Published: November 05, 2008 03:19 am      

Supporters at party headquarters react to election outcome

PALESTINE — As television news anchors broadcast projections that one state after another went to Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, local supporters cheered and shouted at Democratic Party headquarters Tuesday night.

The local Democratic Party had rented the yet-to-open Whistle Stop Saloon on the W. Main Street side of its building for its election party, opening its doors to a crowd of local supporters representing a cross-section of Palestine — black, white, male, female, professional, hourly and retired.

Leaning against a counter, Robert Edwards of Tennessee Colony said he was having a great time watching people cheer on the results.

“It’s fun, lots of fun,” said Edwards, retired from the military. “I’ve got to meet lots of important people, people I’ve never met before.

“This election has been real exciting. It’s unbelievable if Barack Obama wins. It just shows how much people can come together. I’m a military guy but Obama had more plans that people like.”

For Linda Johnson and Rodney P. Smith, both of Palestine, the election marked a chance to be part of history.

“I felt like Obama was the man able to change things,” Smith said. “He really impressed me when he gave that first keynote address at the Democratic convention. I felt that this is the man I could support.”

This election caught Johnson’s attention nearly two years ago and made her an avid political follower, she said.

“This isn’t a black and white thing to me,” said Johnson, who is black. “It’s issues. Normally I wouldn’t be out tonight. It’s a work day.

“This is a historical moment for me. I want to be part of history. Everything Obama says, I think, ‘Right on.’ He says things I’m in agreement with.”

Carolyn Newgent, who worked the polls in Slocum, said the record turnout was exciting to see. Slocum had 392 votes cast in early voting and another 400 cast Tuesday.

“This year I’m so excited we truly have so much watercooler talk,” Newgent said. “So many topics that had been taboo are now out in the open without stigma. I’m so proud of my fellow Americans that got out and voted. It’s a tremendous turnout, regardless of the outcome. Apathy does not suit America.”

A few blocks away at the Anderson County Republican Party headquarters on N. Church Street across from the Anderson County Courthouse, the crowd was much thinner and the mood more subdued.

As network newscasters read projections from across the country, McCain supporter Marian Hicks said she was waiting to see the later returns before projecting victory for Obama.

“I think it will be closer than a lot of people think,” Hicks said. “It’s been a very interesting and informative election. I’ve followed it very closely and I’ve learned a lot.”

Character played a major role in her choice of candidates, she said.

“I wanted to look at the values in both of the candidates and I was concerned about that — values, morals and integrity,” Hicks said.

Fellow Republican supporter Arlene McReynolds said she wasn’t surprised that local GOP candidates did well, although McCain did not.

“I think the local (races) are going the way I thought they might,” said McReynolds, who would announce updated county returns to those gathered at the Republican headquarters as the results came in. “I was hoping that McCain would turn the electoral votes around.

However, Hicks’ husband Jack said he was disappointed but not too surprised at the outcome of the presidential race.

“I fear for the world my grandchildren will inherit,” Jack Hicks said, standing on the sidewalk outside the GOP headquarters. “With a runaway Congress with Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, I think he (Obama) could bankrupt the country.”

Policies, not race, shaped his view, Hicks said.

“It’s not a racial thing,” he said. “If the Republicans could convince somebody like (former Oklahoma U.S. Rep.) J.C. Watts to come back in, it would be fantastic.”

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Beth Foley may be contacted via e-mail at bfoley@palestineherald.com