Camping Out in Kansas to See Pres. Obama

OSAWATOMIE, Kan. — A couple hundred people lined up overnight Saturday in the cold, damp weather to get a ticket to see President Barack Obama at Osawatomie High School in eastern Kansas.

The Kansas City Star reports the line began forming early Saturday evening to get the  tickets. Officials began handing them out at noon Sunday on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The White House says President Obama’s speech at 1 p.m. Tuesday will focus on the economy and what the president sees as a “make or break moment” for the middle class.

Of course, FOX 4 will be there and bring you complete coverage on-line and on all our newscasts.

Republican President Theodore Roosevelt spoke in Osawatomie in 1910, a year after he left the presidency, and called for a “new Nationalism.”  Democrats were surprised by Obama’s choice for the speech, since he didn’t come close to carrying Kansas in 2008.

People in Osawatomie say they hope the president will share his plans on what he can do to make their lives better. The town of 4,600 has a 9.1 unemployment rate according to Sperling’s Best Places.

“There are a lot of people that are struggling with unemployment and being out of work,” said Patty Sherman of Osawatomie.

People say they hope they can move forward.

“I’m hoping that he’ll see the town and see what everybody has to deal with on a daily basis,” said Terry Sherman.

Sherman owns It’s a Coffee House/Worship Center on Osawatomie’s Main Street. It’s a place Sherman says people come and share their feelings.

“Continuos financial difficulties, a lot of people that are on disability,” Sherman said. “They are receiving such a small amount of money they can barely afford rent.”

The same sentiment was echoed at the Whistle Stop Cafe.

“It’s pretty hard right now,” said Jeff Edwards of Osawatomie. “People are looking for jobs and can’t find anything. It’s pretty tough.”

People who live in the small town say they hope the economy improves in their town.

“There are  too many people that are unemployed,” said Marsha Lutz-Lawrence of Osawatomie. “There’s families that are living on the streets, it’s really scary.  I’m fortunate to have a job and a home, but there are too many people that don’t.”

News of the president’s visit has people living in Osawatomie wondering what made him chose their town.

“I was actually surprised that he actually chose Osawatomie to come and visit,” said Karey Oliver of Osawatomie.

Regardless of why, many are glad their town will make national news and they hope the spotlight reflects favorably on their economic future.

“I’m hoping he’s got some good news about potential jobs,” said Patty Sherman.

The president speech is free and open to the public. The White House says it will distribute a limited number of tickets on a first come, first serve basis at Osawatomie High School beginning at noon on Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.