Pocono News Section

Supporters & Protesters Greet Senator McCain

Supporters & Protesters Greet Senator McCain - Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 5:05PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 @ 05:05pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Outside the Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre Matt Decker and his partner Mary sold John McCain for president merchandise.

"We follow McCain around the country,” said Decker.

The Secret Service was planted all around with agents making one more move to secure equipment for the national press. Last minute supporters trickled in minutes before the Straight Talk Express Tour started.

Helen Lopez of Nanticoke said, "He might be the next President, I’m more than likely voting for him over Obama."

Don Reese of Nanticoke said, "I like him all the way around.”

Inside Senator McCain took the stage at 10:22 Wednesday morning, talking oil and his commitment to stay the course in Iraq and Afghanistan. Outside, groups of protestors were growing.

Dan Waskiewicz of Harding said, "I'm protesting McCain coming to town, showing support for Obama and the troops. It’s time for a new man in office."

After McCain's 20-minute speech he opened the floor to Q & A from the audience. At 11:17 - it was all over. Minutes later, Senator McCain emerged from the Kirby Center - all smiles. But a group concerned about social security and some Senator Barack Obama supporters were chanting.

Wilkes-Barre Labor Council President Sam Bianco said, “His heart's in the privatization and social security and of course that could be a disaster. Events now prove that."

Still the support for the Senator was strong as hundreds lined up early to meet, greet and dine with a potential President a few blocks away. David Baloga of Lake Township said, "I have the greatest respect for him and I need to throw my support behind him."

Senator McCain left the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre just shy of 2:00 P. M. Then it was off to the Allentown area for more campaigning.