Park City voters like Obama’s handshake in ‘08

Aug. 8, 2007 | A throng of semi-patriotic Americans crowd Presidential Candidate Barack Obama for the chance to shake hands with the man who could be the nation's first semi-African-American president.

PARK CITY — Hundreds of Park City residents have promised to vote for Senator Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential elections following an impromptu rally near Kimball Junction Sunday.

While the democratic contender didn’t offer much more than polished rhetoric during his brief remarks, he did spend considerable time smiling, waving and shaking hands. The result was a surge in support for the candidate in Utah’s elitist of blue counties.

Local socialite Wanda Forrester, who transplanted from Beverly Hills two years ago, said Obama’s warmth and skin color won her over.

“You know, his platform does concern me a bit, but being able to say I shook hands with the first half-African-American president in our nation’s history would be divine,” she said.

Interviews with nearby neighbors revealed they too were excited at the thought of being recognized for having mingled with a man who could change the course of history. Randall Creyton, a real estate guru, was one of several who paid nearly $2,500 for a photo with the Illinois Senator.

“Sure, I’ve been successful enough to steer politicians like puppets on land issues, but only locally,” Creyton said. “The chance to do that on a national level is worth 100 pictures.”

Sen. Obama said he already spent a large portion of the fund-raising cash on the trip back to Washington DC, and will spend the remainder on producing a YouTube candidacy video.

editor@thesugarbeat.com