Early last week I got a call from a friend of mine who wanted to go support the Romney/Ryan rally in Fishersville. I think, “Why not?”. It gives me some extra points in my AP Government class, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a presidential candidate speak within 100 yards of my face. The day of the rally, Thursday October 4, I’m asked to help cover the event for Newsstreak. I think, “Sure, why not?”. It will be interesting to see, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a presidential candidate speak possibly to my face. I’m supposed to pick up my press credentials at 4 p.m., so my friend and I leave the ‘burg at 3 p.m. Fishersville is 40 minutes away, so we’re feeling pretty good about ourselves, leaving 20 minutes early and all. I’m driving down 81 without a care in the world, can’t see any traffic, seems like the evening will be a success. This is where I went wrong.

I take the Fishersville exit and immediately know that 3 p.m. was not nearly early enough to leave. I am stopped by traffic about 5 miles before the exit to get off and go to the expo. If you think you’ve been through some rough traffic, I don’t want to hear your complaints. I sat bumper to bumper, moving about 20 feet every 5 minutes. At about 5:45 p.m. (after a good 2 hours and 45 minutes in my Landcruiser) flashing lights appeared in my rearview mirror. It was like nothing I had ever seen. The cars backed up behind me parted into ditches and the side of the road like the Red Sea as police car after police motorcycle after black Escalade-like cars strolled down the middle. I look out my window watching these vehicles fly by and who should I see behind one of the windows but the Republican Presidential Candidate. Oh, hey there Mitt Romney, and how are you today?

The cars regained their formation and after some smartly brought Mr. J’s Chicken Charlie’s were finished off and the last of the cars trying to butt in line were sent on their way (I’ve been in this car wasting a half a tank of gas for 3 hours, don’t you dare try and butt in front of me you beat up Honda Corolla) the exit was in sight. People began parking on the side of the road and walking to see their Presidential Candidate. I, being a good rule follower, continued to follow the line of cars and park, arriving at 7 p.m. That’s 4 hours. In a car. For a ride. Supposedly 40 minutes long. Suffice to say, I was no happy camper. The expo was full, so we stood outside the fence and waited for the man of the hour to say a few words.

Trace Adkins belted out a few crowd favorites, then a man from the NRA jumped out on stage to talk to his audience of cowboy boots, trunk drivers, and camouflage about guns. Let’s just say, he picked the right crowd. Although I was quite skeptical of the whole event (I agree with some of what Romney says, and after the debate I was sold on him) I couldn’t help but get wrapped up in the enthusiasm when Paul Ryan was introduced. He had already started his speech before I realized that I had “whooted” and hollered with the best of them. I stood beside a lady waving a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag and a man who felt the need to chime in after every point anyone made.

“Even Obama’s aids had to admit Romney won the debate,” my neighbor said. On this point, I wouldn’t be surprised.

The applause when Romney was introduced was deafening, and he was greeted with a chant of “USA! USA! USA!” The whole rally was full of American pride and talk of patriotism. Romney repeated his points from the debate, was clear and concise, he did what he came to do. The crowd was in love. He gave hope to those who needed to hear something reassuring.

Although I’m not sure whether or not everything he said will prove to be true, I’d like to see what he can do. I think we need to see some change, and why not let this guy take a whack at it?