Obama supporters gather for roadside rally

WASILLA — Local supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama faced a largely Republican Mat-Su Valley Friday during a pre-election rally at the corner of Crusey Street and the Parks Highway.

In chilly temperatures, about 20 sign-wavers sought to bolster support for Obama or gain a few more supporters in the area.

With the presidential election approaching quickly, and with polls in Alaska showing Republican candidate John McCain with a lead in the state, the Obama supporters had their work cut out for them.

Even so, with nationwide polls showing Obama still maintaining a lead over McCain — a lead that grew last week in critical swing-state counties in the Lower 48 — local Obama fans are optimistic he will soon be the next president.

Patty Windel, a Wasilla resident, was holding a “Women for Obama” sign while she touted her candidate.

“He is a statesman,” Windel said. “I think he can restore the world view of what the rest of the world thinks.”

As Windel spoke, a chorus of horns sounded from passing motorists. Of course, mixed among the horns and waves of approval were thumbs-down motions and a few cries of “Palin rules.”

Many political pundits have said McCain sewed up the state of Alaska after choosing Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. The state typically votes Republican, but prior to Palin joining the GOP ticket, the Obama campaign had invested itself in opening offices in Alaska, and organizing a gaggle of supporters.

Since Aug. 29, the day Palin was introduced to America in Dayton, Ohio, the Obama campaign, while still remaining active, has quieted down a bit in Alaska.

Shortly after Palin was picked, an Obama spokesman in Alaska, Jeff Giertz, said it wouldn’t affect Obama’s strategy here.

“We’re still treating it as a battleground state,” Giertz said.

Alaska has three electoral votes.

As with any election, the real results of voters’ feelings won’t be known until after Nov. 4.

On Friday, Houston resident Fred Nelius said he has already made up his mind and supports Obama.

Nelius said he agrees with Obama’s plan to talk to enemies of the United States, adding he feels Obama is the right breath of fresh air for the country.

As the rally continued Friday, one noticeable aspect that often appeared at previous rallies was absent.

No McCain-Palin supporters showed up to challenge the Obama crowd.

No one got out of his or her car to voice disagreement with the Obama supporters Friday, but at least one person in a passing truck made his opinion known.

“Obama is a [expletive] terrorist,” someone yelled.

The comment elicited laughs from the sign wavers, one of whom held a “Christians for Obama” sign.

The belief that Obama is a terrorist or someone who supports terrorists has taken hold of some voters nationwide. At a McCain-Palin rally in Ohio, many supporters said they know Obama is a Muslim and a terrorist. One woman said she was concerned about having a “non-Christian” president.

Obama is a Christian, born to a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas.

McCain himself was booed at one of his own rallies after he corrected a woman who called Obama an Arab. McCain said Obama was not an Arab and is a nice man.

Palin supporters held a rally last Saturday just off the Glenn Highway. More than 50 people showed up to cheer on their candidate and raise money for the campaign, including Palin’s parents, Chuck and Sally Heath of Wasilla.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.