Americans Away From Home

Sen. Barack Obama called on Americans today to change what he called "The Washington culture of gimmicks and game-playing." He called for a politics that ends lobbyists' influence, bringing both parties together, and telling Americans "the truth about the challenges we face."

Obama's new plans, proposed in a speech in Indianapolis today, included:

* A National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank to invest $60 billion over ten years, generating nearly two million new jobs, to be funded by ending the Iraq War.

* A middle-class tax cut paid for by eliminating tax havens and corporate loopholes.

* A mortgage tax credit to cover 10 percent of mortgage interest payments every year for struggling homeowners.

* Making companies pay for pollution released into the air.

* Taxing record oil company profits, using the money for renewable energy like solar and wind power, and biofuels.

* Paying college tuition in exchange for two years of government service.

Obama insisted that many of the new jobs created by his proposed National Infrastructure Bank would be in the construction industry that’s been hard hit by the housing crisis. The infrastructure repairs would be "determined not by politics, but by what will maximize our safety," Obama said, referring to his take on Hillary Clinton's gas tax holiday.

Obama said his plans offer "real relief for middle-class families, seniors, and homeowners. Lower premiums for those who have health care and coverage for everyone who wants it. Five million green jobs right here in America. A world-class education that will allow every American to reach their God-given potential and compete with any worker in the world."

Addressing Americans losing jobs, Obama promised, "There’s absolutely no reason we should be giving tax breaks to corporations who ship jobs overseas. When I’m President, I will eliminate those tax breaks and give them to companies who create good jobs right here in America."

Evoking Robert Kennedy's Fort Wayne, Indiana speech, Obama said tasks set out by Kennedy is still our task today.

Speaking of issues affecting the primary campaign, Obama told voters they could win this race if they "decide that this election is bigger than flag pins and sniper fire and the comments of a former pastor – bigger than the differences between what we look like or where we come from or what party we belong to."

Calling on voters to enlist neighbors and knock on doors until next Tuesday, Obama said, "In the face of all cynicism, and doubt, and fear, I ask you to remember what makes a nation – and to believe that we can once again make this nation the land of limitless possibility and unyielding hope – the place where you can still make it if you try."
(Full transcript of speech here)

Carole