"Get your motor runnin'..."
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 02.27.08 8:22 AM

Yesterday we started the day with a huge town hall rally in Cincinnati.  It was great to meet the uncle of Jay, our long time bus driver (he was also our driver in the 2000 campaign) at the event. We love Jay so much because he is always so warm, friendly and puts smiles on all of our faces every morning when we get on the Straight Talk Express.  It's people like Jay who make me feel like the people on this campaign are my extended family.  I'm afraid I may have become completely addicted to life on the road and when this is all over, I might have to manage a band or become a traveling salesman in order to keep traveling like this every day.

From the town hall we went to a factory where they assemble Humvees used by our troops in Iraq.  The factory was huge and it was fascinating to learn about the technology. We ended the night in Texas and had enjoyed a delicious Mexican dinner (oh, how I've missed you!)

Song of the Day: "Every Day Should Be a Holiday" by The Dandy Warhols

People outside the rally this morning

View from the bus

Brooke saying hi to Jay's uncle this morning

Our absolutely incredible, fantastic, irreplaceable driver, Jay, and his uncle.

Dad on stage

Look at the crowd!!!

View from backstage

Doing Q&A's

People were overflowing out of the room into the hall!

Ok, this PEZ dispenser looks a little bit like Dad...

Touring the BAE plant where they make vehicles for the military... truly amazing technology!

Dad taking the tour

The warehouse was huge - one of the most memorable event venues on the trail

Dad with Senator DeWine

Answering questions from the employees

The audience

I swiped this sign off the table

Meet and greet

These people were so great

Driving, driving, driving to the next stop

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

"Cleveland and Cincinnati"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 02.26.08 1:47 PM

This morning we left D.C. bright and early (another 5:30 wakeup call, ugghh!) and flew to Cleveland.  When our plane landed, we were all rushed off to a town hall and were greeted by... a John McCain look-a-like! Honestly, he looked so much like Dad, I got a little wigged out. After the raucous event, we flew to Cincinnati and checked into the "Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza" where we discovered "Blogette" cookies in our room. It was a really cute welcome! Tomorrow we're headed to the Lone Star State.

Shannon and I relaxing on the plane

Shannon and Greg on the bus

Police officers

Getting off the bus

Saying hello

Signing autographs

Walking through the kitchen to get backstage

Crowd in Cleveland

On stage

Dad's "Look-a-Like" was weirded out by us...

The crowd watching Dad

How cute is this kid?

Shannon and the police officer

Adorable little baby

We dared Shannon to get on what looked like the oldest bike in the world

Not everyone was entertained...

The "Look-a-Like's" headshot in my bag

Shannon with the headshot, I still can't really look at it...

Brooke laughing at the headshot

Leaving the event

Saying goodbye

A great salute

At the hotel

Luncheon at the hotel

Um... this made me nervous

McCain Me Gusta!

McCain in hummus!!!

The event inside

These people look like ice-skaters taking pics of dad

I asked Steve if he was wearing the ugliest tie he owned

I think it's pretty ugly

Getting back on the plane

Eating veggies and talking with Dad and Senator DeWine

Dad chatting

Back at the hotel

The "Blogette" cookies... so cute!!! Thanks to the Hilton staff for such a great treat!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

"Viewer Mail Volume 3"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
ON 02.24.08 11:58 PM

Recently I described how lucky I am to have the opportunities, friends and family I have. Well, you can add one more to that list: YOU. We have been blown away by the messages we've received in the last week alone. There's lots of love out there and it's so reassuring to see how many if you are so passionate about what we're doing. Anytime I need some extra energy, I just have to read the latest message and it's all there. Our entire family is so grateful for your support. There's still a lot of work ahead, but you'll be with us every step of the way. We've got some really great things we're working on and we think you'll love the journey. You guys rock!

Victor from Phoenix, Arizona writes:
The pictures from the "Lucky Girl" posting are some of the best you've put up. In particular, the ones with the hotel window. The whole sequence was great and made me laugh out loud. Though I have to admit, my favorite pic was the one with the Blogettes and CHM in front of the window. Awesome!

Donny from Baltimore, Maryland wrote:
Love your work.  You give an unusually human side - dare I say "normal" side to politics, a sport that too often winds up on cable news with a dozen analysts sparring over a candidate's choice of adjective or tie. Anywho, you seem like awesome girls.

Frank from Wellington, Florida writes:
An amazing blog that really gives people a glimpse and a feeling of what goes on behind the scenes in a Presidential campaign.  Also, I must admit, it has given me a higher opinion of John McCain and his family.  Keep up the good work!

