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Two Distinct Americas Emerge on Campaign Trail

Party faithful split on politics but united in distrust

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 30, 2008 7:18 AM CDT

(Newser) – Vastly different crowds appear at the rallies of the candidates who started their campaigns calling for bipartisan unity, a roving New York Times reporter finds. Republican rallygoers shout to a country-pop soundtrack; the Democratic faithful dance to folk and Motown. Flag pins, pompoms, and patriotic songs define GOP gatherings, while Dems favor buttons and the word "change."

The GOP crowds express fear of the "socialist" Obama—and dislike for his wife—while Democrats fear the "irrelevant" Republicans might still somehow snatch the election. But both groups seem amazed that supporters of the rival party have yet to come to their senses. "When I think of the other side, I think of a giant troop of lemmings,” said one man in a "Plumbers for McCain" T-shirt.

Sarah Palin greets supporters as she enters a campaign rally, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, in Hershey, Pa.
Sarah Palin greets supporters as she enters a campaign rally, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, in Hershey, Pa.   (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Supporters cheer John McCain's speech during a 'Road to Victory' rally, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, in Hershey, Pa.
Supporters cheer John McCain's speech during a 'Road to Victory' rally, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, in Hershey, Pa.   (AP Photo/Bradley C Bower)
Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.
Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist looks on as John McCain speaks during a campaign rally in Miami, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist looks on as John McCain speaks during a campaign rally in Miami, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Claire Arabia, of Miramar, Fla., listens to John McCain during a campaign rally in Miami, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.
Claire Arabia, of Miramar, Fla., listens to John McCain during a campaign rally in Miami, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
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