2008.10.17
Why is Obama in Roanoke, 48 years after the last visit by a major party nominee?
Why is Barack Obama here, when a bonifide presidential nominee hasn't been here in 48 years?
For the first time since 1964, Virginia matters. Which is to say, neither party is taking it for granted that Virginia will be as reliably red this year as it has been in the last 10 presidential elections. Check out Virginia's presidential voting record -- county-by-county -- back to 1980 on our interactive map. (Click on "Explore.")
Virginia is in play this year, as polls show. Voter registrations are also up dramatically, especially in areas that tend to vote Democratic, further suggesting the possibility that Obama could actually turn Virginia blue. Roanoke and Blacksburg, both places likely to vote Democratic, are among the top gainers in the state in registered voters since 2004.
You're thinking, no, we’ve had presidents here before. Franklin Roosevelt famously came through to dedicate the VA Medical Center in Salem. After his term in office, Jimmy Carter used to pass through all the time, usually stopping for a McDonald’s Sunday. It got to where it was barely news that he was here.
George W. Bush came here during the primary season in 2000, and also attended the D-Day Memorial dedication in Bedford. Former President Bill Clinton has been here twice in the last few months. Ronald Reagan came through decades ago – when he was just a member of the oft-maligned Hollywood elite.
Ronald Reagan on the set of WDBJ-7 back in the day. Photo from Old Roanoke.
And just the other night Libertarian Bob Barr hung out at Corned Beef and Co.
But the last time a major party nominee came through in the heat of an election was John F. Kennedy in 1960. And about all he did was get off the airplane and shake some hands. He was also interviewed by a young WDBJ reporter named Forrest “Frosty” Landon, later to retired as executive editor of The Roanoke Times.
Frosty Landon interviews John F. Kennedy in 1960. Photo from Old Roanoke.
But as I recall Frosty telling me once about this photo, which hung in his office when he worked here, Kennedy came to Roanoke as an afterthought. It was days before the election, and somebody suggested he might have a chance in Virginia. So, basically, Kennedy's plane popped out of the sky to land at what was then called Woodrum Field, so he could stand on the tarmac and shake some hands. And then off he went.
This year, neither party is treating us an afterthought.
Thank you for this article: though I was born in Texas and have lived in California for 40 years, Virginia is where my (and millions of others') ancestors started in this country. Over 300 years ago, my ancestors established themselves in Henrico County and developed their love of the concept of "America." This translated into a love for the United States in subsequent generations. We are all citizens united in making this country a place to love and live and prosper, and to hand down to the next generations. We are the United States of America, and Virginia is as important now as it was in the 1600s. That's why Senator Obama has come to ask for your support. Go Virginia!
Comment by cindy — October 17, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
I believe Obama might be in Roanoke partly because there's been quite a few, and actually still are journalists from other cities and large publications here, ie. The Guardian. His campaign knows how to get more bang for the buck. What I do find really interesting is that if the numbers are correct...only 6,500 people showed up at a venue that can hold over 3,000 more, was free, and people didn't even need to get a ticket to attend.
Comment by Roanoke RnR — October 17, 2008 @ 2:51 pm