ROCHESTER, N.H. -- On a chilly Sunday morning, Mitt Romney's version of "organized chaos" hit the ground running in Rochester.
For the uninitiated, a campaign stop surely evokes a wide range of connotations, and few involve the word seamless. But Sunday, at the Rochester Opera House, stepping back and observing the festivities as a lone entity, one got the sense that there is indeed a rhythm, a cadence to the entire process.
There is a palatable realization that New Hampshire voters take full advantage of what amounts to an intense, interactive Political Science class. Exclusivity to events has little pull in New Hampshire. From the center, out to the periphery, involvement is lively. The local turnout in considerable numbers was supplemented, as evidenced by the large disparity of out of state license tags in a conjoining parking lot.
David Holt, an Occupy New Hampshire/Dover supporter, large yellow protest message poster in tow, was among the first to arrive. He is more than willing to engage in discussion or have his image offered up. "I'm trying to end the disparity that exists in politics today,' he says.
Within earshot of Holt, a tall, middle-aged man is waving an American flag that has been transposed with fifty corporate logos where the stars reside. Two photographers jokingly discuss whether the flag is anti or pro business. They are unable to arrive at a conclusion. They capture the image before moving on.
A loquacious vendor is offering a vivid selection of political buttons for purchase. A few steps to his left, handmade signs, some with cryptic messages, perhaps only deciphered by the artist themselves, are presented. Voters give a quick glance before moving on.
Given its historical status as a litmus test of a candidate's strengths and weaknesses going forward, each appearance New Hampshire is potentially a game changer. Those who disagree with the aspirant know that as well.
Labor organizer Randy Johnson a former employee and longtime opponent of Romney, has a schedule that mirrors the former Massachusetts governor's. He is well versed in the political game. His comfort level in front of a camera is apparent. "I had the opportunity and a platform to speak from."We're educating people," Johnson said. "If they understand what's going on, I think they will make a rational decision.
On decidedly warmer stage inside the venue, Romney reminds the eyes that are fixated on him "that this election is about the battle for the soul of America."
Following the speech, security detail awaits Romney's emergence from the Opera House as the candidate preps to get knee deep in a substantial line of autograph seekers, who are clutching a wide range of items from bright white baseballs, to family photos to magazine covers. The cadre of photographers and writers push, cajole, position themselves with authority.
As the Romney contingent loads into transportation, calls of "Mitt, Mitt" resonate from various angles. As expected they are in direct competition with opposition voices.
Symmetry indeed.
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