What a wonderful way to spend Columbus Day!
Arrived at the American Legion Hall in Rochester, NH, at approximately 8:10 am to make my early entry into the political rally that was to begin at 10am and wow was I surprised. Not only was I NOT the first or even in the first group.....as I exited my car and walked over to the entrance I was very happy and amazed to find well over 200 people waiting for admission.
Upon entry I found the hall which according to one of the veterans holds approximately 700-750 peoples filled with about 75 early risers. I was seated in the very first row on the corner of the cordoned off area and had a birds eye view of all the activities.
Speaking with "Elaine" for well over one and one half hours brought great perspective as this 77 year old, originally from Maine, had relocated to N.H. about 25 years ago. A wealth of information about the local politics gave me an awareness of how much had changed here. As "Elaine" regaled me with her interesting stories I related to her how when I came to the state a bit over two years ago, I was stunned to learn how the state had been shifting to the Democratic Party. She laughed when I related that my "home" was in the 4th Congressional District which was now the only district in all of New England with a Republican congressperson. Time has a way of moving quickly when engaged in conversation so I was surprised to see that the hall had filled completely and there was now standing room only.
We first had the pleasure of listening to Bassam Gerghi, the 18-year-old manager of the Obama/Biden (joint hq's), talking about what brought him to Rochester and the campaign. His very apt description of the issues and concerns which would constitute the upcoming battle over votes was a marvelous summation. Quite a dedicated and determined young man whose expertise and heart belie his youth. Most amazingly is that many of the others with such an extreme participation level are in the very same age range which gives me great hope for all of OUR futures.
Hearing a N.H. State Senator, US Representative Carol Shea-Porter and former N.H. Governor Shaheen lent great credence to the differences between the Democratic candidates for the national offices and their counterparts and the importance of getting out the vote. The overall theme continued to be that of "turning out Bush and his followers" to insure our country would begin to travel the "right" road
It is most intriguing to hear the turn of the phrase, "travel the right road" when the right road is the road away from the disastrous 8 years we have come to attribute to the "right wing" policies of "trickle down" and "victory," which have brought down most of what America had come to believe and cherish. Quite a few whom I spoke to thought that "McCain is a continuation of Bush", which does not bode well for the Republican Party.
One of the most endearing qualities of Senator Joe Biden, and there are many, was his ability to be a commentator of the last 30 or so years of history. Of course that includes his work with Senator McCain who I sense Senator Biden has a genuine respect but the respect did not cloud what was a very clear description of the "political" McCain as opposed to his depiction as the "Maverick." A comment attributed to another Senator asked the question, "How could John McCain be a maverick, when all he has ever been is a sidekick" provided the near 800 people squeezed into that hall the chance to have a roaring, but knowing, laugh.
The debate of a week or so ago was seen by Senator Biden as a "respectful" exchange of ideas - but clearly his view of Governor Palin may have been summed up best when he offered the opinion on another topic to which he referred was "really the bridge to no where"!
A young mother who had introduced the senator kept us at rapt attention with her story of tragedy that so many of us could experience at any time in a moments notice. The rapidity of her and her families' demise, as a result of illness, sickness and injury took your breath away.
For all the reasons enumerated by the young mother, Senator Biden went on to present what was the Obama/Biden positions on health and family care.
Emphasis placed on assisting from the bottom up is quite a contrast to the continuing efforts of the Republican candidates to convince the electorate that "trickles down" is a viable means to an end.
Many have come to know the McCain campaign as the "straight talk express" but in reality I was firmly seated on the Biden "bus" which is filled with hope and solutions, clearly traveling the high road that will take into account ALL American citizens and not just the "few".
Most if not all of those present were clearly listening very intently and at times the rally took on the atmosphere of a revival meeting with many people calling out "words" back to the Senator. His depth of experience was obvious, but his manner of speech and demeanor was open and that of a common man. He, Senator Biden, could have been seated in any of our seats and not be out of place.
When the Senator closed the rally -- not many headed for the doors -- instead choosing to linger and talk. I, myself having been seated in the front row had the opportunity to shake the hand of our next VP. My words to him were: Congratulations -- thank you and deepest condolences for your recent loss. The reaction was a strengthening of his hand shake and when I looked into his eyes, they glistened a bit and I could feel him completely receptive to my "words". The man is not a phony -- no airs, nope none!
When I reluctantly left the hall, headed back to my car, I felt a renewed hope, just as I felt when I met both Senator Clinton and Obama in Unity N.H. I had come to hear another speech but left knowing that I had heard from just another "regular Joe," a Joe who along with a Barack can and will lead our country back to greatness -- because they are of the people!
Note: As I was driving out of the parking area I spotted a group of five counter demonstrators who were very quiet. Only five could be mustered to act as a counter-point to the rally that had just concluded. My first reaction was sadness but then I realized that this is another indication of the awakening of the American people.
As one of the veterans said to me, "fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."