The 2008 Political year will be one that has provided the most historical election this nation has witnessed. Watching the candidates come through Ohio has given the voters a close look at both candidates. I started following the political rallies around Southeastern Ohio after Sarah Palin was added to the McCain ticket. The crowd was waiting overnight to get a glimpse of Sarah Palin and John McCain. It was an early September morning, just two weeks after Governor Palin joined the campaign. I arrived two hours before the gates opened. Six hours before the candidates were scheduled to speak.
Being that early the crowd was already wrapped two blocks around downtown Historic Lebanon. A buzz filled the cool September morning as loyal republican supporters and undecided voters waited before sunrise. Female voters waiting in line commented how they were there to show their support for Sarah Palin. At daybreak the cold rain began to fall but it didn’t damper the spirit of the determined crowd.
Local Politicians and famous Republican supporters spoke to the crowd to warm up and energize the crowd before John McCain and Sarah Palin arrived. And as the music started playing, the crowd turned to face the intersection. The Straight Talk express bus pulled up and stopped as the noise from the crowd was like a rock concert. Who would of thought this was a John McCain rally. Cameras flashed and people cheered as the scene with John McCain, Sarah and Todd Palin walking to the stage. Ohio politician Todd Portune introduced Sarah Palin to speak. Sarah Palin stepped to the microphone and before the first word was spoken the applause and cheers seemed to last for minutes. Governor Palin repeated her points from her Republican Convention speech. The crowd cheered louder as she talked about the Maverick standing beside her.
John McCain stepped up to speak and the applause grew even louder. The Maverick was standing in front of the Historic Golden Lamb, the oldest Hotel in Ohio and a one time coach stop. John McCain was more energized in his speaking style as he worked the crowd. With no suit coat and an open collar dress shirt, wearing a cap that proudly displayed Navy. After the speech the crowd followed the three around the barriers trying to get an autograph from John McCain, Sarah Palin, and Todd Palin. Todd Palin looked at ease with the Ohio voters who cheered and tried to get an autograph from the possible first husband. After the three departed the energy in the crowd never left McCain Street USA in Lebanon Ohio. To witness the scene, it would have been unthinkable to see Obama win’s Ohio.