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OHIO: ARNOLD [Kevin Holtsberry 10/29 10:24 PM]

Just got back from the Bush Rally at Nationwide Arena here in Columbus Ohio. It is hard to know what to make of these type of things, but the crowd was pumped. If filing a 20,000 plus arena full of screaming supporters who give you a full 10 minute standing ovation means something then I would say Bush is doing well in Central Ohio. When Bush and Governor Schwarzenegger took the stage the crowd simply refused to stop clapping and shouting for some time. Eventually they quieted down and Ah-nold gave a rousing introduction to President Bush. He really drove home the point that the election rested in the hands of the people who filled the arena. It is up to the dedicated volunteers and average people to get out the vote for President Bush; to beat the liberal activists at their own game. Funny how good a stump speaker Schwarzenegger is compared to some of the politicians that proceeded him. He really got the crowd fired up. I guess Hollywood does have its benefits.

President Bush seemed in good spirits but spoke quietly at times, like he was trying to save his voice. He was funny as usual, but he really hammered home the serious nature of the election. ALthough I am sure it was the standard stump speech of the last few days, it also seemed an effective contrasting of Bush's commitment and determination with Kerry's vacillation and monday morning quarterbacking. Bush came across as a man comfortable in his own skin, who sticks to his guns, and keeps his promises. As Jay Nordlinger said after the third debate, if America doesn't re-elect Bush it is their loss.

I don't know what will happen in Ohio in the next few days, but I do know this: 20,000 people left the arena her in Columbus excited and determined to win Ohio for Bush. In a few days we will know whether they accomplished their goal.