Reported by: Jay Warren
Photographed by: 9News
Web produced by: Neil Relyea
Candidates for the two highest offices in the land were in the Tri-state Thursday – Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
Obama spoke at a rally at Ault Park in Mount Auburn, drawing thousands.
While Palin spoke to supporters at a rally in wilmington later in the evening.
The speech touched on familiar themes, like McCain's service to country.
Governor Palin, though, also addressed the situation with DHL and tied Obama to a man she called a domestic terrorist.
As many as 15,000 people crowded inside the Robert Center in Wilmington to see the "Straight Talk Express" roll-in – and roll-in it did.
Out of the gate, Palin touted McCain's ability to lead.
"John McCain is the only candidate in this race who is offering us an optimistic vision, a vision with real solutions, pragmatic ideals, too, on how to overcome the hard times that America is facing," Palin said.
Governor Palin also brought up DHL and the thousands of jobs that could be lost in Wilmington.
"Senator McCain has shown real leadership by working with local leaders, by working with local leaders on the plan for DHL Ohio operations we got some DHL folks here," she said.
"We're going to do something about it, because you and your community deserve better – and that's why John McCain and I want to go to the White House for all of you," she said.
Palin also struck with a familiar attack on Obama's past.
"One of Barack Obama's earliest supporters is Bill Ayers. Bill Ayers was part of a group that launched a campaign of bombings against our Pentagon and our own United States capital," said Palin.
"I think the speech was pretty typical for this point," said Jerry Merchant, of Wilmington. "I wish she had had something other than just Ayers."
"I just love her conservatism," said Sandy Powell, of Hillsboro. "She's a conservative mom. She's also a military mom, like myself."
"The only man with courage, the courage to keep on fighting for you America, that man is John McCain and I thank you for knowing that," Palin said in her speech.
Palin is staying in Cincinnati overnight and will attend a fundraiser in Indian Hill Friday morning.
An earlier fundraiser was cancelled after the high winds blew through the area last month.
