Nothing could quell the good humor of the hundreds of people who packed into the gym of the Strongsville senior center to see John McCaiin and Sarah Palin. Most ignored the close confines and heat of the crowded room. They chanted, stomped their feet to the Stongsville High School marching band and waved signs that read "Country First."
When vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin spoke, the crowd yelled her name and chanted drill baby drill. She set a much less incendiary tone toward Barack Obama than just two days ago. Gone was the previous allegation that Obama pals around with a domestic terrorist, but she did question his truthfulness in Tuesday's debate. .
PALIN:"Barack Obama has opposed offshore drilling. Of, course last night though he changed his position on that again. I guess he's not willing to drill for energy but he's willing to drill for votes."
Palin introduced 2 surprise guests Browns quarterback Brady Quinn and lineman Joe Thomas. Qunn introduced John McCain, calling him - quote - "a real hero."
QUINN: "We need heroes like this to inspire us."
John McCain stood on stage as Palin and Quinn spoke. After thanking Quinn's father for his service in Vietnam he got right to the point.
MCCAIN: "My friends I don't want to bore you with political history, but it's been a long time since someone has been elected president without carrying the state of Ohio. I need you to help me carry the state of Ohio and carry the state of Ohio and take the presidency of the United States."
McCain repeated his promise, first mentioned in the debate, that he would order the government to buy up bad mortages so Americans can stay in their homes. but gave no further details on the plan.
The latest polls show McCain slightly behind Obama, who will make stops in Sourthwest Ohio today.
Kymberli Hagelberg, 90.3