Hail to the Chief

On Saturday, we loaded up the boys and went across the street to Fort Meigs, where the President had scheduled a campaign rally. Several of our friends parked in our driveway, so we had quite a procession: three couples (plus Mom) with ten children, plus some stragglers (hi Fritz!) who came later. We arrived at the fort about 3:15; the gates were open from 2-4pm, and the President was scheduled to speak at 5:10. It was about 80° and very humid, but we figured we’d have no trouble finding a comfortable spot to stand. Well, not exactly. We found a spot, but it was airless thanks to the crush of people squashing together in an attempt to see the actual stage. (Reported attendance was 15,000, or 12,000 according to the Blade.) After about an hour of feeding the boys cookies and letting them take turns playing games on my phone, we moved to a much better location, with actual Fresh Air™. We then endured several local politicians, including Randy Gardner and Larry Kaczala. Kaczala, who’s running against arcy Kaptur, made several stupid and tasteless jokes about Kerry’s Vietnam service. I don’t think the arguments made by the Swift boat folks can easily be dismissed, but having this bozo make fun of Kerry’s combat experience didn’t sit well with me. (On the other hand, I’m not in his Congressional district, so I don’t get to vote against him).
Fritz had said that he’d heard a “national entertainer” would be appearing; sure enough, after all the politicans departed, we were favored by a few songs from Lee Anne Womack. I don’t remember the first one (might’ve been “Something Worth Leaving Behind”); the second was “I Hope You Dance” (which I liked a lot better live than the saccharine radio version), followed by “This Land is Your Land” and another patriotic song I’d forgotten. The boys were getting restive, so Arlene bought them some hot dogs and lemonade; that kept them entertained until the President made his entrance.
He gave a very energetic speech, almost entirely focused on the positive. There were a few jabs at Kerry’s voting record on the Iraq war (and the follow-on resolution), and an acknowledgment that Ohio’s unemployment rate is still higher than the national average. Since he was preaching to the faithful, I didn’t expect a real barnburner of a speech, but overall I was impressed with his delivery and message. David & Thomas were thrilled to see the President in the flesh, and it’s something I hope they remember.