The Tale of One City: Scranton Pa.

To get the feel of a political race, anecdotal stories on the ground of voters' enthusiasm is a better gauge than looking to polls.

To make this point I reference one story covering the Biden event where pollster Terry Madonna predicts that Obama will take Scranton. His polling firm has Obama leading by 7 points in Pennsylvania.

Now compare the following anecdotal stories from Scranton Pa.:

Biden, and both Clintons had a campaign rally in Scranton Pa.

Working families, Biden told a crowd of about 6,000 at an indoor soccer complex here, were asking themselves "questions that are as simple as they are profound" -- whether they'll remain employed and be able to fill their gas tanks, and whether their homes will retain their value.

Sea of red to greet Palin in Scranton

Carol Oleski, director of the Scranton office of Democrats for McCain, said the level of enthusiasm building up to Palin’s arrival is “unbelievable.”

“Absolutely, we will all be wearing red,” Oleski said. “We were told 10,000 tickets would be available for the event and they are going out fast. I expect a majority, if not all of them, will go.”

The Riverfront Sports Complex, depending on how it is configured, could hold up to 12,000 people.

Don't believe the polls when they say Obama is winning. He isn't and proof is in the stories on the enthusiasm of the events.

UPDATE: The press is stating that the crowd was estimated at 4500 people even though it was standing room only.



Sarah Palin supporters gather at the Riverfront Sports Complex on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, to listen to her speech. Jason Farmer / Staff Photographer

UPDATE: According to a previous article, the Biden/Clinton rally had 3,000 show up at the same facility.