McCain Leaves Positive Impression

When Republican presidential nominee John McCain delivered his acceptance speech Thursday, he left a positive impression on area residents from both major parties.

After McCain's speech Thursday Debbie Stevens of Parsons said she felt "energized."

Stevens describes McCain as a "patriot and a leader" whose remarks were impressive and encompassing, especially when McCain discussed how he and Obama will frequently debate through November but after the election they are both Americans.

Taking military principles and hardships and applying them to leading the country grabbed Stevens' attention. McCain's call to share one's strengths to make a difference compelled Stevens.

Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin shows McCain has listened to voters and understands the type of people who can provide answers during his term if elected, Stevens explained.

"By choosing someone younger he can pass on the torch of leadership," Stevens said.

Overall the Republican National Convention has re-enforced Stevens pride and interest in American government.

"Vote and be proud of the choice you have," Stevens said.

Democrat Wilga Lothes "agreed 100 percent" with McCain's statements during the convention.

"I loved it," Lothes said of McCain's speech.

Members of Lothes family are a part of the military and she said McCain understands his job of being commander in chief.

"He's the best man for the job," Lothes said.

Elkins resident Shannon Bennett was elected as a delegate for the Republican National Convention in 1996 and in 2007. She said the conventions are designed to inspire those in attendance so they will dedicate great amounts of time toward gaining support for the candidate.

"Sometimes, the attacks and the criticism outweigh a candidate's description of what strategies they will use to deal with the problems we face," Bennett said. "I look for the statements in the speeches that reveal plans for taking action. Often the debates leading up to the General Election will offer more solutions than the Convention speeches."

Before McCain made his speech Thursday night, Bennett said he knows that Obama had a very dramatic setting for his speech and she believes it will be interesting to see what McCain will do or say to try to surpass Obama's presentation.

"If we care about our country, we have to care about our leaders," Bennett said. "I have always thought it a duty to discover what candidates stand for and vote for whom we believe will be the best choice. We show appreciation for our freedom by being interested citizens."