Patient crowd gives Kerry star treatment
azdailysun.com
S. MULLER, C. MARKHAM, L. HENDRICKS
Sun Staff Reporters
08/09/2004
For the city of Flagstaff, it was practically the second coming.
Presidential nominee John Kerry arrived to screaming crowds in downtown Flagstaff Sunday night, where an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 local residents welcomed the candidate looking to unseat President Bush in November.
"We're at 7,000 feet, and we're getting close to heaven," Kerry told the cheering Flagstaff crowd.
Kerry's comment came after, preceded by Flagstaff High School's marching band, the energetic Kerry and his wife darted into dark alleys and rushed up to crowds to press flesh and exchange greetings. Kerry towered over almost everyone pursuing him down a brightly lit San Francisco Street, which made it easier to keep track of his exuberant and unpredictable route.
Fresh from the late-July Democratic National Convention, Kerry talked to the crowd about Native American struggles, job losses, education and health care. He also brought his mantra to Flagstaff.
"Are you ready for new leadership for this nation? Well, I'll tell you, help is on the way!" Kerry said to a heavy round of applause and cheers from the audience. "In America, we can do better, and help is on the way!"
Kerry called on the crowd to get active in the election and do their part to make a difference in November.
"The outcome of this election is more in your hands than it is in mine," he said. "My friends, this is the most important election of our lifetime. America's promise is ahead of us. We can do this."
<MORE> |
