Bob McCarty Writes

News media members appear to do their jobs at a John McCain rally in Missouri.

Sarah Palin Wannabe

John McCain charged up a crowd of nearly 3,000 working Missourians when he visited a 9 a.m. rally at New Town St. Charles, a unique neighborhood-community northwest of St. Louis.

Following him, of course, was a gaggle of news media from the major print and electronic news media (above) pretending to do their jobs.

There to support the Republican presidential nominee were a mixed collection of Americans, including a nose ring-wearing Sarah Palin wannabe (left) who refused to discuss her party affiliation or give her name as anything but “Sarah” and Leslie Gettler, a local mom whose son is a United States Marine, busy serving his second tour of duty in Iraq.  She makes her beliefs known on her sweatshirt (below).

Leslie Gettler, Marine Mom

Gettler was only one of the thousands of committed “McCainiacs” — many of whom showed up as early as 6 a.m. — in attendance (below).  Walking through the crowd, I sensed a new urgency in their voices.

Thousands of "McCainiacs" depart New Town St. Charles.