Obama’s Debate Success Ripples on New Hampshire Trip
Jul 31, 20205.5K Shares614.4K Views
LONDONDERRY, N.H. — The crowd chants “Obama” even before he arrives, Kanye West’s “Touch The Sky” blares and Mack’s apple barn bumps. That’s the scene here for Sen. Barack Obama’s first rally since the final presidential debate — a vibe that’s one part victory celebration, one part G.O.T.V. push.
The campaign’s official message remains diligently cautious. An Obama introducer tried to calm the crowd of 4,100, stressing that polls are unreliable, especially in New Hampshire, where Obama’s surge in popularity in January did not help him carry the state primary. That talking point is clearly on the prowl. The candidate said the same thing at a fundraiser in New York this morning, recounting the “spanking” he received in New Hampshire.
Obama plans to tout the final debate as proof that Sen. John McCain is in denial about his fidelity to President Bush’s domestic policies. “Last night, Sen. McCain said that George Bush won’t be on the ballot this November,” reads Obama’s address, according to prepared remarks released by the campaign. “But let’s be clear: his policies will. Because in three debates and over 20 months, John McCain hasn’t explained a single thing that he would do differently from George Bush when it comes to the most important economic issues we face today. Not one,” continues Obama’s speech. “Here’s the truth, New Hampshire. John McCain voted with George Bush 90 percent of the time.”
The address then ticks off economic priorites that McCain and Bush share.
We’ve all seen this movie before, but it’s a tack that seesm to work well for Obama.
The fall scenery here is idyllic, with scarecrows and pumpkins studding the field where Obama is speaking. The press filling center is spot in the middle of a cavernous apple barn, stacked to the ceiling with six rows of giant apple carts (pictures at right).
Gov. John Lynch also hit a few local notes in his opening remarks. He told the voters of his state that only Obama would improve the local economy, and that the Democratic nominee’s post-partisan promise complimented the state’s independent spirit.
“Here in New Hampshire we’re able to put partisan politics aside,” he declared, arguing that Obama would take that same spirit to Washington.
Hajra Shannon
Reviewer
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