‘World News’ Roadtripping Through the Battlegrounds

The World News Battleground tour is on. ABC’s Stu Schutzman from Ohio:

If it’s Monday, this must be Dayton. And so here we are in heartland Ohio where we kick off the World News Great American Bus Tour. The automobile industry, so prevalent in these parts for generations, has punched Dayton in its collective nose. GM, a major employer in this region is closing plants and laying off workers at a furious clip. Charlie has talked to a cross section of them and asked, among other things, how economic conditions will effect their vote. Their responses are quite startling and may be an indication of how this bellwether state may go.

We also stopped by the original bicycle shop run by Dayton natives Orville and Wilbur Wright. It was fascinating. Apparently the brothers, after brainstorming in the shop, got the idea for the wing on that first flying machine from a set of bicycle handle bars. More on that on the show tonight.

Our bus, which usually transports rock stars and other such celebs, is home and office for the next few days. The dozen or so of us on board are learning first hand the true meaning of togetherness. But It’s reasonably comfortable, well appointed and well stocked, so no complaints here. However, we have encountered a new challenge on this trip — typing at 50mph. To-ing and fro–ing while trying to compose this blog was a unique experience, but I expect by Friday I’ll be used to it.

Tomorrow, on the second leg, we head up the road to Bowling Green, Ohio where Charlie will anchor both the broadcast and the debate from the campus of Bowling Green State U. Stay tuned!