Hi, my name is Mike Fisher, and I’m from Beech Grove, Indiana. My wife, Cheryl, and I have been married for 31 years. We have three children, one grandchild, and one who should be arriving in October!

I don’t look much like Barack Obama, and we grew up in different places. But I’m here tonight because I’ve met Barack, and he understands what people like my wife and I are going through.

Back before the Indiana primary, we got a call from the campaign. They asked us if we’d mind if the senator and his wife, Michelle stopped by the next day to talk with us. When I saw the motorcade driving up our street, I was a nervous wreck! But as soon as Barack Obama came up on our front porch and shook my hand, he put me at ease. He told me, “Mike, I’m not here to talk to you about my plans. I’m here to listen to you.” We went inside and Barack put his elbows up on the kitchen table and listened.

I’ve been a machinist with Amtrak for more than 20 years. I told Barack how I might lose my job because there are plans to move 77 jobs out of state. I told him that we can’t move because Beech Grove, Indiana, is our home. It’s where we’ve raised our family.

There are just too many Hoosiers facing futures like ours and many of their jobs are leaving the country.
Barack and Michelle listened and they understood. It was like talking with family. It became clear that they are regular people. Barack and Michelle grew up dealing with the same challenges most of us face. They were raised by working folks, and it’s pretty clear that he can relate to working people and those who are struggling.

This guy is not the typical politician who will tell you anything to get your vote. Barack is the real deal. He tells you what we need to hear, like John McCain’s gas tax proposal isn’t the answer. Barack Obama has been willing to speak the truth, that it is just designed to win elections, not fix our energy problems.

So here’s what I want to say about Barack: he listens, he understands, he is sincere and he’s got a good sense of humor! Barack Obama is the only person I trust to do the right thing for all of us. That’s why I’m here tonight.
And that’s why he’s my choice for president!