Ronald Reagan - Barack Obama - Illinois Flashback to 1980 - My first-hand recollection
is history repeating itself in reverse for the GOP?

Twenty-eight years ago on October 18, 1980, Ronald Reagan, accompanied by his wife Nancy, came to McLean County campaigning for President of the United States.  Election Day in 1980 was November 4th.  Election Day in 2008 is November 4th.

The Reagan's and their staff stayed at what was then a Howard Johnson's Hotel on Friday and Saturday night, coming to attend Illinios State University's (ISU) Homecoming parade.  The time was exciting for our small towns in central Illinois. Reagan was electrifying; Illinois was solid Republican.

Huge crowds lined the motorcade route. Media celebrities included George Will. I remember a friend telling me "we men also wanted to see the very hot Leslie Stahl." 

From  ISU, the motorcade left McLean County onward to Lincoln, Springfield (our state Capital), Pawnee-coal mining territory, finishing up under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, to a roaring crowd in the thousands.

Now come back to the present day - October 18, 2008.  Obama came to Illinois, now solid Democrat.

On October 18, he ended his Illinois tour under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, to a crowd of 100,000.

On November 3, election eve in 1980; newspapers asked, "Will it play in Peoria".

On November 3, election eve 2008; Obama may not only play in Peoria, but the
entire state.  Illinois, once solidly red now decidedly blue, Obama leads McCain by 30 points.

What a difference 28 years make.