Campaign for Kerry (Fast Eddie, Rhoda, and the Meathead in York, PA stump for Kerry)
York Dispatch ^ | 10-29-2004 | CARYN TAMBER
Posted on 10/29/2004 11:15:30 PM EDT by Daveinyork
Campaign for Kerry Celebrities, Gov. Rendell stump for Democratic ticket By CARYN TAMBER The York Dispatch
Friday, October 29, 2004 -
At the end of a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry at York City's Colonial Court House yesterday, more than a hundred Kerry supporters crowded together to sing the refrain from "You've Got a Friend."
It's a popular sing-along tune, but yesterday's rendition was unique: It was led by Carole King, who wrote it.
King has been campaigning for Kerry across Pennsylvania this week with Gov. Ed Rendell; actress Valerie Harper, who played Rhoda Morgenstern on "Mary Tyler Moore"; and actor/director Rob Reiner, who played Michael "Meathead" Stivic on "All in the Family."
They stopped in York and several other towns in this swing state Wednesday and yesterday, criticizing President Bush, promoting Kerry and urging voters to make one last push to turn out the Democratic vote on Tuesday.
"Our name often brings more people into the discussion, which is a good thing," King said, talking about why she and the other celebrities decided to hit the campaign trail. "After that, we better know what we're talking about, and I believe we do."
10 times: King said many people have told her they wish they could vote for Kerry 10 times. They can, she said.
"You go vote yourself and then bring nine other voters," she said.
Rendell praised former President Clinton, hailing his eight years in the White House as ones of job creation, economic surplus and worldwide respect for the United States.
When Clinton traveled abroad, "he was treated like a rock star because he was so loved and revered," Rendell said. "Open your eyes. Do you think any of that stuff would be happening today?"
He blamed Bush's tax cuts for job losses in Pennsylvania.
"Those are the wrong choices for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but they're the wrong choices for York and Lancaster, too," Rendell said.
For her part, Harper told the group of sign-waving Kerry supporters that they were "beautiful."
'Most important election': She also called the Bush administration "the most appalling presidency in my 65 years" and told the crowd that people in her home state, California, are "so fixated and focused" on the swing state of Pennsylvania.
Reiner called Tuesday's vote "the most important election of our lifetime" and criticized President Bush on the Iraq War.
"Wouldn't it be nice to have someone who tells the truth in the White House?" he asked.
Midway through his speech, a train rolled down Pershing Avenue, blocking out his voice.
"Is that train heading for Crawford?" Reiner shouted, referencing the Texas town where Bush owns a ranch.
The rally ended with "You've Got a Friend," after which the celebrities and the governor fanned out to sign autographs.
"It was a charge," said Jo Margolis of Warrington Township, who has been working for the Kerry campaign. "It was wonderful. I've set my life aside. Everything in my life is on hold to (do) whatever I can to bring about a change."
Push Pennsylvania benefit: Richard Dalton of York City said he believes Pennsylvania would benefit under a new president.
"Oh, I loved it," he said after the rally. "We need this change. I'm glad they came and visited York because we need help."
"Everyone's fired up," Rendell said before boarding his bus to head for the next stop. "I don't think anybody's going to sit it out."
But, he said, he has been cautioning Kerry supporters across the state, "so's the other side."
A handful of Bush supporters attended the rally, too, including Mary Homsher of York City, who held a sign proclaiming, "W Stands for Women."
"W Stands for Women?" queried Kerry campaign worker Eric Rosenbach.
"W Stands for Wimp," said Phillip Smith of Springettsbury Township, also a Kerry supporter.
"I'm just glad I've never said an insulting word to the opposing party," Homsher said.
-- Reach Caryn Tamber at 854-1575 or ctamber@yorkdispatch.com .