Des Moines, Iowa

As the bus approached the Captiol in Des Moines, the reporters began jockeying for position. The group was composed mostly of local photographers and videographers, anxious to get the first morning photos of the Senator on his inaugural bus tour of Iowa. As John McCain stepped down from the bus, the crowd jumped to action, taking shots and shooting video.

After meeting with Iowa officials, the Senator made his way to the press availability outside. With the backdrop of the Des Moines skyline and the Straight Talk Express, the Senator gave a brief synopsis of his trip and took questions from the media.

As the exchange continued, Iowa State Senator Chuck Larson had to step in to keep the tour on schedule. As the bus departed, local supporter Nola Hindman said, "No matter what they throw at him, he always answers in a calm, cool matter. And he always answers the question.”

Ames, Iowa

After a short trip through the still fields along Route 35 to Ames IA, the Senator spoke to a packed room of chili-fed Midwesterners. Over 240 people, anxious to hear from John McCain, packed into a room designed for 200. After delivering brief remarks about his life of service and experience, the Senator took questions from the audience. It was a real moment of straight talk.

Telling the audience what he thinks as opposed to just what they want to hear, Senator McCain declared his support for ethanol, but emphasized his opposition to taxpayers subsidizing its production. There was great give and take with the crowd with many moments of laughter.

Halfway through the event the microphone began malfunctioning. Buzzing loudly, turning completely off, and then back on again, the Senator stood silent for a moment before declaring, "Well, I guess we can thank Senator Clinton and the DNC for this microphone."

The event closed with Senator McCain again thanking the audience for coming out and supporting him.

Mason City, Iowa

The Senator was full of energy for the day’s third and final event after an unscheduled stop in Iowa Falls at a local coffee house. Senator McCain talked with locals as he enjoyed sipping his coffee.

The final event of the Senator’s first day on the Straight Talk Express tour of Iowa finished just as the day had begun began nine hours earlier, with fellow Americas jam-packed into a room with onlookers spilled out into hallways and standing on chairs in the back.

Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota and a McCain supporter, got the audience on their feet to welcome the Senator. The Governor blasted our government’s “fiscal love handles” and gave homage to the 34th anniversary of Senator McCain being released from the Hanoi Hilton before introducing the next president of the United States.

Senator McCain wrapped up the day with both light-hearted conversation - arguing why he should be considered for an Oscar for his performances in Saturday Night Live, 24, and The Wedding Crashers - and a serious discussions about Iraq and the war on terrorism. Summing up the day, Senator McCain said, “I have the experience and background to address the challenges of the future.” He continued by telling the Iowan voters gathered, “ I’m going to be back here a lot and we’ll have the opportunity to continue to share our views with one another.”

Quotes from the Road

"No matter what they throw at him, he always answers in a calm, cool matter. And he always answers the question.” - Nola Hindman, a teacher from Story City, in Des Moines, Iowa

"He understands the issues that confront all Americans. I trust him on issues of national security." - John Beamer, Des Moines, Iowa

"Senator McCain is probably the best person out there in regards to national security. I have seen him speak in Iowa three times now, and I only wish the election was tomorrow so I could vote for him now!" - Lee Booton, a Vietnam Veteran, from Ankeny, IA

"All these politicians come here and talk and talk. He says what he believes and does not tell you what you want to hear.” - Rick Young of Jewell, IA