Getting emotional
From the lede of my story in Sunday's paper:
Everyone needs a haircut now and then, no matter whom they want to be the next president. That’s why Jackie Ruggiero tries to steer clear of politics when she works the second chair at Rob’s Barbershop on Main Street in Jamestown. Heated discussions don’t make for good haircuts — or repeat business.But there’s always that one customer determined to chew over the subject, like an older gentleman whose haircut was in its final snips. He asked a younger man who had just stepped into the shop how he might vote. The younger man allowed as how he would probably back Democratic Sen. Barack Obama over Republican Sen. John McCain.
“The older man, you could see it, he turned red and he just went off ... about the differences and how Obama was a bad person,” Ruggiero said. “He got so riled — and he was just in this young guy’s face telling him he was not American if he voted that way. He ran out without his jacket and without paying for the haircut.”
For the record, the older man did go back to pay, collect his coat and dispense another volley of opinion. Such scenes, Ruggiero said, are becoming more common as Election Day approaches.
Throughout the state, supporters are turning out to candidate rallies by the hundreds and thousands. Folks who never so much as donned a campaign button are canvassing for votes. Simple chitchat can turn heated in a flash. At an Obama rally in Fayetteville, the tires of about 30 cars were slashed, and police arrested an Obama supporter for disorderly conduct when Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin spoke at Elon University. On both sides, emotions are running high.
Click here for the whole thing.
As per usual, the best thing about the story is the art that went with it. In this case, Tim Rickard provided the illustration:
Comments (3)
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I was with you all the way till the close.
I don't think McCain's supporters will be all that bummed out if their candidate loses. They won't like it that Obama won, but their hearts aren't really behind McCain.
If Obama loses, I predict a raging torrent of anger and violence that will come from people feeling ripped off by the system.
For example, if I were a black man following the tracking polls closely, I would conclude that only one of two things could cause a McCain victory. It could either be (1) widespread racism or (2) a rigged election. In either case, I'd definitely be in the mood for some serious civil disobedience.
Posted on October 26, 2008 9:27 PM
I'm not sure, James.
I think, as you note, that there will be a let down on behalf of Obama supporters if he loses. And I think that let down will be expressed in a variety of ways.
On the McCain/Republican side: I see them building the case already by their constant criticism of ACORN that the election was rigged. Added to that, conservative talk radio will kick into over-drive. I heard someone joke the other day by wondering if some Republican will circulate a petition to impeach Obama before he even takes office - which might sum up the mood. I think the first term of an Obama presidency will make the Clinton-Gingrich era look down right civil.
Posted on October 26, 2008 10:11 PM
Thanks for that additional comment. I'm admittedly only in touch with Republicans that happen to be family members - and they wouldn't tell me if they're going to go postal under any circumstances.
Your observation about the Acorn business is probably right on the money.
So ... warring factions on both sides? That could get very ugly. As I wrote over at my place, I'm buying a shotgun.
Posted on October 27, 2008 9:42 AM