The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

Santorum Surge Hits Hollis, N.H. UPDATE: Photos, Videos Added

Posted on | January 7, 2012 | 12 Comments

HOLLIS, N.H.
Set up in the Dunkin’ Donuts here at the intersection of Ash and Main Street, having just left anevent for Rick Santorum at the historic Lawrence Barn that was filled beyond capacity.

The first question Santorum got in an informal press conference outside the barn was about his “electability,” which he defended staunchly. I must urge everyone trying to predict the outcome in New Hampshire to put no stock in polls. There are still many undecided voters here and much of Mitt Romney’s support is “soft.”

Depending on how things go in the two debates — tonight on ABC and Sunday morning on  “Meet the Press” — the Santorum surge could once against surprise everyone, as it did in Iowa, where he outperformed the final Des Moines Register final poll by 10 points.

I have photos and video and am now awaiting sufficient bandwidth for uploading. Bandwidth is a scarce commodity out here in the country.

In a few minutes, Santorum will appear at the Hollis Pharmacy and General Store, a traditional campaign stop for presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Mike Rogers of Granite Grok and I were the first members of the media to arrive there, and were greeted by owner Vahrij Manoukian, who promptly told us to park next door, as he wishes to leave space for the candidate’s entourage.

UPDATE: As I was sitting here, a woman walked in and said, “I know you! I’m ConservaGirl.”

UPDATE II: With his superior technological capacities, Mike has already got up an extensive photo post at Granite Grok about the Santorum barn event.

UPDATE III: Look at the crowd behind Santorum at the Hollis Pharmacy. Anyone who underestimates the surge does so at their peril:

At the Lawrence Barn event, Mara Liasson of NPR interviews a New Hampshirite in a purple hat:

UPDATE IV: Kaley, the barrista at Dunkin’ Donuts, is all about Ron Paul. Note the facial piercing. Just sayin’ …

A lot of reporters on the campaign trail spend their time interviewing “typical voter” types at every stop along the campaign trail:

Here we see a foreign news crew interviewing a Santorum supporter who, as it turned out, drove up from Massachusetts. So much for the “typical voter,” you see.

UPDATE V: Look at these videos of Santorum at the Hollis Pharmacy and tell me again why he can’t beat Mitt Romney:

Here is my interview with the owner of the Hollis Pharmacy, Vahrij Manoukian:

Just guessing by the name ending in “-ian,” he is Armenian. Some of the most patriotic Americans I know are Armenian, as are the Kardashian sisters.

Category: Election 2012, Fear and Loathing in New Hampshire, New Hampshire, Rick Santorum

Comments

12 Responses to “Santorum Surge Hits Hollis, N.H. UPDATE: Photos, Videos Added”

  1. Anonymous
    January 7th, 2012 @ 3:27 pm

    Keep up the good work!  

  2. Wintery Knight
    January 7th, 2012 @ 7:52 pm

    This is quality reporting! I appreciate it!

  3. Datechguy's Blog » Blog Archive » Seek ye first… » Datechguy's Blog
    January 7th, 2012 @ 8:15 pm

    […] has some Hollis info that I don’t here and the Grok has stuff here. Share this:PrintRedditDiggStumbleUponEmailFacebook opinions powered […]

  4. Two Excellent Arguments in Favor of a Jon Huntsman Presidency : The Other McCain
    January 7th, 2012 @ 8:15 pm

    […] II (RSM): Just want to point out that, despite the charm and pulchritude of Mary Anne and Abby, the Santorum surge is still the big story.Category: Election 2012, Fear and Loathing in Iowa, Jon Huntsman, New Hampshire, Rule 5Comments […]

  5. Donald Douglas
    January 7th, 2012 @ 8:22 pm

    You’re linked here: ‘GOP Debates Present Chance to Slow Romney’s Momentum’. 

  6. Allinone69z
    January 7th, 2012 @ 8:31 pm

    Thanks Stacy… We Santorum supporters appreciate the reports

  7. JC Hagen
    January 7th, 2012 @ 8:31 pm

    What ambassador posting has Santorum offered you for these positive post? 😉

  8. Joe Ferry
    January 7th, 2012 @ 8:57 pm

    Why the Inquirer is going out of business.

  9. Nathan
    January 7th, 2012 @ 9:00 pm

    Does “as are the Kardashian sisters” modify “Armenian,” or “some of the most patriotic Americans you know”? 

  10. NH Polls/Latest News/Debate Livestream « Nice Deb
    January 7th, 2012 @ 9:20 pm

    […] RS McCain says – pay no attention to the polls in latest post on Santorum: Santorum Surge Hits Hollis, N.H. UPDATE: Photos, Videos Added: The first question Santorum got in an informal press conference outside the barn was about his […]

  11. Pablo
    January 8th, 2012 @ 8:45 am

    Pro Tip: Ain’t no baristas at Dunky’s.

  12. Is It Still Mitt’s Turn? « News « @griffinrc
    January 9th, 2012 @ 6:28 am

    […] making a dent here. The crowds showing up to see Santorum in New Hampshire — including at two events Saturday here in Hollis — are large and enthusiastic, however, and the possibility of an unexpected surge for […]