GREENSBURG, Pa., 10 a.m. — Security is heavy today on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg, where Hillary Clinton will appear at a 1:30 p.m. “Solutions for America” event. By 9:30 a.m., about two dozen of the most enthusiastic Hillary supporters — most of them older women — were already gathering in front of Chambers Hall, and six television satellite trucks were parked out back.
However, Hillary fever does not appear widespread in this community 18 miles east of Pittsburgh. In 2004, George Bush got 56 percent of the vote here in Westmoreland County. On the drive into Greensburg, the only presidential campaign signs spotted were for Ron Paul.
Believe it or not, the area’s Republican leanings extend even to some of the university staff here in Greensburg. One staffer, informed that I was covering the event for The American Spectator, broke into a big smile. “Oh, I love The American Spectator,” he said, his smile turning to a sly grin as he added: “They’ve done some very interesting articles about the Clintons over the years.” The staffer will remain anonymous, so as to preserve his viability in academia.