Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama makes a campaign stop at John Tyler Community College in Chester.

News of Senator Barack Obama’s planned stop in Chester during his campaign blitz across Virginia spread like wildfire last week before it was officially announced by his campaign. Attributed to “sources” on Tuesday by local news outlets, Bobby Whithorne, with the Obama campaign, said he would not confirm any stops until the day before the event.

Obama stopped at John Tyler Community College (JTCC) last Thursday and talked with about 200 supporters. The event was more of a pep rally than a public forum. Those invited to attend were members of area Democratic committees and campaign volunteers. Members of the news media, secret service, and JTCC personnel pushed the total number of those gathered under the canopy of a pine grove close to 300.

Dr. Marshall W. Smith, president of JTCC, got a call from the Obama campaign at about 11:30 a.m. on Sunday requesting the use of his campus for the stopover. “I of course approved their request to appear at John Tyler. We are always very interested when a national figure recognizes a community college.” Dr. Smith says the JTCC staff worked hard to prepare for the visit, but would treat all visitors the same way. “If Senator McCain want to come, we’ll be ready for him, too.”

The Obama campaign arrived at JTCC at 10:30. Escorted by Virginia State Police, secret service, and several SUVs, Obama himself rode in a nondescript black bus. Two more buses followed carrying a gaggle of national press. The haggard-looking press corps descended on the campus like it was just another day on the job. A line of reporters with laptops open and fingers pumping the keys queued the entrance of Obama with Governor Tim Kaine in tow.

The Village News asked a CBS reporter what was different about Obama’s visit to Chester when compared to other stops.

“This is the first time he will go much more aggressive on the economy,” said the auburn-haired correspondent, who asked not to be identified.

When Gov. Kaine and Obama entered the circle of picnic tables and benches, they were greeted by the outstretched hands of some local supporters and politicos. Dale District Supervisor Jim Holland squeezed his way to the roped-off entrance to get a chance to pump the flesh with the presumed Democratic candidate. Dan Gecker of Chesterfield’s Midlothian District was also among the invited guests. Mayor Douglas Wilder, Delegate Jennifer McClellan, Congressman Bobby Scott, Va. Delegate Dwight Jones, and Virginia’s First Lady Ann Holton were among those welcoming the Senator from Illinois.

Gov. Kaine introduced Obama. “Here we are with Barack doing events in Virginia in the homestretch of the campaign. Who would have thought?”

Kaine was on the short list of Obama running mates, and it was rumored that Obama might announce that Kaine would be his choice for vice president leading up to the JTCC appearance, but that wasn’t in the cards for the governor. Reports later indicated that he had learned of Obama’s decision just prior to the JTCC event, but his enthusiasm was undaunted.

“We need to be unified when this country is so divided… Lobbyists and PACs should not be not have a veto pen… This is the most amazing time of my life,” Kaine said upon turning the microphone over to Obama.

“This is kind of nice,” said Obama. “Who brought the potato salad and the chicken?”

Beginning in a light-hearted manner, Obama quickly got down to business and spent an hour and a half detailing his campaign. “We have been running for 19 months now. Some people have noticed my gray hair. You know, there have been babies born who are now walking and talking since we started.”

Just as the CBS report indicated, Obama dove right into the economy, discussing his plan for a $1,000 tax cut benefitting 95 percent of Virginians, creating 5 million green jobs by investing $150 billion over 10 years in renewable energy, putting people to work on the country’s infrastructure, and making college more affordable with a $4,000 tuition tax credit.

“Over the Clinton administration, the average paycheck went up by $6,000. During Bush’s time in office we seen incomes drop by $1,000, a net loss of $7,000,” Obama said. “With recording bankruptcies and more home foreclosures since the Great Depression, the middle class is feeling the ground shifting under their feet, just barely holding on.”

The applause increased in volume as Obama spoke of his healthcare plan.  Obama answered questions from the group and engaged the mostly Democratic crowd. He said when elected he would implement audit of all so called “programs” that the federal government now funds. When asked about the No Child Left Behind program, he said students should be tested but not through an unfunded mandate, and that teachers should be given the latitude to not only teach for the testing but to reintroduce creativity into the classroom.

Completing a question-and-answer session, Obama finished his visit saying, “I want to wake up everyday in the White House thinking about how I can make your life better.”

After the 90-minute exchange, Jim Holland was elated with Obama’s presentation. “It was an absolutely perfect morning. Chesterfield is the best place in the world to live. He [Obama] is bringing us together.” His wife Judith agreed. “His thoughts on No Child Left Behind are inspiring.”

Over 100 people lined the entrance hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite candidate, while only feet away was a group of about 10 John McCain supporters carrying signs in support of their candidate. If Obama’s visit to Chester is any indication, Virginia’s many voices could make a difference in November.

mfausz@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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