CLINTON VISITS MICHIGAN CITY

Photo/Ron Bashford

Kathy Kubsch, at Ryan's Irish Pub, was one of many employeesof Michigan City businesses who had to work while President Clinton wasvisiting Michigan City Wednesday.

No-shows have varied reasons for passing up Clinton visit

Ron Bashford

News-Dispatch correspondent

History in the making was the way people in LaPorte County describedthe visit of President Clinton Wednesday. Those who could not make it toWashington Park still felt they were close to something that likely wouldnever again take place in their lifetimes.

"I came all the way from Valparaiso to see the president, but Icouldn't get into the park," said Elsie McLaughlan, as she walked throughthe Lighthouse Place outlet mall.

Several other shoppers said they were excited that President Clintonwas in Michigan City. "It's one chance in a lifetime to see him personally,but I couldn't get into the park because of the crowds," was the typicalresponse.

Ryan's Irish Pub, 401 Franklin St., was humming most of the day as customersasked about the arrival of the president. Waitress Kathy Kubsch was notable to get to see Clinton, but described the day as "awesome.""I'm from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and I have never seen anything likethis," she said.

"Most everybody was upbeat and even those who disagreed with Clinton'svisit were excited," Kubsch said.

At Lighthouse Place it was business as usual during the presidentialvisit. Shoppers strolled about and seemed unconcerned about Clinton's visit.

A family from Gary didn't know that Clinton was in the area. "Wegot so tied up in traffic, and then we learned that the president was inthe city. We went the other way because we had no interest at all in seeinghim," one of the Gary family members said.

A shopper from Michigan said, "It was nice the president was herebecause there are few other shoppers here and we can now shop at ease."

On the other side of town, at the Northwest Athletic Club, a few peoplewere batting balls on the tennis court. "I'd rather be doing this thancrowding into Washington Park. It's no big deal that he's here. I'll catchhim later on the tube," said a player as he returned to his game.

Those opposed to the Clinton visit said little, for the most part. Somesimply said they were Republicans.