McCain, Palin speak in O’Fallon

By Greg Young

Published Sept. 1, 2008

In his final campaign event before the Republican National Convention, presumptive Republican presidential nominee  John McCain spoke in O’Fallon before a red-clad sea of 23,000 cheering supporters.

McCain's newly selected running mate Sarah Palin as well as former presidential hopefuls Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, and Mitt Romney, former Massachusetts governor, also spoke at the event.

The campaign rally, held at T.R. Hughes Ballpark in 90-degree weather, also featured popular country music star John Rich, who performed a song that he had written about McCain.

The message throughout was of boosting McCain and Palin’s credentials rather than attacking Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, McCain’s experience and Palin’s conservative views. Although there were four major speakers at the event, their remarks were fairly short and direct, only lasting slightly over 30 minutes combined.

Obama’s name was never mentioned by any of the four major speakers, who chose instead to display a message of concern for the Gulf Coast residents while encouraging American’s to take action to help the people in Hurricane Gustav’s path.

 “We will put aside our political hats and put on our American hats and we will do everything America needs to do and can do,” said McCain, who also urged the residents of the Gulf Coast to heed the warnings and evacuate if ordered.

Palin, who was announced as McCain’s running mate on Friday morning, was the primary focus of the event. During her remarks, the first-term Alaska governor continued her attempt to introduce herself to voters, emphasizing her reform and maverick status as governor.

“The right thing is very rarely the easy thing,” Palin said. “Its always safer in politics to just steer clear of risks and just go along with the status quo. But I didn’t get into government to take the safe and easy path.”

Palin discussed the danger of the hurricane, but said the storm could help bring America together.

“My fellow Americans, we will get through this crisis like we always do in our finest moments, by pulling together and helping where the need is greatest,” Palin said.

MU freshman Kyle York, who attended the event, said he was rejuvenated by his selection of Palin.

“I’m really excited about Palin,” said York. “She fits a lot of the party parameters very well.”

But some still asked whether Palin has the experience to lead the country.

“I don’t know if she’s experienced enough,” said MU sophomore Sheldon Price, who said he was currently undecided. “However, if you know what you are doing and you’re qualified, I guess its OK.”

Also introduced at the event was a busload of supporters of former Democratic primary contender Hillary Clinton who now plan to vote for McCain.

One of those people was Kevin Du Jan, a Clinton supporter and Chicago resident who plans to vote for McCain despite Clinton’s endorsement of Obama, as well as Clinton and McCain’s major policy differences.

“McCain is a reformer and has a track record of reform and cutting wasteful spending projects,” Du Jan said. “He also has a history of bipartisan accomplishments.”