August 31, 2008
Field Report: McCain-Palin Rally in Washington, Pa.
Note: It is great to be back on R4′08. I am back at college in Eastern Ohio and look forward to providing coverage on what’s going on in Ohio and Western Pa.
On Saturday morning, myself and 70 other students from my college drove 30 miles to go see John McCain and his brand-new Veep, Sarah Palin. Students at my conservative, Catholic college were psyched about Palin. On Friday when she was announced, the buzz around campus was about Palin and it was all positive. My college draws conservative students from across America, so I think it provided a real snapshot of how young conservatives now feel about the ticket. I emphasize now, because there was a big chunk of students I know who were not enthused at all about McCain… Most could stomach voting for him, but ask them to knock on doors, make phone calls? Not a chance. Another portion of those students were going to write in Ron Paul or not vote at all. That all changed with the Palin pick. Students are asking how to get involved, and those that weren’t going to pull the lever for McCain are now.
The event was simply awesome — full of energy and buzz. John Rich of “Big and Rich” gave a great performance, complete with the crowd singing to “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowbody.” Lynn Swann gave a great speech as well, and obviously is a popular figure in Steelers territory. I have to say after hearing Tom Ridge speak, I am relieved he is not our veep. He wasn’t exciting and to be honest, just rambled away. I didn’t like him from the start because he is a pro-abortion Catholic, but I found another reason to be opposed to him on the ticket yesterday.
The highlight of the event was when the Straight Talk Express pulled onto the field, which was unexpected. The crowd went wild. The McCain and Palin families were greeted by thousands of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia voters swinging McCain “Terrible Towels,” waving American signs, and holding up fresh-of-the-press McCain-Palin signs.
The usual chants broke out at all the right moments — “John Mc-Cain,” “USA! USA! USA” etc, but a new one was added to the mix — “Sarah! Sarah! Sarah!” It was great, and really symbolized something new and exciting being added to the McCain image.
The speech was the same as the one in Dayton, which was expected. Those of us who watched had watched the Dayton event knew what was coming, but all know the wisdom of the words, “Stay on message.”
At the end, many in our group who were standing in front of the stage got to shake hands with the McCain family and the Palin family. It was a great trade-off, since many in our group had seats right behind home plate, but didn’t get to shake hands with the next president and vice president.
Overall, awesome event. The only McCain event I’ve been to with comparable energy was McCain’s victory party in New Hampshire. I am glad to see that the Washington event wasn’t a fluke either, as today’s event in Missouri drew even more people. The students I went with are ready to knock on doors and make countless phone calls to help deliver Ohio and western Pa.
Palin is a genius pick and has enthused the base and at the same time will bring in the PUMA’s.
Pictures of the event after the jump, courtesy of Katie M.
Brownbackers for McCain/Palin:
Terrible Towels were a great idea:
John Rich of Big and Rich:
Lynn Swann and Tom Ridge getting the crowd ready:
Here comes Straight Talk:
Shannon from McCainBlogette:
Up on stage:
John and Cindy
There she is:
And Todd:
http://race42008.com/2008/08/31/field-report-mccain-palin-rally-in-washington-pa/trackback/
August 31st, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Great stuff, Billy
August 31st, 2008 at 9:22 pm
The best part was that I saw Rose from Quinn & Rose.
August 31st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Billy, CBS agrees with you.
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/08/31/politics/fromtheroad/entry4401946.shtml
August 31st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I REALLY want to go to a McCain rally now… there’s one in Michigan this week but I have to work that weekend. I have a feeling that I will either have classes or work every time… but hopefully one day I’ll make it to one (I have a feeling there will be many more in MI as the election gets closer).
August 31st, 2008 at 9:44 pm
I wish I could to a McCain Rally
August 31st, 2008 at 9:44 pm
This is the best quote from the CBS reporter on the new “MO”;
“Of course, it may also have a little something to do with this being Labor Day weekend and they’re finally paying attention — and they suddenly woke up to the startling realization that Barack Obama could be their next President.:
August 31st, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Great report, thanks. 15,000 yesterday and 20,000 today? WOW!
What are the chances of Gov. Palin hitting the ice rink(s) in MI and PA?
August 31st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
We need to stop the DailyKos for their smear job on the Palin Family!
http://mvred.com/2008/08/31/the-dailykos-and-the-effect-of-free-speech/
August 31st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Kristofer,
This statement from the CBS report couldn’t be more true:
“2. Sarah Palin (yes, this is a very conservative area, and she — judging from these two events at least — appears to be a sensation among social conservatives);”
I have been paying attention to her since ‘06, but most social conservatives have been paying attention to her since April, when she gave birth to her son with down-syndrome. Her quotes and the way she reacted allowed social conservatives to quickly fall in love with her.
August 31st, 2008 at 10:23 pm
I just watch John Fund (WSJ TV), and he said he was giving a lecture to Conservatives in MN, and he mentioned her name during the lecture, and he said the entire room, jumped up and gave her a standing O, and she was not even in the room.
August 31st, 2008 at 10:41 pm
This is very exciting. Sarah is just what we needed.
I’m looking forward to going to a rally in California. When are they going to be here? Are they going to be here?
I hope so!
Sarah Palin has just given the base a blood infusion, oxygen and the excitement we need to get behind the ticket and win in November.
August 31st, 2008 at 11:43 pm
btw….to counter the MSNBC left-wing smear of Sarah Palin.
Palin worked on the Steve Forbes campaign, not the Buchanan campaign.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:32 am
welcome back billy!
September 9th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
[...] is no doubt that Sarah Palin has brought a great deal of energy to the Catholic vote. On August 31, I wrote: Students at my conservative, Catholic college were psyched about Palin. On Friday when she was [...]