Temple Owls are Everywhere, Even at Political Barbecues August 28, 2010

Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Tom Perriello speak at the 22nd-annual Democratic Party barbecue.

It’s 9 o’clock on a Saturday, and I’m eating my dinner (aka Chex Mix and a Butterfigner). And not at a piano bar.

I covered the 22nd-annual Albemarle County Democratic Barbecue today. The goal of the event is to raise money and support for U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, a Democrat who represents Virginia’s 5th District.

Speaking for the congressman today was U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, also a Virginia Democrat. You may have seen him recently on an episode of Top Chef. All this, and I forgot to ask him how the food was. Although he raved about the brisket today. Definitely a foodie, and a very nice man.

To cover all our bases, I talked to a local man via phone interview who attended the Restoring Honor rally in Washington. Many conservatives headed up there for the rally featuring Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin.

Here’s the behind-the-scenes look…

As soon as I get to the barbecue, I obviously head toward the food. The barbecue smelled very good. There are two men under the tent, who I dubbed the “grill masters.” One was wearing a Yankees hat.

“I’ve gotta say off the bat, I don’t like your hat,” I told one of the guys, adding that I’m a Phillies fan. I won’t respond with his exact response. But we had a good laugh.

I then learned to leave rivalries behind and not criticize someone right before asking them for a favor (such as an on-camera interview). But in the end, I spoke to the other grill master.

Turns out, the guy in the Yankees hat went to school in Philly. Not only did he go to school in Philly, but he went to Temple. And not only did he go to Temple, but he graduated with a degree in communications and worked at WRTI.

“And then I got a job in construction and made the real money,” he said.

He showed me his car, where he displays a Temple window cling proudly. It reminded me of mine, which says, “Temple Owls are Everywhere.”

Today, of all days, is proof of that.

Side note… This is my 300th post on this blog. Normally, I’d call that a milestone. But since this is my third post in eight months (and second today), I’ll hold back.