“As Detroit goes, so goes the state of Michigan.”

Obama, accompanied by Michelle, Joe, and Jill, visited Detroit today and appeared with new mayor, Ken Cockrel Jr., at an open-air rally.  Cockrel took the stage first and reminded the audience of the state's problems with jobs and the auto industry.  Obama was introduced by Denise Ilitch, daughter of Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, and both Obamas and Bidens received Red Wings jerseys with their names on them.  Obama focused strongly on the economy during his speech, and heavily criticized McCain for past support of government deregulation.

Three Detroit residents spoke with the Detroit Free Press, and all reacted favorably to Obama's speech, specifically citing his economic plans and power to unite the people.

The economy is going to be the deciding factor with many voters, especially in Michigan.  The state has the highest unemployment rate at 8.9% and has lost over 300,000 manufacturing jobs.  The mortgage foreclosure rate is also among the highest in the country.

Obama and McCain are paying a lot of attention to Michigan, but Susan Demas, a self described "political junkie and policy wonk" from Lansing, says the focus on Michigan is wasted breath and that the "economically mutilated state that's been reliably blue since 1992" will not break form.