Before Obama arrived in Martinsville, Obama and McCain supporters were already there on opposite sides of the street with their signs. Things were quiet at first- they let their signs do all the talking. On one side it was “Nobama” for McCain supporters. On the other side were all the welcome signs.
BARACK OBAMA VISIT
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Photos:
Slideshow: Obama in Lynchburg
Slideshow I: Obama in Martinsville
Slideshow II: Obama in Martinsville
Slideshow: WSLS staff behind the scenes
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For McCain supporter, Teddy Martin, it’s a little different on this side of the street.
"It's interesting. It hasn't sunk in much really but, you know, to each his own,” Martin said.
That’s because he’s used to being on the other side with the democrats.
"I did vote straight-ticket democrat, and I worked for the democrats when I was a kid until this year."
The free trade issue is important to him; he’s concerned about the working class.
"I think both candidates do not have the right position. But of the two, I think Obama is merely exploiting the issue whereas McCain is a little more honest about it,” Martin said.
When security moved Obama supporters next to the McCain fans, that’s when the signs alone weren’t enough to send out their message. Both groups chanted back and forth against each other.
One Obama fan is out here for support even though he couldn’t get tickets to go inside.
"We got a lot of people in Martinsville that wanted to be here. But we wanted Barack to know we’re out here,” said Ervin Carter.
Whether they're supporting Obama or McCain, these men and women represent a variety of ages and backgrounds, including one very young man who says he's here because he wants to get involved.
Dontrae Hagwood is twelve years old. He reads his own speech about why he’s supporting Obama.
"It's just a little something about Barack Obama. Why I wanted to vote for him. Because it's time for a change.”
Even though he can’t vote yet, he has a strong commitment to his candidate. It’s a commitment all these men and women share – if it’s for Obama or McCain.
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