Transcripts

TOM SCHECK: For years, Democratic presidential candidates have tried to appeal to senior citizens by resisting attempts to change or weaken two key programs for seniors-- Social Security and Medicare. The Obama campaign used the 73rd anniversary of Social Security to reinforce that message to Minnesota constituents.

WALTER MONDALE: One of the big battlegrounds in this country over this campaign is going to be how senior citizens vote.

TOM SCHECK: That's former Vice President Walter Mondale, who was the Democratic nominee for president in 1984. At a campaign event in Saint Paul, Mondale urged a crowd of about 75 senior citizens to talk to their friends, family members, and neighbors about supporting Obama. He urged them to remind undecided voters that Obama will protect Social Security and Medicare.

WALTER MONDALE: When good people talk to good people about real issues, they will listen, and it can make a big difference. And this is a ground war. And we got to win this right here on the ground in Minnesota.

TOM SCHECK: The campaign is also trying to take on some of the stereotypes surrounding Obama. Josie Johnson, an Obama supporter and super delegate to the Democratic National Convention, urged seniors to reject false characterizations that Obama is a Muslim. She also said supporters need to address concerns about Obama's race.

JOSIE JOHNSON: We have got to talk about it. We have got to talk about it in a way that is respectful, responsible, and historical. And until we do that, my friends, we will allow it to continue to surface in small, ugly ways.

TOM SCHECK: It appears the Obama campaign still has work to do. A recent poll conducted by Quinnipiac University in Connecticut found that one in 10 Minnesota voters over the age of 55 is undecided. The poll found that among older voters who have made up their minds, Obama and McCain, are virtually tied. One undecided voter contacted by Minnesota Public Radio News said she's going to have a hard time voting for Obama.

Carolyn Larson of Vadnais Heights is in her mid-60s. The self-described lifelong Democrat said she initially backed New York senator, Hillary Clinton, for president. Unlike many of the younger voters who consider Obama a breath of fresh air, Larson says she questions Obama's competence. In particular, she questions his position on energy.

CAROLYN LARSON: I just see him always grasping to get in place. And this is the latest one that I guess I see that he was not for drilling. And I think we should. And we need to consider all of the above. And that's a very important issue with me. So that's a biggie.

TOM SCHECK: Another voter, David Jansen of Thief River Falls, said Obama's stance on energy also troubles him. Jansen, who's in his mid-70s, said he votes for Democrats, Republicans, and even independents like Jesse Ventura. He said he's leaning towards voting for Republican John McCain.

DAVID JANSEN: I like somebody who's tasted defeat and also has had victory, so he knows both sides of the coin. I've never seen Obama accept victory. I like to see him have a little taste of what humility--

TOM SCHECK: McCain's campaign is working to highlight the Arizona senator's experience. McCain's spokesman, Tom Steward, said the campaign is talking about McCain's service to his country and his 20-plus years in Congress.

TOM STEWARD: That group, in particular, probably values experience and a proven record, not someone who's an unknown quantity and represents a lack of experience or an unknown experience and what really a very thin record. And I think they probably value that in a time like this.

TOM SCHECK: Obama's Minnesota State Director said he's not surprised that McCain is doing well among seniors, given that McCain is in his 70s and has been in Washington for quite some time. He said the Obama campaign has three months to introduce Obama, whom he calls a relatively new leader to Minnesotans. Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio News, Saint Paul.