NILES, Ohio -- On Election Eve in Niles, a small town in the northeastern part of the state, a privately funded digital billboard was flashing "Say NO to Socialist Barack Hussein Obama" all night long. To the right of the flashing words, a photograph of the Democratic candidate was crossed out with a white "X". According to the Youngstown Vindicator, the billboard has been up for more than a week.
Niles is located in the nation's former industrial belt, traditionally Democratic country. The city's economy was undermined in the 1970s when the steel industry -- already in decline -- collapsed. Niles is also known as the birthplace of William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States.
It's hard to miss the high-tech billboard because it stands across the street from Eastwood Mall, one of the largest shopping and restaurant complexes in the United States, a high-traffic location. The controversial sign has come under criticism by local Democrats. "It's the most ridiculous, inaccurate billboard that could ever be put up," said state Rep. Robert F. Hagan (D) of Youngstown.
Obama billboard photographed by Niles Reporter Shelby Shroeder.
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This appears to be one of many problems the McCain campaign has had. He cannot rally his supporters around a single, positive message along the lines of "I'm John McCain, and I stand for _____." Instead, the campaign (and its supporters) has dissipated into several negative messages, as in "I'm John McCain, and Barack Obama is a _____ [socialist/arab/terrorist/etc.].
Mr. Kapp put that sign up there for one reason: He thinks it is going to help. This suggests to me two things, both of concern. First, he wants people like Gayle Quinnell, a.k.a., Crazy Hair Lady, to come out and vote. This leads to the second point of concern, which is that he thinks there are enough Gayle Quinnells out there to make a difference. God save us if there are. If you're not a Gayle Quinnell, log off now and get to the polls.
P.S. Sorry, Ms. Quinnell. I'm sure you're a very nice lady. It's not that you're voting for McCain that disappoints people. It's the reason why you're voting for McCain.
The New American Renaissance begins NOW.
Vote early, vote often, then volunteer to get others out to vote.
It ain't over 'til it's over.
If Obama is elected, I predict this charge of "socialism" and "socialist" is going to come back to bite the GOP. In addition to (re-)making it part of our political vocabulary, a successful Obama administration will be linked to the term. This, in turn, could pre-dispose more Americans towards supporting a greater welfare-state; especially coming on the heels of the disaster that is unfettered markets.
I realize I'm speculating here. But, were things to develop this way, it would be the ultimate in irony -- the GOP facilitates American's willingness to embrace socialistic ideas.
I swear - the only thing I know about the man is that he HATES Obama.
Google his name...in that area of Ohio, he is listed as the contact for Central Appalacian Petroleum.