McCain's Notable Bio Strikes a Chord in Pa.


By David Jackson, USA Today
July 24, 2008

Article Excerpts:

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- Supporters of John McCain here acknowledge that Democrat Barack Obama wins attention with his speaking style and charisma, but they say those qualities can't match the Republican candidate's stellar background.

Some of those attending McCain's town-hall-style meeting Wednesday said the Arizona senator's biggest asset is his own life -- a military family, a quarter-century in Congress and the five-and-a-half years spent as an oft-tortured prisoner of war in Vietnam.

"Anyone who can withstand what he did in Vietnam can certainly take the pressure of the presidency," said Joan Hendon, 67, a businesswoman from Lake Ariel, Pa.

And Obama? "Fluff."

As Obama continued his travels through the Middle East and Europe, McCain touted his plans for new energy sources, including more domestic oil drilling and nuclear power plants, as well as solar and wind power and battery-operated cars.

He campaigned before a mostly Republican crowd in this northeastern Pennsylvania city in an area that often votes Democratic. But polls show McCain closely trailing Obama in Pennsylvania, and McCain's personal history can help sway voters here, said Thomas Baldino, a political science professor at nearby Wilkes University.

Nancy Cooney, 62, a housewife from Wilkes-Barre, showed her copy of Faith of My Fathers, McCain's memoirs of his years in captivity as well as how his father and grandfather rose to become admirals. "I like his record," she said. . . .

Some of the younger people said that while many of their co-horts are excited about Obama, McCain can also appeal to younger voters.

"He has a lot of charisma as a leader," said Kendra Sirak, 19, a Dallas, Pa., resident who is a pre-med student at Northwestern University.

Obama got harsh reviews from some in the crowd. Laureen Cummings, 44, who owns a nursing agency, labeled the Democratic candidate "a socialist" who is already acting as if he is the president in his meetings with foreign leaders.

It's smart for McCain to campaign here, Baldino said. Hillary Rodham Clinton trounced Obama here in April, carrying more than 70% of the Democratic vote in both Lackawanna County (Scranton) and Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre).

"If McCain can keep this area in play, Obama is going to have trouble winning this state," he said.

Hal Donahue, 61, of Scranton, an Air Force retiree and regional chairman with Veterans for Obama, said everyone respects McCain's sacrifice. . . .

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