GOP hopefuls rally ‘our country first’ at Ohio’s oldest inn

Photo by Sarah Nusinow | Daily Kent Stater

Credit: DKS Editors

LEBANON, Ohio – The feeling in the crowd was one of team spirit and unity during Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. John McCain’s rally in front of the Golden Lamb, Ohio’s oldest inn, yesterday.

Seven speakers and entertainers motivated the crowd by referring to Republican supporters as a “team.”

Palin and McCain took center stage together — 30 minutes behind schedule — receiving nothing but praise from the 5,500 attendees who stood surrounding the running mates.

“We’ve got to start putting our country first,” McCain said, “I’ve always put my country first, and I want to be president because I believe I can inspire Americans to do so.”

As if cued by a movie director, the crowd cheered and applauded to “Right Now” by Van Halen, and the clouds began to break, letting light through as Palin and McCain spoke.

“I’m here to work with you and help elect John McCain as the next president of the United States,” Palin said. “We’re going to go to Washington and shake things up.”

Excitement erupted as Palin spoke about the reforms she made while governor of Alaska. She also spoke of her plans with McCain to lower taxes for the middle class and fix health care for veterans.

McCain continued to speak about the issues of energy and the United States’ need for offshore drilling. He addressed and praised the veterans in the crowd, explaining his plans to reform the health care system, as well as restructure loan programs, especially home loans and the process it takes to acquire one.

“These are tough times, but it’s time to show the world, again, how America leads,” he said.

Contact public affairs report Sarah Nusinow at [email protected].