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'Today' Takes Bite Out Of Political Landscape

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By WALT BELCHER The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 24, 2008

TAMPA - With the University of Tampa's minarets in the background and Florida's role in the presidential election in the forefront, the "Today" show's Matt Lauer and Al Roker broadcast live from the school's campus from 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesday.

A cheering throng of about 1,000, gathered around the fountain on the east side of Plant Hall, many carrying signs and some bearing gifts.

"Here Al, I brought you a cookie!" shouted one woman. Roker put it in his pocket and thanked her. "Hey Matt! We love you!" cried another woman carrying a pro-McCain placard.

The Tampa visit was part of a four-day barnstorming trip to political battlegrounds in the presidential election. For more than two hours, NBC cast the spotlight on Florida, a state described by Lauer as a place where "politics can be as dizzying and bold as a strong cup of cafe con leche."

Before the show ended, viewers would get a little taste of Tampa, including Roker munching on a Cuban sandwich from La Teresita.

There were reports on Florida's sagging economy and high foreclosure rate. Viewers heard from a cross section of Tampa residents whose comments were taped last week. Among them were fans of Republicans and Democrats, and undecided voters.

Those who got a slice of airtime included Tampa Tribune columnist Daniel Ruth, University of Tampa government professor Scott Paine and University of South Florida political science professor Susan MacManus.

All stressed the importance of Florida in the presidential race between Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.

"Once again, it's Florida, Florida, Florida," said Lauer, echoing the phrase the late NBC political analyst Tim Russert often used during the contentious 2000 election.

"It's been said that McCain can't win without Florida. Obama might be able to win without it, but it would be hard," Lauer said. "McCain had a comfortable lead in Florida, but that has changed."

Results of a new Mason-Dixon poll show Obama with a slight lead in the state. Gov. Charlie Crist dropped by to tout McCain's experience. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D- N.Y., was interviewed in New York via satellite.

Obama, interviewed by Lauer on Monday in Wisconsin, addressed several questions including the $700 billion bailout of the county's financial system, calling for strong oversight, safeguards to keep taxpayers from being ripped off and penalties for those responsible.

The crowd appeared evenly divided between Obama and McCain camps. And there were people in their own camp, - those who wanted to see Matt and Al and those who wanted to be seen on TV.

Ybor City biker Richard Nordstrom brought his little dog, Harley, all decked out in biker garb to "represent all the underdogs." Tony Star Smith, an aspiring actor, came wearing an Obama mask.

Pamela Kellum of Tampa, an Obama supporter, was thrilled when Lauer shook her hand. Teri Pelech of Tampa said, "It is great the city is getting all this national exposure."

Greg Bowdler, who works in UT's admissions office, had a Roker puppet that he wanted Roker to autograph. Roker joked that it was a bit disturbing to see himself as a puppet.

"I've seen stranger things" he said. "But it's all good because it shows people care."

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654 or wbelcher@tampatrib.com.

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