Clinton addresses economy, crime

INDIANAPOLIS -- At a rally for Congresswoman Julia Carson (D-10th) Saturday, President Bill Clinton addressed the need for Democrats to recruit voters.\nBased on the catch phrase, "We tried it their way. We tried it our way. Our way works," Clinton spoke for almost 45 minutes, attacking the Republican platform, from the economy and welfare to crime and education.\nBy contrast, Clinton then explained that the Gore/Lieberman ticket was the way to success for the United States, claiming the Democrats "brought arithmetic back to Washington."\n"Our numbers add up, and theirs don't," Clinton said.\nTaking the podium around 11 a.m., Clinton also took time to address Julia Carson, who he said he considers one of the most effective policy-makers in Washington.\n"She may be an African-American woman, but she reminds me of a redneck judge," Clinton said. "There'll be a room full of self-important people in nice clothes, and she walks in and gets what she wants before they knew what hit them. She's like a Stealth bomber for Indiana."\nClinton closed with his key message -- Indiana Democrats need to hit the streets and recruit the undecided voters of the state and beyond.\n"You all know a lot of people who would never come out to something like this," Clinton said. "But they will vote -- if they think it makes a difference."\nCarson said she was grateful Clinton came to speak for her Saturday.\n"I'll tell you why I came here," Clinton said. "Julia Carson asked me, and I do whatever she asks."\nClinton used the rally as an excuse to solidify the Democratic effort in Indiana, drawing attention to Carson, Gov. Frank O'Bannon and several other Democrats from the state running for re-election.\n"This is another great day in the city of Indianapolis," said mayor Bart Peterson, a Democrat who spoke before Clinton.\nBeing a Democratic rally, most attendees supported Clinton and his views.\n"(The rally) is not going to change my vote," said Linda Haas, a sociology professor at IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis. "But it makes me more determined to talk to people."\n"In this case (the 2000 election), the differences between candidates are most contrasting," said IU graduate Adam Gilman. "It's fundamentally important to (talk to people)."\nBut not everyone was convinced by Clinton's message.\n"He gives himself a lot more credit than he deserves," said IUPUI freshman Leon Mallory. "I still haven't decided how I'm voting"