Well, it turns out that GOPguy1 was right. The event on Tuesday at the GOP headquarters served as little more than a McCain pep rally. I’m not quite sure why they did not label the event as such ahead of time. The HQ was pretty crowded and, as expected, the three politicians showed up late. Looking around, I saw they’d gotten a bunch of new high tech phones that likely came from the RNC. State Senator Obenshain (26th-R Harrisonburg) was in attendance too. As you might know, I was hoping he would’ve run for Attorney General in 2009, but I suppose we’ll have to wait another four years. I don’t know where our Delegate, Matt Lohr (26th-R Broadway) has been keeping himself. Although I don’t attend every GOP event here, I cannot recall the last time I saw him. I wonder if he has been intentionally staying out of the limelight (for some unknown reason) or if he is just busy with his farming duties.
Even though the experience was not terribly exciting, I thought that there were two extremely amusing moments during the event, both from our local McCain representative, Michael Ganoe. First, as he implored the attendees to volunteer during the last two week period, he stated that we should forgo our social and recreational activities, like our children’s sports, because, I kid you not, if Barack Obama wins then we will no longer be able to enjoy these activities. That suggestion was greeted by a vocal amen from one man in the crowd. Although I know the importance of hyping every campaign, the suggestion is still ridiculous! It further illustrates the tactics of fear that have become so commonplace to the campaign. Should we all leave the country if Obama is victorious? How soon until we are rounded up into camps? If McCain cannot win on his own merits (which I believe is impossible), then they resort to demonizing Obama. The second funny moment came once Congressman Goodlatte arrived. Here Mr. Ganoe, along with the crowd, thanked Bob Goodlatte for voting against the bailout. If only Senators Warner and Graham were there then, I would been interested to witness their reactions as they, along with Senator McCain, both voted for the massive corporate welfare. If that issue is as important to you as it is to me, how can you support a candidate like McCain who rammed the bill through Congress irrespective of the Constitution?
Later, Senator Warner arrived, followed by Senator Graham and they sang their praises of Senator McCain. Although they sounded fairly reasonable, (at least for neoconservatives), unfortunately both speeches focused more on what’s wrong with Barack Obama rather than what is right about John McCain. Senator Graham stated “If we send one more dollar of your money to Washington DC in the name of compassion we’re going to break the back of business and some of you are going to lose your jobs.” So true Senator Graham. Good thing you voted for the bailout huh? I think I’d like my excess tax dollars back rather than ship them off to failing corporations. I guess, unlike you, I’m not very compassionate. After his speech, Senator Graham parroted McCain’s plan of compelling the federal government to buy up the bad mortgages. Good idea! I’m sure that plan won’t require more dollars to be sent to Washington.
But what’s a post about an event without pictures? Oh, oh…what is this? A shaky video too? Hot dog! Here. Enjoy!
Nice coverage.
I had similar impressions and observations about the event, from a different viewpoint.
http://hburgnews.com/2008/10/21/warner-graham-stump-for-mccain/
Welcome to hbblogs, and great post!
I had to wonder though – was Jim Gilmore even invited? Seems like his absence would almost be conspicuous if it wasn’t so understandable.