I just got back from a relaxing mini-vacation with some family in Lake George, N.Y. I'm feeling considerably less cranky than when I posted my last entry.
Dont get me wrong. I still think the while concept of "we're announcing John McCain is coming to York County next week for a major campaign event but we won't tell you where or when" is kinda ludicrous.
But I've forgiven the McCain campaign people. Why? Because they gave me a call today. And guess what? Tomorrow I'm riding on the Straight Talk Express! Whoo hoo! Maybe they'll let me beep the horn!
This will actually be my second time meeting with John McCain.
As I've mentioned before on this blog, McCain came to York County in 2006, ostensibly to put in a plug for U.S. Rep. Todd Platts, R-York County. Platts was running against Democratic challenger Phil Avillo (who is taking another shot at it this year).
Just to recap, McCain will be at the York Expo Center tomorrow morning. Since I've been out of town, I had to get the logistics second-hand from my editor. She told me that anyone will be admitted -- registered Republican or otherwise.
Interesting. On the one hand, there's an inherent risk that a bunch of Democrats will get in there with Obama signs and chants, I wouldn't be surprised if some local Dems are planning that as I write.
On the other hand, McCain's biggest strength all along has been his ability to draw cross-over voters. In that case, an all-inclusive rally could be a good strategic move on his part, especially given Pennsylvania's swing-state status.
Anyway, I'll be there to cover it tomorrow. So will my colleagues Eugene Paik and Mike Argento. We'll do stories for the next day's paper, of course, but we'll also send in frequent updates for the Website.
I'm looking forward to riding on the campaign bus. They even said they'll give us journalists a ride back to York County, which is good. I really don't feel like hitching a ride home.
I was looking for confirmation of McCain's Cross in the sand story as it appeared:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/17/122230/161/239/569299
Confabulation brought me here.
Just thought you should know.