Somewhat disappointed…
Today was my day in Williams and Fulton counties.
First I went to Wauseon, which is in Fulton. I drove around the town a bit just to get a feel for it because while I’ve been there a few times before it was never for very long.
Once in town, I spotted a man laying in the grass on the side of the rode in front of a factory. I thought that he looked a little strange but interesting. I pulled over and he agreed to be interviewed. He was actually a really good person to talk to. He said some pretty off the wall things but I definitely got some good quotes. He was quite a character and even offered me a cigarette (which I politely declined).
Next I decided to go to Wal-Mart. I thought that would be the perfect place to catch a lot of people because it looked like the only place in town that was busy. Everything else was pretty dead.
Well, Wal-Mart turned out to be a bad idea.
I first ran into an 87 year old named Ruth. The first thing that she told me (even before I had a chance to ask her name) was that she loved the “colored boy” running for election. Once she said that I knew I was going to have an AWESOME interview! She continued to go on and on about health care, social security…everything. Then of course she told me I couldn’t use her name. I should have known…and I’m mad at myself because I got caught up and didn’t ask her about her name until the end. Oh well, I guess those things happen.
It turns out Ruth wasn’t the only one who didn’t want to give their name. I asked several other people and they all refused to talk.
After the Wal-Mart extravaganza, I went to a grocery store called Chief. I immediately got turned down twice but then I ran into a man, “Jim Smith.” I’m pretty sure he made that name up. He gave me a 10 minute spiel about hating Obama and job loss. All in all pretty good stuff.
After talking to Jim I decided that I needed to head to Williams county or I was going to run out of time. I was definitely frustrated at this point.
Once I got to Montpelier, I located the county fair and headed right in to the main building. The main building had lots of political booths as well as set ups for local businesses. I found a lot of very nice people in there who were willing to be interviewed. It turned out much better than Wauseon.
Overall, I think my day could have gone a lot better, but it also could have been a lot worse. I think I’m lucky that the fair was going. Otherwise, I don’t think I would have gotten nearly as many interviews.
Alyssa replied:
Liz – I know you were disappointed. But I am not. I was absolutely fascinated just now reading your account of what you did and who said what to you. You definitely have a story. Part of your story, as we discussed when I saw you earlier today, will be reporting how Ruth told you all of this and then didn’t want her name and how the others wouldn’t talk. It wasn’t a waste at all. Good job and I am glad that you share it with us.
September 10, 2008 at 12:53 am. Permalink.
Ashley Commings replied:
I was enthralled in reading this blog, it was very interesting almost like reading a book. I also, think it is frusturating when people don’t want to give you their names. I’m glad your trip turned out alright for you in the end.
September 11, 2008 at 8:38 pm. Permalink.