Rocker John Mellencamp is joining the U.S. presidential debate - by recording a radio ad in his native Indiana, urging the public to vote for Democrat Barack Obama.

Indiana is traditionally a Republican state, but recent poll figures show Obama has gained ground on his rival Senator John McCain - and stands a chance of stealing it for the Democrats. And Mellencamp wants to help. In a radio commercial now airing, Mellencamp criticizes current president George W. Bush's two terms in office - and insists electing McCain won't bring about change.

He says, "I've seen a lot of small towns, and now I'm seeing small towns across America dying. I'm proud to support Barack Obama, because whether you live in a small town or a big city, it's time for a change."

Earlier this year, Mellencamp clashed with McCain after the Arizona senator used his music during campaign rallies without his permission.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)