FIRST PERSON | FORT MYERS, Fla. -- As the Republican ticket made its first stop in southwest Florida this campaign season, I was excited for my first opportunity to see Paul Ryan. Before an estimated crowd of 4,000 at the Lee County Sports Complex, the vice-presidential hopeful delivered a 20-minute address on Thursday.
Driving from my hometown of Port Charlotte, about 25 miles north, I could tell anticipation was mounting upon turning into scenic Hammond Stadium. Although the ticketed event only provided 48 hours notice, the neighboring parking lot for the spring home of the Minnesota Twins was nearly filled two hours before Ryan was scheduled to speak.
Judging by the enthusiastic response, Ryan's words were indeed well-received, as the 42 year-old Wisconsin representative appeared before a friendly crowd that included his Aunt Sue from nearby Bonita Springs. The speech, given on an illuminated soccer field, covered familiar topics, such as government spending, repealing Obamacare, preserving Social Security and job creation.
Ryan drew hearty applause when saluting the troops. In fact, a large percent of the mostly middle-aged and senior crowd claimed a military background. The audience was initially inspired by music from country singer Lee Greenwood, who began the event with a 20 minute set, featuring his classic "God Bless the U.S.A."
Ryan was formally introduced by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, but a series of local politicians offered preliminary pitches to Republican gathering. However, in addition to seeing a potential vice president, the highlight of my trip was unexpected words from actor-turned-radio host Dennis Miller.
As the former "Saturday Night Live" performer took the stage, a significant buzz grew in the crowd. Countless cameras and cell phones immediately surfaced to snap a shot of Miller. Besides earning laughs for mocking Vice President Biden, Miller spoke glowingly of Mitt Romney. The comedian noted Romney's use of the word "gosh" while traveling on the plane to Florida. With a smile, Miller stated that America again needs a president who utters the occasional "gosh."
Ryan likewise praised Romney's controversial business background in his speech and thoroughly listed his running mate's qualifications. This particularly resonated with me, since I believe no question deserves greater attention than the candidate better suited to tackle economic woes.
"We have a jobs crisis. Wouldn't it be nice to have a job creator in the White House?" asked Ryan.
A nearly unanimous crowd vociferously agreed. Only a handful of protestors were spotted at the event, which was widely covered by local news and television.
Southwest Florida has long been considered a Republican bastion, but is also an area for which President Obama has competed. Obama campaigned here robustly in 2008 and made two trips to Fort Myers as president. Furthermore, Biden attended a rally in the city in September.
If Mitt Romney is to capture the Sunshine State for the GOP, traditionally conservative areas need to produce overwhelming support. The success of this hastily planned, but smoothly organized rally in Fort Myers serves as a positive sign for the Romney-Ryan campaign.
Jeff Briscoe is an attorney and writer who regularly contributes to Yahoo! Contributor Network on sports, politics, and more.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/paul-ryan-draws-enthusiastic-crowd-fort-myers-rally-192900380.html
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