Campaign '08

Pittsburghers Try To Get Glimpse Of McCain, Palin

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― Republican Presidential candidate Sen. John McCain and his newly announced Vice Presidential running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin decided this morning to spend some time in Pittsburgh before their rally in Washington County.

The "Straight Talk" bus started its journey through the 'Burgh on Mount Washington this morning where Sen. McCain had an interview at Cole Hill Steakhouse. That's also where he surprised locals hoping to get a glimpse of him.

"We've got this book we just picked up that we thought Sen. McCain might sign for us, it's the epic of America dating back to 1900s," said Carroll Gorman, of Oakwood. "We think he's going to fill the bill on this one."

Then, it was off to Green Tree to pick up Gov. Palin. And after that they headed to the South Side for a walk through at Tom's Diner.

"This is a lot of fun," said Gov. Palin. "It's nice to see another part of the country and meet some great people."

People like Darlene Takis, who works at Tom's Diner, said she couldn't believe it when she got the call this morning that McCain was stopping by.

"The Secret Service came over and asked if they could talk to me for a minute and I thought somebody was in trouble and they said, 'Sen. McCain's going to come,'" she told KDKA. "I was in total shock. I think it was a great experience. I mean I think it made everybody's day here. I told him thanks for coming, and the VP, she kissed me. So I'm really psyched."

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