Melanie from Iowa wrote:
Meghan, thank you for your "Lucky Girl" blog yesterday and for "taking the high road" with such class. Your whole family, and all associated with your father's campaign, seem to know the true meaning of the word "class".  Thank you for your fresh perspective on a political race which, as you stated, can be dirty and cruel.  And thank you to your father for truly caring for our country.

Paige from Dallas, Texas writes:
"Lucky Girl" is a really impressive piece - even though it must be hard to deal with the criticism your dad gets your response on this one was perfect...

Kara from Boston, Massachusetts wrote:
I enjoy reading your blog.Your family has done so much for this country. My fiance, who is preparing for deployment to Iraq, and I, are huge McCain supporters.Go McCain!!!

Raj from Boston, Massachusetts wrote:
Hey Blogettes... Keep up the terrific work..it's fun to read your blog and check out the places you've been to! Fun pics, and cool music!

Aned from Baltimore, Maryland writes:
...I enjoy the photos of your friends and family on the campaign trail. It makes Mr. McCain and his family/friends look very real and accessible, like if you had a problem he'd really sit down and listen to what you have to say. I think that's so nice.

Eric from Paris, France wrote:
...a very interesting inside view. Great photos. Texts and videos too. Good job girls!

"D" from York, Pennsylvania writes:
Sweetie - great blog!  Enjoyed reading it. ...best of luck.

Ed from Reston, Virginia wrote:
Hi Blogettes! I just wanted to send a quick note of support for Meghan - even though I am supporting Obama, I want you to know that I respect your Dad's service to our country. Don't let the turkeys get you down!

Karen wrote: I am a huge McCain fan (you and your dad!) and I am so glad you posted this today. You are lucky and your family is an exceptional part of American (and world) history.  Your dad has made so many outstanding contributions to this country, as has your family, and people need only look to his Hanoi experience or his life in public service to assess how truly amazing he is. Have a wonderful week Megan - you deserve it!

Madeline from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada writes:
I''m 18 and love politics, love America. Just wanted to say I LOVE your site and I'm so glad you're helping to get young people interested in politics and I wish your Dad all the luck in the world I hope he wins.  P.S Your Mom look so amazing... like a movie star!

Charles from Acworth, Georgia wrote:
Thank you for keeping the blog up to date.  As a former staffer on the Hill, I enjoy seeing the back story more than the show for the Media. Your production and quality are excellent, so that makes it a great read.

Marion from Costa Mesa, California writes:
I am just having a blast reading your blog. It is really cool and I am a big fan of your dad's. ...keep on doing what you are doing, you are great. Please tell your dad and mom to hang in there, all that hard work will pay off and they will succeed.

David from San Gabriel, California wrote:
Love the blog. I have been a McCain supporter for years, and this is a great way to see the more personal side of John McCain. I am 44 and this is the first blog I have ever looked at. More power to you and your dad!

Bob from Lancaster, California writes:
You sure are great girls.  I know that if I were your Dad, I'd be proud of you too. The things that you are documenting will be part of history.  It would have been so cool to have had a blog from the kids of Abraham Lincoln: Here is a picture of the boots of General Grant, etc. Keep up the good work.

Barbara from Menifee, California wrote:
I love your blogette and I'm 73!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

"LA Times"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
ON 02.23.08 3:43 PM

In case you haven't seen this, check out this article from today's Los Angeles Times. We made the front page! We hadn't heard the term "Straight Blog Express" until now. Thanks to Maeve for the really nice article.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

"48 Hours"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 02.23.08 8:22 AM

It's been a pretty full week to say the least. The last two days have seen huge crowds and media. The smiling faces and the enthusiasm has been incredible. We ended our travels this week with something different: cars! We had a really interesting time touring the Ford Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. I can't believe they can build a car in 48 hours! And it was very cool to see all the innovation taking place to build cleaner, more efficient vehicles. When I can "tell" my car what song to play, I'll be an extremely happy girl on the road.

Steve trying on Brooke's stylish glasses

Shannon on the bus

The crowd waiting for us in Ohio

It was packed

Tons of media

My view from the bus

Always joking with Shannon on the plane

Getting off the plane

Steve Schmidt can look so intimidating!

Trying out the Ford Focus

Piper and Shannon in the car

They showed us this amazing "Sync" system that works with the iPod which was right up my alley

A model of a green technology car that will come out soon

The assembly line

Mom and Dad on the tour

They can make a car in 48 hours!

Press, press, press EVERYWHERE

Friday, February 22, 2008

"And the adventure continues..."
POSTED BY MEGHAN
VIDEO PRODUCED BY SHANNON BAE
ON 02.22.08 9:22 AM

Here's our latest video recapping some of the cool events from this past week... former President Bush and Barbara, cheeseheads, Chucks and sugar rushes. There's so much, we even left out the background music so you can add your own while you watch. Enjoy!