Unscheduled Stop By Obama Shakes Up Abingdon Soda Shop

ABINGDON, Va. – A vanilla milkshake was not on Barack Obama’s official itinerary Tuesday in Southwest Virginia. But if you’re going to have one, there’s always Pop Ellis Soda Shoppe & Grill.

Obama’s bus, a black monstrosity that dwarfed the Main Street shop, pulled up front at about 3:45 p.m. and out stepped the Democratic presidential nominee.

He eased inside to chat with customers and owner Doug Ellis, shaking a few hands and asking giddy patrons what they were eating.

Then the Illinois senator made his way to the counter. “Now, I’ve got to order,” he said while glancing at the menu. “Give me a vanilla shake.”

He then leaned back and yelled over his shoulder to staff members who had filtered off the bus and into the business: “You guys want something?”

The yelling wasn’t an intentional discourtesy but necessary so he could be heard over the cackle and buzz.

Obama spent about a half-hour inside the business with his sleeves rolled up, a grin on his face and the national and local news media observing his every move.

“That looks good – you going to eat all that?” he asked Lindsey Short, who was finishing up her meal. “How you doing – you want a picture? Nice to meet you.”

Short said she had “no clue” she was going to meet Obama on Tuesday.

“I came down here with a friend from Richlands to work on a project at King College,” she said. “We were in here, and all of a sudden security guys came over to us to search us. It’s really exciting.”

Before settling in for a few minutes to speak briefly about the issues of the day with Pop Ellis’ owner Doug Ellis and his staff, Obama got word that “Big Daddy” Don Garlits was in the house.

“Hey! Hey! Over here!” Obama yelled to the traveling band of national press.

Obama, now with his arm draped over Garlits, pronounced, “This is the father of big-time drag racing right here.”

The cameras flashed on cue.

Garlits, a 76-year-old drag-racing legend, said later he was still undecided about his November vote, but he also was smiling and commented on how “pleasant” it was to meet Obama.

“I live in Ocala, Fla., and I came up here to see my daughter,” Garlits said, referring to Donna Garlits Perry, an algebra tutor at Abingdon High School. “She wanted to come and have some ice cream.
“I’m kind of concerned for him [Obama] and John McCain, because they’ve both got a tough row to hoe,” the racing giant continued. “I do lean Republican, and Obama did vote against the war – but Republicans don’t do everything right.”

After about 20 minutes, the buzz inside had drawn about 200 people who lined the opposite side of the street, where police and Secret Service kept them at bay.

About this time, Obama ordered a burger and fries to go. He continued chatting casually with employees and customers and spooned out the last of his shake.

Once he had his order in hand, he turned toward the door and let out a booming goodbye as he walked: “Thanks. Take care. See you guys. I appreciate it.”

Though members of the Secret Service were caught off guard, Obama decided to jog across the street, where he shook hands and greeted people for a few minutes before reboarding the bus.

Obama made the stop in Abingdon at 3:45 p.m., nearly two hours before his appearance 20 miles north, where a throng of supporters waited for his arrival inside the Lebanon High School gymnasium.

Those with the local media were not told where the senator’s unscheduled stop would be Tuesday afternoon. Instead, they were asked to follow an Obama campaign worker to the site.

Doug Ellis said he and his employees were informed of the impromptu visit about 20 minutes beforehand.

“That was fascinating,” Ellis said of the surprise visit.

Ellis said he believes one of the solutions to the nation’s health care crisis is improved in-home care. When we got a chance to chat with Obama, he learned that the Illinois senator agreed with him.
“Boy, he’s unlike any big-time politician I’ve met,” Ellis said. “He can talk about issues in such a relaxed way. He’s very affable and comfortable with himself.”

ggray@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2512