McCain Supporters Rally to Put Country First, TooPhotos/text By Renee Burrell
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, was applauded by some 3,000 supporters when he took the stage Sept. 16. A fellow Vietnam prisoner of war speaking at the rally earlier said of McCain, "He always wants the right thing done and he wants it done the right way." TAMPA - The rally at the Tampa Convention Center September 16 for Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain (AZ) got off to an emotional start. Those who vote for the person along with those who vote for the party were moved by the rally's first speaker who drove down from Crystal River for the event. Captain Richard Tangeman USN (Ret.) of Crystal River, a fellow POW who was imprisoned with McCain in Hanoi gave everyone pause when he described McCain's good character. Capt. Tangeman articulated the attribute that McCain is most known for - - possessing rock solid American values - - and said McCain is exactly the type of man, "Our nation needs to move away from self interest and put country first." Capt. Tangeman said one of his favorite things about McCain is that, "He always wants the right thing done and he wants it done the right way." Capt. Tangeman briefly described their prison days. Voicing admiration and awe he reminded the crowd of the harsh treatment McCain received from their captors and told how in spite of being repeatedly beaten himself, McCain would go out of his way to try to prevent the Vietnamese guards from torturing others. "He even got in between the Vietnamese guards and other prisoners, diverting their attention to him." Capt. Tangeman concluded by telling the crowd, "I can tell you that John McCain is a good man. In my heart I feel that John is the better man in this election. And I think we all agree he's the best man." When McCain arrived, he addressed Wall Street's failures and told the audience that if he's elected, the McCain-Palin Administration will put an end to corruption there. "We've seen self-interest, greed; irresponsibility and corruption undermine the hard work of the American worker. It's time to set things right and I promise to get the job done."
 McCain's wife, Cindy, joined him in shaking hands and signing autographs after his 17 minute speech. McCain and running mate Governor Sarah Palin R- AK, will face off November 4 against Democrat presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama D-IL and his vice presidential selection Senator Joe Biden DE- in the 2008 presidential election.
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