, showed Clinton would get 37 percent of the vote in a Democratic caucus. John Edwards was second at 13 percent and Obama received 12 percent.

Edwards is scheduled to appear at the Culinary union today.

Ethelene Hayes, a retired rehabilitation counselor, also wants to see Obama and Clinton running together. "They're very much alike on the issues," the 67-year-old said. "They're good for America. They give you hope. I was really moved by Mr. Obama. His talk of how he was inspired by the civil rights movement and that movement helped all Americans, not just one race, made me feel really good."

Hayes, who said Clinton's marriage to former President Clinton may have given her in edge in political experience over Obama, isn't sure who she would want at the top of ticket.

"I'll have to see more of them," she said.

Hayes will get her chance. Both Obama and Clinton promised Las Vegans during their campaign stops that they'll be working hard to win next year's statewide Democratic caucus.

At Silverado High School, postal worker Larry Michels, who described himself as a Republican, said listening to Obama was like "a breath of fresh air in a smoke-filled room."

Michels said Obama's call for Americans to work together resonates with people. "He speaks to all people," he said. "He has a wonderful way of speaking."

Although Michels said he is captivated by Obama's style, he isn't sure whether he can vote for him.

"I don't know how we're going to fund health care for everybody for one thing," Michels said.

Michels' mother-in-law, 78-year-old Catherine Fabyan, was in tears after hearing Obama speak at the high school.

"He cares about people," she said.

Obama promised to end the war in Iraq if the current administration won't. He said he was against the war in 2002 because Iraq wasn't behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and invading that Arab country would allow al-Qaida only to recruit more terrorists. "And that's exactly what has happened," he said.

To union member Leain Vashon, both Obama and Clinton lacked substance. It's expected and of concern, he said.

"I'm not a style guy," he said. "I'm a substance guy."

He said both candidates have said "the right thing" and only later in the campaign will their commitment become evident through hard questioning. "We have to learn the details of their plans," he said, adding that he'd also like to hear from all candidates for president, including Republicans.