BOOKMARK
TEXT SIZE
As the midnight hour approached, thousands gathered at the Prescott Courthouse Square in hopes of catching a glimpse of Presidential candidate John McCain. Attendees encompassed every age group, from teenaged skateboarders to servicemen and senior citizens.
Long lines of supporters and the curious formed at the security checkpoints waiting to gain entry to the barricaded rally area. Prior to the Senator's arrival, country rocker Hank Williams, Jr. warmed up the crowd with pro-McCain versions of some of his best-known songs. The enthuasism of his supporters was barely diminished by the long wait when McCain's midnight appearance was delayed by over forty minutes.
During the rally, several dozen sign-toting Obama supporters marched around the perimeter in protest. What they lacked in numbers they surely made up for in volume, chanting "O-BAM-A" loud enough to make hearing the Republican speakers difficult at times. McCain's supporters responded in kind with shouts of "NO-BAM-A" and "AMER-I-CAIN."
Senator McCain was joined by a who's who of Congressional supporters including Representatives Jeff Flake (R-Mesa), Trent Franks (R-Glendale), and John Shadegg (R-Phoenix), Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Mel Martinez (R-Florida), and close friend Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut.).
After an introduction by his wife Cindy, Mr McCain said: "It's wonderful to be back in Arizona, it's great to be home. Seven states today and the enthusiasm and the momentum we've received, we're going to win and bring it home to Arizona."
McCain promised "We will bring change to Washington, and we will get this country back on track again. We will restore our economy, we will keep people in their houses and we will clean up the corruption and excess and greed in Washington and Wall Street... you have my word on it."
"My friends this campaign is all about three things... reform, prosperity and peace. I want to tell you that we will reform the way government does business and I will veto every single porkbarrel, earmarked bill that comes across my desk."
"Arizona along with some other states has the highest foreclosure rate. We have to give people new mortgages and mortgages they can afford. Keep them in their homes so they can realize the American dream. Owning one's home is the American dream. I will keep Americans in their homes. We will stop this decline in home values and we will realize the American dream when I'm President of the United States."
"That's what my job is.. to inspire a generation of Americans to serve a cause greater than their own interests and that's what I can do."
In closing, he guaranteed to "reverse that unhappy tradition" of failed Presidential campaigns for Arizona candidates before thanking his Arizona constituents for their many years of support.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed