Hundreds line motorcade route

TROY - Hundreds of people waited outside for hours Monday in hopes of catching a glimpse of President Obama.

His impressive motorcade passed by in seconds, but supporters didn't leave disappointed.

Some had political reasons -- and they brought the signs to prove it. But others just wanted to be a part of Rensselaer County history.

At just 7 and 9 years old, Jordan and Jaiden Harris of Wynantskill have already seen the president in person twice.

"I've been to the inauguration the Easter egg roll to see Barack Obama," Jaiden said.

Getting up early for a front row spot to the motorcade wasn't a problem. Neither was missing school. History, for these brothers, wasn't learned from a text book Monday.

"I think he's a very cool man and I like that he's the first African-American president," Jordan said.

Jude Schnellbaecher of East Greenbush has never seen a president in person. The 72-year-old couldn't believe she was finally getting the chance - and in her own backyard.

"It's just wonderful. I can't explain it. This is the first time I'll ever see a president go through North Greenbush in my lifetime," Schnellbaecher said.

Hours of waiting paid off in seconds. For the hundreds who lined the street along the president's route every minute was worth it.

"He was smiling. He was waving. He was there. It was incredibly cool," said Barbara Healy of East Greenbush.

Others showed up not greet the president, but to send him a message that they don't agree with him or his hope to overhaul health care.

"I'm happy to see people who are pro-Obama care and against his plans come out here peaceably. What other country can you see this happen?" marveled Jeremy Near of Glenmont.

That's one thing that those who oppose Mr. Obama and those who defend him can agree on.

"It's important we know this is the United States of America, not Republican, not Democratic. This is what it's all about," Regina Miner of East Greenbush said.

Protesters, supporters and police all mixed very well Monday. There wasn't a single problem.