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We hope the Republican nominee, Sen. John McCain, will come to La Crosse and generate the same sort of enthusiastic response.
It’s a healthy sign to see so many people who care enough to give up part of a day and stand in the autumn chill to listen and take part in the democratic process.
Of course, we always hope that the many candidates who visit our region will do more than talk.
We fervently hope they’ll listen, too.
The La Crosse area is getting a lot of practice hosting noteworthy politicians — especially during the past decade as Wisconsin has become a pivotal, closely contested state.
Wednesday’s visit was an exciting civics lesson. And it’s really history in the making.
That’s why we encourage everyone — no matter your political affiliation — to take every opportunity to participate.
The ABC News program “Nightline” was scheduled to highlight La Crosse on Wednesday night — especially looking at how the fallout on Wall Street affects Main Street in communities like ours.
Clearly, the current economic crisis is now dominating the campaign. And as the campaign continues — including tonight’s televised debate between VP candidates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin — we hope both sides more clearly articulate what they would do, and what they wouldn’t do, in regard to dealing with a post-bailout national economy.
The financial drain from any congressional bailout/rescue plan will clearly mean some of the priorities for either candidate will not be funded.
And neither candidate has done very well at spelling out what items will fall off the wish list if the bailout is finally approved by Congress.
That’s the type of candor we need in Washington. It’s also the sort of participatory democracy that continues to be vital for our future.
And speaking of that future, there were plenty of students who attended the Obama rally in La Crosse — many who received excused absences to experience the event.
We especially like the open-minded approach of Travis Kaiser, a 21-year-old from West Salem who attends Western Technical College.
Kaiser says he hasn’t decided who he’ll vote for Nov. 4. He attended the Obama rally Wednesday to listen. And he said he would certainly attend any appearance by Sen. McCain if he comes to town. “I’ve got to give him a fair chance.”
Doing your homework and getting involved — that’s what a democracy needs Election Day and every day.
