Sen. Barack Obama makes tentative stop in Lebanon MO a reality
July 30, 2008
All seemed back to normal this morning at the Bell Restaurant, located right off I-44 on Elm Street in Lebanon MO.
Yesterday, the scene was much, much different.
Presidential contender Senator Barack Obama made a tentative visit a reality - stopping at our local diner for lunch. Sen. Obama was making his way across Missouri, from Springfield to Rolla.
For those that know me, it's hard to believe I missed this opportunity. I am a huge presidential buff, collecting Richard Nixon memorabilia, having the opportunity to see Ronald Reagan in Illinois some years back and just fascinated in general with American politics. History was made, and I wasn't there!
Billie, one of our agents, came into the office wondering what "was up with the big bus and the swarms of police by the Bell Restaurant." I had been talking to another agent about postponing a closing and my automatic response, without really thinking: "I don't know." Had I not been so preoccupied, I would have been out the door, in my car, and down the road a 1/2 mile with my Flip video in hand!
Didn't happen. I missed it.
Lebanon MO has been and remains today a primarily Republican town, located in a heavily populated Republican county.
I find it interesting that he is reaching out to rural American in a very down to earth sort of way.
I can assure you, the Bell Restaurant is not the kind of establishment you'd find in the neighborhood where Sen. Obama lives. One of our oldest diners in town, the food is down home cooking and the decor is what I would call dated. Here you'll find some of the best biscuits and gravy in town - and most of the locals have been dining there for years. The Bell has a loyal group of regulars, for breakfast and lunch; don't forget the guys for afternoon coffee. (Guys gossip too - don't think they don't!) All problems are solved during afternoon coffee with the guys.
Rural American has many of the same concerns as others in the country - we're concerned about gas prices, about food prices, about the quality of our schools, about health care costs. We're concerned about the safety of our families and of the nation.
I'm sure Sen. Obama heard all those things yesterday in Lebanon MO and probably a few ear fulls more!
Only time will tell if he actually heard what was said yesterday in this rural town of 13,000 people.
His visit is now part of history. A part that I can only hope will repeat itself - next time, I'll be ready!
KY3 TV Coverage: Click HERE
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