Clinton visits Concord

By Joanne Gonnerman
Kannapolis Citizen
More than 500 people converged on Troutman’s Bar-B-Que in Concord Monday afternoon to see Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., as she campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Some brought books for her to sign while others requested her autograph on copies of newspapers featuring stories about her. All were there for a specific reason — an opportunity to meet a potential future president of the United States.

“I want to hear what she’s got to say in person,” said Rowan County resident Jimmy Hedrick. “I saw her husband one time. He stretched his hand out from here to the end of that counter to shake hands with me. It took me a long time to get over it.”
Standing on a stage in Troutman’s parking lot guarded by Secret Service and local law enforcement personnel, Clinton spoke of her goals to address the economy, energy, health care and education if elected president. She asked the crowd to hire her for the job of president, referring to their responsibility to vote.
She picked up a key endorsement on Tuesday morning when North Carolina Governor Mike Easley, her second superdelegate endorsement in North Carolina, endorsed her for president.
“Look at my resume,” said Clinton, “and look back at what they (other presidents) have done. I want a chance to show you what I can do for you.”
Clinton said she is the only presidential candidate with a plan for a universal health-care system and stressed the importance of families doing their part in educating their children, noting that the family is a child’s first teacher.
Clinton also emphasized that her goals as president would be to end the war in Iraq and to win the war in Afghanistan.
“Our troops need a commander-in-chief who will take care of them,” said Clinton. “Force will be used as the last resort; not the first resort.”
Clinton also challenged her audience to hold her accountable if elected president, adding that it is time to rebuild accountability in the presidency.
“Who would you hire?” Clinton asked.
With an earlier stop in Salisbury and an event at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte ahead of her, Clinton never showed signs of impatience or haste as she greeted and chatted with supporters who had gathered in Troutman’s restaurant for a chance to say hello to her.
“I’m at a loss for words,” said Anita Honeycutt, a University of North Carolina-Charlotte student. “She is sweet and seems down to earth.”
“She is very nice,” said Jackie Almeter, who had joined her mom, Vicki, and sister, Alex, to see Clinton.
“She’s just awesome,” said Alex Almeter. She and her sister are both students at Jay M. Robinson and volunteers with Teen Democrats.
“They work on the campaign,” said Vicki Almeter. “They make phone calls to get people in North Carolina to vote for Hillary.”
She then explained her own enthusiasm for Clinton.
“I feel she has the most experience,” she said. “The No. 1 reason I will vote for her is that I’ve read about six different books about the Clintons and their time in the White House. Hillary was the person who constantly reminded President (Bill) Clinton he had to do what he promised to do … what he said in the campaign,” emphasizing she believes Hillary will do what she says she will do if elected president.
“That’s why I go down to the (campaign) office and make those phone calls,” Almeter said.
Kindness wasn’t the only trait campaign supporters noticed about Clinton. Rick Polk of Concord was impressed with her wisdom and experience.
“Her experience in both the Senate and as First Lady are important,” said Polk. “Her intelligence is obvious.”
Bailey Fuller, 18 and a senior at Concord High School and a first-time voter, added to Polk’s observations about Clinton.
“She has great experience from her eight years as First Lady,” said Fuller. “She is smart about environmental stuff. She wants to preserve America’s environmental resources and keep American jobs.”
“I just think she’ll make a great president,” said Don Barnhardt of Concord. “She’s the only pick we’ve got.”
Regina Parham of Cabarrus County echoed that message. “She has the best record of all the candidates.”
As Clinton made her way through the restaurant filled to capacity, the excitement of being near a person who could become the next president of the United States filled the air. People patiently waited their turn, cameras in hand, to get their picture with Clinton or her autograph. Many wore buttons that read, “2008 Woman for President It’s Time!”
Dennis Hall, 45, an auto mechanic from Kannapolis, said he was pleased with the economic policies from Bill Clinton’s administration.
“I like the economic plans from the previous Clinton administration,” said Hall. “They’re a lot on the same track. We definitely need health-care reform. Hopefully, she can take that a little bit farther.”
Troutman waitress Donna Roman, 42, from Salisbury, probably said it best when she described the atmosphere at Troutman’s.
“I’ve been waitressing all of my life …” said Roman.  “I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”

Contact Joanne Gonnerman at 704-932-3336 or jgonnerman@kannapoliscitizen.com.