Port City supporters cheer McCain

A resounding roar of applause, foot stomping and cheers filled Cape Fear Community College’s Schwartz Center Monday afternoon as Republican presidential candidate John McCain took the stage.

Hundreds of supporters waved blue and white McCain/Palin posters in appreciation of the senator’s speech in downtown Wilmington. Dozens of local and national reporters filled bleachers and risers, snapping photos and typing feverishly.

McCain spoke for about 20 minutes, covering familiar topics: the economy, health care and the Iraq war.

The candidate, introduced by his wife, Cindy, promised to bring the troops home in victory and stop excessive government spending.

“I’m going to make government live on a budget just like you do,” he told the large crowd, which responded with deafening cheers.

McCain also took the opportunity to tout his years in government and attempt to discredit his opponent for lack of experience.

“I know my history lessons, and I sure won’t make mistakes,” he said.

The presidential candidate acknowledged his race against Democrat Barack Obama is close with three weeks until Election Day and said the national media have written off the McCain ticket. But he’s still confident he’ll win.

“They forgot to let you decide, my friends,” he said.

The Schwartz Center, which seats 2,300, was full for McCain’s speech, and not everyone made the cut. As the doors closed at 1:45 p.m. for the 2 p.m. event, a crowd of people peered through the glass doors. The local GOP handed out more than 2,000 free tickets, but capacity was limited by the fire marshal.

McCain mentioned taking questions at the start of the rally but left after giving his speech.

Although she didn’t get to ask any questions, Kathy Draycott of Wilmington left the event pleased with her candidate.

“I was just happy to be here and to have him here,” she said.

Laurie McComas, daughter of state Rep. Danny McComas, R-New Hanover, posed for a photo after the speech in between two larger-than-life-sized portraits of McCain and Obama.

She said she is undecided but now leaning more toward McCain, who she said showed passion in his speech.

The portraits of the candidates and past presidents lined a fence across from the Schwartz Center, courtesy of artist Rodney Hall of Beulaville.

Not everyone was happy with McCain’s stop into the Port City. A group of Obama supporters protested across the street from the Schwartz Center. At one point, a heated shouting match developed between McCain supporters yelling “NObama” and Obama fans chanting, “Yes we can.”

Before McCain’s speech, waiting supporters formed a line stretching for blocks through downtown Wilmington, with some coming as early at 7:30 a.m. And for many, that followed a long wait in the pouring rain Saturday to get their tickets.

But no one complained about either wait.

Virginia Kidd of Fayetteville, was close to entrance just before 11 a.m. and was eager to get inside. She had been waiting since 9:15 a.m. But she said it would all be worth it to see the candidate she supports.

David Hardin, Cape Fear Community College’s spokesman, likened the event to a rock concert. He said in addition to the people waiting early in the morning to get in, he had a line of people outside his office wanting the few tickets reserved for students.

The McCains arrived at the Wilmington airport shortly before the speech in a blue and white Boeing 737 emblazoned with his name on the side.

Although outnumbered by law enforcement personnel, several supporters pushed up against the airport’s perimeter fence hoping to catch a glimpse.

There were rewarded by a trademark thumbs up from McCain and a wave from his wife before the couple ducked into their black SUV.

The small group included Ryan Bartsch, wearing an Arizona Cardinals jersey, and Terry Baker, who was born in Alaska.

“We wanted to make them feel a little at home while they were here,” Bartsch said, smiling.

Staff Writer Gareth McGrath contributed to this report.

Shelby Sebens: 264-8005

shelby.sebens@starnewsonline.com