I just returned from the opening of the Obama Office in Chase City, Va.
Initially, I was confused. There were far too many "older white women" there. And a lot of "white, working class males" as well.
All of which led me to think that I had wandered into the wrong building, "Perhaps this is a McCain office with all the wrong signage", I thought. There were, after all, far too many eager young people, and WAY too much good food - you know, Democratic Stuff.
Then, I ran into the Party Chairs from the surrounding Counties. Unless they have all flipped... I WAS in the right place!
When I arrived, about 3 minutes before the scheduled opening, the store front on Main Street was already bursting at the seams. The sign up table was crowded, and lots of people, kids in tow, were milling around.
The signs and bumper stickers had not arrived on time for the opening but I did cage one bumper sticker from a woman who had several.
I found out that the single most strategic need at the Chase City site was for some kind of refrigerator to keep food and drinks cold. I left after about 20 minutes of schmoozing and began scouring the countryside for a refrigerator. I promised I would deliver a working, if used, unit some time on Monday.
I hit every town within a 60 mile circle by 2:00pm, by which time everything was closing for Saturday afternoon. (We still do that in these here parts.)
I ended by giving my new bumper sticker to a guy who sells the World's Best B-B-Que, in Clarkesville, Va., where I was cruising used appliance stores. He asked me wistfully where I had gotten the Obama stickers on the Glory Van. I asked if he was a fan. His "You Bet!" was so emphatic that I just couldn't resist giving him the one from the opening. He returned the favor by presenting my giant dog, Mr. Nick, with a huge barbecued turkey leg!
I didn't find a unit, yet, but I will begin again on Monday. Have you looked at the price of a new frig, lately? Even the least expensive runs around $500.
Anyway, the turn out was high, and as I drove past on my way home there were still folks gathered on the street.
Here, in the hinterlands, the 50 State Strategy is alive and well, and believe me, people really care!! A good time was had by all, a charming young organizer from Seattle was winning the day with his winning ways, and this small store front designed to serve a 3 county area, generated a lot of excitement.