South Philly Ruminates On Obama

The New York Times visited with voters across the nation to get their thoughts on President-election Obama yesterday.

Naturally they went to South Philadelphia.

Oh, God, no.

Let’s see what 28-year-old Amy Ridolfi, a Legal Secretary, Democrat and McCain voter had to say:

I just don’t think the world was ready to have a black president. I’m not by any means prejudiced, but I fell short of the Democrat party this time around because I saw what was goin’ on and the world was just not ready to have that. I’m afraid that foreign countries around the world are going to look at that as our weakness.

Yes, those foreign countries sure are unhappy at the election of Barack Obama, as evidenced by this headline: World hails Obama victory.

Um, let’s give 39-year-old William Kessler a chance to talk. He’s 39, unemployed, and like Ridolfi a Democratic McCain voter.

Obama’s gonna bring the country down. I don’t trust him, he’s inexperienced…. Osama bin Laden has still not been captured. But Obama is Obama Hussein. Race, color don’t matter to me. But I don’t understand why the country voted for him…. Within six months of this year, when he comes elected, there will be a major war.

Well, looks like I’m headed off to war in a few months. Thanks for the warning, William!

The Day After, Voters Reflect [NY Times]
Thanks, John!

Goodbye To The Spectrum?

Above, a possible rendering for the new Philly Live! complex that could replace the Spectrum. This rendering has the place knocked down; the Wachovia Center is at right.

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Imp’t Historical Site To Be Discussed

Comcast-Spectacor will unveil preliminary plans for development of the South Philadelphia sports complex — including issues regarding the demolition of the Spectrum — today at a news conference. The news conference by Comcast will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet, which you can only get in the city by subscribing to Comcast cable. The media will then write about Comcast afterward.

Early last week, the Delco Times broke the story of the Spectrum’s possible demolition, leading locals to reminisce about their favorite Spectrum moment. Some of we yokels probably even would say “Wing Bowl” when asked their favorite Spectrum event. Indeed, the Spectrum has been home to many events, none greater than Bill “El Wingador” Simmons’ first Bowl victory in 1999.

The plans involve the Baltimore-based Cordish Co, which has opened several “Live!” entertainment chains in the U.S. and wants to open its newest branch down in South Philly. I think the conference is at 2 p.m., but Peter Lukko isn’t going to say anything concrete, so whatevs.