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Obama Shifts Blue-Collar Strategy

Visits church, b-ball court amid town-hall stumping

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 28, 2008 7:18 AM CDT

(Newser) – Moving to beef up his appeal to blue-collar voters in Indiana, Barack Obama is changing the tone of his campaign there, trading big rallies for more intimate town-hall sessions; the weekend included stops at a Methodist church and a basketball court, the New York Times reports. “I’ve got to be more present,” Obama said on Fox News. “I’ve got to be knocking on more doors.”

In Q&A sessions, Obama talks with voters instead of at them; his advisers are pushing him to highlight his modest upbringing and work as a community organizer. And he has toned down attacks on Hillary Clinton, keeping his message positive after a sharper style in Pennsylvania. With subtle shifts, he hopes to quell Democratic worry over his general-election potential—as well as win a close contest in Indiana.

Barack Obama passes a collection basket during a church service at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Sunday, April 27, 2008.
Barack Obama passes a collection basket during a church service at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Sunday, April 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Barack Obama poses with the employees of the Country Kitchen restaurant in Indianapolis, Sunday, April 27, 2008. Obama greeted diners in the restaurant.
Barack Obama poses with the employees of the Country Kitchen restaurant in Indianapolis, Sunday, April 27, 2008. Obama greeted diners in the restaurant.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., shakes hands with supporters at a campaign stop in Marion, Ind., Saturday, April 26, 2008.
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., shakes hands with supporters at a campaign stop in Marion, Ind., Saturday, April 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Sen. Barack Obama attempted to block a shot by Ja'Rob McCallum during a 3-on-3 Challenge for Change basketball game at Maple Crest Elementary School in Kokomo, Ind., Friday, April 25, 2008.
Sen. Barack Obama attempted to block a shot by Ja'Rob McCallum during a "3-on-3 Challenge for Change" basketball game at Maple Crest Elementary School in Kokomo, Ind., Friday, April 25, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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