State Fair Visit Is Not Just Another Day On the Campaign Trail

By: John Bentley
Topics: John McCain

(CBS)

From CBS News' John Bentley

(DES MOINES, IOWA) – John McCain stopped by the Iowa State Fair today to stump for votes in this swing state extol the virtues of the "heartland of America." Frankly, most of the reporters in the traveling press corps were more excited about the wonders of the state fair – deep fried candy bars! Half ton pigs! – than the senator today, so most of us wandered the fairgrounds in search of food that is really, really bad for you.

McCain's first stop was the swine barn, where he stopped to chat with the owner of Freight Train, the biggest pig in the 154-year history of the fair. Tipping the scales at 1,259 pounds, 'Train bested last year's winner by 13 pounds. He could not be bothered to wake up, however, during the senator's visit, perhaps because of McCain's denunciation of pork-barrel politics (that's the last of the pig jokes).

Freight Train:

(CBS)

McCain then went to speak at the soapbox area of the fair. The press went to go find deep fried food. We succeeded when we came across a stand selling deep-fried Snickers bars, which are both tastier and more disgusting than you might imagine.

No one could choke down more than a bite or two because of the richness, but everyone agreed it was delicious. McCain also said he was going to find some fair food.

"As soon as I finish here. we are going to try and have a pork chop on a stick and deep fried Twinkie," he said, but since there are no pictures of this happening, the claims are dubious.

After taking in the butter sculptures, cheese curds, and every conceivable meat product that could possibly be put on a stick, it was back to the campaign plane to fly to Arkansas. Sadly, there is no mention of a state fair visit.

Deep-fried snickers bar:

(CBS)

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by elizabethbj August 10, 2008 4:19 AM EDT: John McCain is dangerous for women....a fellow adulterer

What does John McCain and Edwards have in common? John McCain lied and cheated on this first wife (committed adultery) to mary Cindy McCain a very rich pretty second wife. Since his second marriage there have been more reports of affairs-more adultery. John McCain offered up his wife during a biking campagin event to participate in a wet tee contest. No respect for his wife and women. John McCain voted against equal pay for women. He voted against suporting birth control measures for women . He will overturn Roe vs Wade which he said he will do. He is dangerous for women. In Gods eyes John McCain committed a sin and continues to do so ! Oh maybe he has stoped until maybe he wins the election then back to his old tricks again. America wake up! I forgot about the $520 dollar shoes and his wife spending $75,000 in one month on clothes......He is not one of us!!!; Reply to this comment


by kissamaarse August 10, 2008 4:13 AM EDT: JukeBox John pissed them off in the pivotal state of Iowa. Guess the Elitist McCain, with his $520 Ferragamo loafers, did no resonate with folks in Fly-Over Country. McSame is toast in November.; Reply to this comment


by shaheed92 August 9, 2008 9:35 PM EDT: McComa, that wrinkly, white-haired dude, should stay away from state fairs. Someone might think he''''s an escapee from the freak show.; Reply to this comment


by shaheed92 August 9, 2008 9:32 PM EDT: McComa, that white-haired dude, should stay away from state fairs. Someone might think he''s an escapee from the freak show.; Reply to this comment


by hungry1968 August 9, 2008 8:29 PM EDT: Humble? Down to earth? We are not talking about the same John McCian. Just because Barack Obama is smart, you shouldn''''t confuse that with arrogance.

Posted by Policrypt at 01:30 PM : Aug 09, 2008

I just love the "right''s" view of Obama:

"Oooh look at him using his fancy, articulate speaking skills, and he''s such a show off drawing such HUGE supportive crowds."

Like being a smart person, with good ideas, able to communicate them easily, and being popular is "bad".

Such gullible morons.; Reply to this comment


by deacon20081 August 9, 2008 8:23 PM EDT: Stay away from the house of mirrors Senator McSame...you''ll see George Bush...that''s scary!; Reply to this comment


by hungry1968 August 9, 2008 8:14 PM EDT: What''s with the picture of "Freight Train"?

They''re still taking her picture after her June 3rd concession speech?; Reply to this comment


by benighse August 9, 2008 4:35 PM EDT: MCCAIN WAS GOING TO HAVE A TWINKIE ON A STICK? OR IS HE BEING HOISTED ON HIS OWN PETARD? CAMPAIGN''S SHOULD BE RUN ON ISSUES, JOHN; NOT ATTACK ADS.; Reply to this comment


by benighse August 9, 2008 4:31 PM EDT: The Olympics are on!!!.....Go take a nap John Sidney III; Reply to this comment


by johnbush2-2009 August 9, 2008 4:15 PM EDT: John McCain is a humble and down to earth person. He will make a great President.

John McCain is nothing like the arrogant and egotistical Hussein Obama.; Reply to this comment