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Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, CT)
February 3, 2008
TONY SPINELLI Tspinelli@ctpost.com FAIRFIELD - A black sedan believed to be carrying Sen. Joseph Lieberman pulled into the main entrance of Sacred Heart University today, where Sen. John McCain was scheduled to appear in a presidential campaign rally, and there was a rush of excitement in the crowd of protesters gathered out front. Several dozen ran toward the car and began to shout. "Joe must go! Joe must go!," the crowd of several hundred people chanted. The protesters were affiliated with Connecticut Opposes the War, a group that organized the Super Bowl Sunday event after learning on Tuesday McCain would appear. Lieberman also appeared. "I think McCain is a major supporter of the war," said Julie Gordon, of Bethel, one of the protesters, explaining why the group targeted the McCain rally. McCain supporters filled the parking lot of the university, as well as the roads around the university. They appeared uncomfortable as they walked through the crowd of shouting protesters. The crowd shouted with glee when they saw their first glimpse of a parade flat made for the day, featuring an effigy of President George W. Bush riding atop a missile. The group's main concern was to stop the war in Iraq and prevent escalation into Iran. "Expanding the war to Iran is one of the craziest things I have ever heard," said Dan Diaz, of Hartford. He held a sign that read "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran." The sign was in response to a moment during McCain's campaign when he was asked what he would do about Iran and jovially responded, "you've heard the tune bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" to the tune of "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys, Diaz said. Police officers mingled in the crowd and event organizer John Murphy said the group was not allowed to get any closer to the campus building where McCain was appearing. Check back later today for stories on McCain's visit and the presidential primary including a stop in Bridgeport by Sen. John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate. Also, a video of the protest will be posted on ConnPost.com later today. Tony Spinelli, who covers regional issues for ConnPost.com, can be reached at 330-6361. |
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