An interesting trip through Springfield MO

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

My husband and I had to go to Springfield MO yesterday, and we played a game called "spot the political signs." The only ones we saw coming up US 65 from Arkansas were for local offices. It wasn't until we were in Springfield itself, on a heavily traveled street, that we saw a sign that related to the national election--and it was home made. It said "McCaskill for VP".

The only political bumper sticker we saw was for Obama. There were absolutely NO signs for McCain. Didn't even see Bob Barr or Ron Paul signs this trip.

I think it is very interesting that there are plenty of yard signs for local candidates but none for national ones. Since I'm not from the area, I couldn't tell you if the locals were Democrats or Republicans, and, interestingly enough, none of the signs indicated it either (no elephant or donkey symbols). So you can't say that the local political machine isn't interested in the election--but I find it very strange that there are no presidential signs up.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. I spent the last week driving through MO, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan

Saw zero McCain signs or bumper stickers. Lots of local candidates and about a dozen Obama yard signs and bumper stickers.

MO has primaries Tues. So you are bound to see local candidate signs now.

[RayOfHope]

2. I live just outside Springfield. The Obama offices opened very recently (in the past two weeks)

and I'll bet it won't be long before the signs come out. Driving around, I see many more explicity Dem bumper stickers, (anti W, Obama, pro dem, etc). I have only seen one mccain sticker. Ron Paul signs used to be everywhere.

I hate when candidates don't put party affiliation on their signs.

[MoJoWorkin]

3. You didn't come down my street. LOL

I am on a side street that is only two blocks long, so very few see my Obama sign.

I make it a habit to take different streets when going places, so I can check out the signs. I have seen MANY Obama signs around town---mainly around Southwest Mo University, and older established sections of town; but I have been surprised about where some have been.

I have NOT SEEN ONE McCain sign or bumper sticker in town, but I have seen many Obama stickers. This is highly unusual for this VERY conservative part of MO. The religious fundies around here and more moderate Republicans (there are a few) are not very happy with McCain. I doubt many would vote for Obama, but hey, if they stay home, I won't mind.

Also, Obama had a WONDERFUL turnout at the Springfield town hall. He could have had several thousand at a big rally, as so many were turned away that were in line for tickets. I think he might return in the fall, when the colleges are in session, for a big rally. I hope so. It would have just the demoralizing effect on the Republicans that we need down here in SW MO.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. If you were driving down National around 5:00

I was the old lady in the hat who was waving peace signs and smiling at your Obama sticker.

[RayOfHope]

6. You are one tough and dedicated cookie! It was unbearably hot yesterday!

Sending you a pm.

[otohara]

5. I'm Waiting For Obama Office Locally to Have Some Signs

available. I'm on a list for when they come in. Sure I could order one on the Internet and pay shipping, but money is tight these days. I'll gladly pay for sign, but would rather not pay for shipping.

BTW I'm in Denver, and Denver better be covered with Obama signs before the convention. I'm surprised by the lack of money he's spending here and signage.

[nebenaube]

7. I saw...

I saw some fool with his two kids yesterday; they were getting into a red hummer with a McCain sticker on the back window. The kids were 11 or 12 year old boys. I just kept walking, looked down to the pavement and shook my head as I got a little farther down the street.

[Diamonique]

10. The boys were 11 or 12 yearws old, and how long does McCain want to stay in Iraq?

I'm sure those folks won't mind sacrificing their sons... right?

[loyalsister]

8. It's because of the primaries

The state primary is Tuesday, and there are a lot of races involved. In my area there is a primary for some country offices, state representatives from various districts and our congressional district.
Not to mention State treasurer and Lt. Governor and Republican Gov. primaries.

Once those are over and candidates are pared down, you will see more interest in the national race.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

11. Ah, so that explains it

I was wondering why in the world I was seeing signs for local offices and nothing else. Next month when I return to Springfield to lead the Dances of Universal Peace I'll do another check.

[MadHound]

9. Springfield is a very conservative town, in a very conservative area

My guess, from talking to other like minded individuals, is that a large part of the people wouldn't vote for Obama, simply because he is black and a Democrat. However McCain doesn't have their support either, and they're caught on the horns of a dilemma, either voting for a 'Pug they despise, or vote either third party or not at all and watch Obama take the Oval office.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

12. The ones I know feel this way

I'm trying my best to steer them to Bob Barr and the Libertarians. Don't want any of them to hold their noses and vote for McCain.

[BklynChick]

13. I was just in NH and southern Maine and saw nothing but Obama signs