Corey Perrine Photography

Essay: Politically Speaking

For 18 months, candidates seeking the U.S. Presidency heavily canvassed the Granite State. Historically, New Hampshire has been the first primary voting state and a strong statement for candidates to gain momentum and win early votes.

The following is a collection of those individuals who braved the long road for the office of U.S. President, the people surrounding them and support from other political figures. In the end, Barack Obama would become the 44th president and first African American to take seat in the Oval Office. During his journey, Obama heavily touted the mantra "Yes we can."

For Republicans it was a crushing blow after a failed Bush administration. But to many it was the beginning of a new era. A time to restore the world's faith in America once more.

Tom Keeler of Concord, N.H. stands outside of a John McCain/Sarah Palin rally Wednesday, Oct. 15 in Salem. Keeler joined a protest group impromptu as they were protesting McCain's health care policy. "I liked John McCain eight years ago," Keeler said. "I don't know what happened to him but he's done a 180 in the last five years."
   
Sen. Barack Obama waves to a packed gymnasium of cheering supporters during the New Hampshire Presidential Primaries Tuesday, Jan. 8 at Nashua High School South. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) defeated Sen. Obama (D-Ill.) 39% to his 36% in the Democratic Party race in the Granite State.
   
John Edwards (D-N.C.) shakes hands with local Nashua residents Friday, June 8 at Amherst Street Elementary School. Edwards spoke about his platform. When asked by a young underage male resident what he would have done differently than George Bush, Edwards responded, "Everything."
     
  
Marlowe Doman, right, stands with other John McCain supporters rallying for support from motorists Monday, Jan. 7 at Thornton Road and Amherst Street in Nashua, N.H. Last minute campaigning has been a big push for the close political race.
   
With a latte in hand, Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) rubs his eyes, showing signs of fatigue, after greeting supporters at his new headquarters Friday, Dec. 7 at 491 Amherst Street Suite 22 in Nashua N.H. McCain briefly met with a group of about three dozen discussing his current poll increases in The Granite State and his woes in Iowa and the Carolinas. He also discussed his wife's unfortunate surgery due to a accident while shopping.
   
Republican Vice Presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska signs autographs for fans after delivering a speech Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Salem High School. Palin came to support John McCain's bid for president as she was greeted by faithful thousands. Her talk lasted about 45 minutes followed by greeting supporters.
     
  
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) reacts to a supporter Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Nashua High School South. Clinton was in the Granite State supporting her Democratic Presidential bid for the 2008 election. Issues discussed included, restoring international relations, non-dependency on foreign oil and immigration.
   
Presidential hopeful Governor Bill Richardson (D-N.M.) came to Rivier College to speak to supporters Tuesday, Nov. 20 at Sylvia Trottier Hall. Richardson spoke mostly on health care reform in promoting his presidential platform.
   
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) speaks with wife Michelle supporters at Martha's Exchange Restaurant and Brewery after his defeat to Sen. Hillary Clinton (R-N.Y.) in the Granite State Tuesday, Jan. 8 in downtown Nashua N.H. Obama said he was optimistic about the close loss because he felt his win in Iowa was an overheated win.
     
  
Tryrona Kooley of St. Louis, Mo. sells buttons outside the Sarah Palin rally Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Salem High School.
   
Vice Presidential hopeful Joe Biden (D-Del.) speaks to Nashua residents Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Nashua Community College. Biden was promoting his bid for VP along with his support for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) in the Granite State. His hour-long message concluded with a questions and answers session and greeting supporters.
   
Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) poses for a portrait with Claire Natola of Meredith, N.H. Wednesday, Sept. 10 after delivering a speech in support of Obama's Democratic presidential campain. Hundreds came to see the senator.
     
  
Senator Joe Liberman, D-Conn., answers questions Wednesday, Jan. 2 at the Medling residence in Nashua, N.H. Liberman came to support John McCain in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. He spoke about his platform to several dozen people who came to support McCain as well.
  
From left, Ben Phillips of Manchester, Timothy McKernan and Kristen (last name withheld) both of Concord, N.H. protest outside the John McCain/Sarah Palin support rally Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Salem High School. Thousands came out to hear Sarah Palin speak and sign autographs.
  
Todd Palin, husband of Sarah Palin, is reflected in a teleprompter as he watches his wife deliver a speech Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Salem High School.
     
  
Congressman Ron Paul, R-Texas, talks with reporters as he is introduced to the Thomas Moore College annual mud bowl participants Saturday, Dec. 1 at Greeley Park. Paul was out in the Granite State supporting his presidential campaign.
   
The Media sets up before Sarah Palin arrives at Salem High School Wednesday, Oct. 15 in Salem.
   
Former New York City Mayor and Republican Presidential candidate Rudy Guiliani visited Nashua Tuesday, July 10 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel. Hundreds came to support his nomination as he promoted his 12 commitments campaign. He fielded questions, signed autographs and spoke to a few hundred who came out to support his cause.
     
  
Lizzy Huberlie, 17, of Hollis N.H., walks past a Barack Obama poster entitled, "Lifesaver" heading to a meeting before canvassing Friday, Oct. 25 in Nashua. Despite hre ineligability to vote, she did her part for the Obama campaign. "One person can make a difference," Huberlie said.
  
Maria Rosario, center, of New Bedford, Mass. becomes emotional during Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) presidential-elect acceptance speech Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the Radisson hotel in Manchester. Obama ousted Republican rival Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to become the 44th president of the United States. "It's a historic moment," Rosario said. "It's the epitome of what humanity is all about. I'm honored to be in this moment."
   
Barack Obama supporters watch on after his speech during the New Hampshire Presidential Primaries Tuesday, Jan. 8 at Nashua High School South.