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Email: "Clinton draws crowds from both sides of Ohio River"
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MARIETTA — Thousands of people from West Virginia and Ohio stood in a snaking line on the sidewalks of Marietta College Sunday evening waiting to hear what former President Bill Clinton had to say as he was in town speaking on behalf of his presidential-candidate wife, Hillary.

Parkersburg resident Jeff Fox said he was excited about hearing the former president speak.

“Anytime you have a former president visiting the area, it’s an exciting event. I’m really interested in hearing what his message might be tonight. Ohio is a battleground state, I’m interested to see if he might step it up,” he said.

Fox said it’s unfortunate that West Virginia’s primary isn’t until May, when primary elections usually have already been decided. The last time he saw the former president was in 1993, when he threw out the opening pitch at a Baltimore Orioles opening day game, he said.

Williamstown resident David Wamsley said he was interested to hear what Clinton might have to say about health care.

“Heath care is a big concern of mine. I’m also very concerned about the war in Iraq, but I don’t think he will talk about that,” he said.

Wamsley said he saw Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., about 15 years ago in Marietta.

Wamsley’s wife, Brenda, said she is leaning toward voting for Hillary Clinton and would consider the former president’s speech as she made her final decision.

“I want to see how he presents her position as opposed to (Barack) Obama’s. I haven’t made up my mind. If I had to vote tomorrow, I’d vote for Hillary, but that vote isn’t locked. I’m concerned who can win in November. I’m not sure who can beat the Republican candidate. I’m interested in what he has to say about November. I’m also concerned about health care, the economy, mostly domestic and social issues,” she said.

Not everyone was there to hear what Clinton had to say.

Marietta College student Melissa Varga stood outside politely offering those in line information about Hillary Clinton’s main primary competition, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

“This is largely a Hillary crowd,” she said. “Obama’s support here is mostly from the college students.”

Parkersburg resident Victor Zill was among several standing outside holding Ron Paul signs.

“I came out to show my support for Ron Paul and let people know there is another option. There’s nothing inspiring about the Clintons, I really don’t have any desire to go in there and listen,” he said.

 

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