I was unprepared for the onslaught at the Vienna Metro this morning. Had my brain not been filled with other thoughts (namely: it's my birthday and I am soooo looking forward to the Cake Love German Chocolate cake that we picked up yesterday and while we were there, we picked up two chocolate with lime frosting cupcakes and, I reiterate: I am soooooo looking forward to the cake tonight! *slurp*), I might have whipped my camera phone out and snapped a picture. As it was, I was sort of swept into the melee and tossed about like a leaf in the autumn wind. Well, more like a leaf with a specific direction in mind (getting on the Metro) and not to be distracted.
Things I noticed initially: there were a lot of people gathered around the entrance gates. The Washington Post Express hawker was young, white, and female (I'm not used to that, the majority of the hawkers at Vienna have always been African American and mostly male). There were a lot of Kilgore signs. Since the Kaine campaigners have been quite busy during the evening rush hour, I wasn't surprised to see Kilgore campaigners, though, so I really didn't focus on anything but getting an Express and getting on the train. Did I say there were a lot of people?
It started with me trying to sidestep the Kilgore campaigner while he was trying to make sure I didn't sidestep him. As I edged away, he followed. I finally had to say no, I didn't want his handout. However, he had distracted me sufficiently, so that when the next man extended his hand and introduced himself as Russ Potts, I was about to shake my head and say no thanks again, until the information processed through my brain and I happily shook his hand. I was quite surprised and interested to meet Potts despite the fact that I am not voting for him - although I probably would vote for him if the race wasn't so close. Maybe. I am sad to say that I haven't really paid attention to most of his rhetoric since I know I'm not voting for him.
So I after saying hello to Potts, I was amused as I grabbed the Express from the hawker and started towards the gates (and the Kilgore signs). It was then that I realized just why there were so many people there (and why Potts was there). It was then that I realized that the majority of people milling around were not Metro commuters like me, but campaigners. It was then that I noticed the news camera. And it was then that the skinny man in the suit standing next to the camera tried to get my attention and engage me in some sort of exchange. However, I didn't extend my hand, so he was forced to wave at me and perkily say "I'm Jerry Kilgore and I'm running for Governor!" with a big grin on his face. As the camera focused on me, I wonder what I looked like. I know I gave him a sidelong glance and nodded and smiled, but I'm pretty sure that my all-black, dark-purple-lipstick-wearing self had a sardonic look on my face as inside I thought "no way in hell I'm voting for you, bud!" I hope it was more wry than sardonic. After all, I don't want to be rude because perhaps he's a nice enough guy, but his campaign has been rather dirty and I disagree with much of what he says. But I'm pretty sure I looked like I was not voting for him.
Since Kilgore is up here in "liberal country," I can only assume that Kaine is in "conservative country." 'Cause if he was at Vienna as well, I completely missed him. I expect a lot of people with handouts this afternoon.
All in all, it was pretty amusing. I guess Election day is tomorrow? ;)
On a related but unrelated note, I can't look at Mark Warner without seeing my dentist. I don't know if they really look alike, but there must be a similarity. It's kind of disturbing.
( 08:16 FH | urban living. )