The Orangeburg, South Carolina newspaper, The Times & Democrat, reported on the 10-21-2006 rally that JK attended at South Carolina State University including some comments from attendees:

Kerry already was successful in convincing one audience member to take part in the Nov. 7 balloting.

Before, “I wasn’t sure if I was, but I know now, I’m going to go and vote,” said Philip Burt of Sumter, a freshman at S.C. State.

Aaron Haire of Orangeburg, a sophomore biology major at S.C. State, said Kerry “hit on everything the general community really is concerned about, what people are thinking but have not necessarily brought forward and said.”

“I’m glad he hit on the point about education (being) the key to success and the key to your future” and the problem of inequalities in education funding, said Haire, who is the son of City Councilman Bernard Haire.

Ulysses S. Jarvis Jr. of Orangeburg said, “It gives the college students a different view, I think, to meet political leaders in person rather than on television.”

They also reported that:

During his speech, Kerry acknowledged his friend, state Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, who played a key role in arranging Kerry’s appearance. He also acknowledged U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn’s chief of staff in the audience. Clyburn was in Florida, stumping for fellow Democrats, Kerry said.

Kerry acknowledged platform guest Cheryl Footman, an Orangeburg resident and the party’s candidate for S.C. secretary of state. “We know from Florida and Ohio that secretaries of state matter,” he said.

As a Democratic stronghold in a state with early primaries by both parties, “Orangeburg is center stage” for presidential aspirants, said Govan…

Like many prominent Democrats who visit Orangeburg, Kerry found a friendly and enthusiastic audience. Despite a tight schedule, he lingered to pose for snapshots with admirers and even squeezed in a handful of individual private conversations.

And here’s a few more of the pictures that Ted captured…