Presidential Election 2008 - A History Lesson

A Day in the McCain/Palin Campaign

Wednesday was a big night for Michael and I as we headed for Lunken Airport to see the Republican Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates – John McCain and Sarah Palin. We left right after school and drove straight to the airport on the east side of Cincinnati.

With tickets in hand we waited outside in line for a couple hours to get into the airplane hangar where the rally was to take place. While waiting along the terminal we watched several vendors selling everything from key chains, magnets to t-shirts and hats. Michael soon decided to buy a McCain shirt to wear to show his support.

It wasn’t until a little before 7:00 PM that John McCain and Sarah Palin came to the hangar full of several thousand wildly enthusiastic supporters.

Cindy McCain came on stage first. She pointed out that between the Palins and McCains, 3 children are in the armed forces and that both candidates stand for duty, honor, country…. The crowd frequently yelled out, "U-S-A.”

Next Sarah Palin, accompanied by her husband, came on stage. There was an unbelievable response as the crowd in the hangar went crazy. Palin highlighted how close the race was in Ohio.

Palin explained why she thought McCain would be the best president. The 44-year-old Governor also took several swipes at Barack Obama. Palin hit hard on Obama’s spread the wealth comments stating that Obama will take your money and give it to others. “Our tax plan–you get to keep your own money.”

She professes that America is the land of possibilities. Everyone who doesn’t want their dream dashed by Obama’s tax plan is Joe the Plumber.

About 7:15 John McCain took the mike. Apparently Lee Greenwood and Gretchen Williams were there as McCain thanked them.

McCain talked first about Obama and his idea of  redistribution of wealth. He asked -how do you cut income taxes for 95% of Americans when 40% of Americans don’t pay taxes? They will get a tax credit which will be funded by taxing “you.” Obama’s plan will result either in massive deficits or increased taxes.

McCain wants to bring troops home in honor and victory. Again the crowd chanted, "U-S-A!”

McCain supports domestic energy production. Obama will consider offshore drilling, but John McCain says he WILL drill offshore. (For me, that’s enough to elect him.) The crowd yells, “Drill, Baby Drill!” and “U-S-A!”

McCain mentioned Biden’s gaffe on someone testing Obama. He says we can’t afford for Obama to be tested. John McCain pointed out that he was on a carrier during the October Crisis with Cuba.

It was about at this point that I heard someone yelling at the top of their lungs, “John McCain, you are a HERO! John McCain, I want to shake your hand!!!” I turned and smiled as I found Michael displaying his admiration for a real American war hero.

At the end of the rally McCain questioned, “Will we continue to be the best economy, the best military?” John McCain implored the crowd to fight for what’s right for America amd that America is worth fighting for.

At 7:35 McCain and Palin left the stage.

Michael and I hung around for about 15-20 minutes after the candidates left the stage to take one last look at the candidates while they boarded their private jets.

Yes, it was a memorable night and a lessson in history for the both of us. Yes, America is worth the fight.