SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
Seating was at a premium near the stage set up at Morningside College. The chance to see President Barack Obama in person can be the chance of a lifetime.
"I saw President Bush when he was in town and it'd be very exciting to see all of the standing presidents, during my lifetime, or at least from 2000 onwards, while they're in office," said Spencer Cloud of Sioux City.
Some folks do whatever it takes to catch a glimpse of the speech. One group even sneaked out of a wedding reception to hear America's leader speak.
"Doesn't matter if you're a Republican, Democrat or Independent, you're seeing the active president. So, that was really important," said Andrew Gerodias of Sioux City.
Many were from Sioux City, but some drove many miles to hear the speech.
"I voted for him last time. I think he's making this country a better place. He works for the farmers. My dad's a farmer," said Ann Hoffman of Larchwood, Iowa.
"We have to move forward. The last 12 years have not been great, but we have to look forward, not backwards," said Fran Palmershine of Sioux City.
But not everyone was excited about the president's visit.
"Even though President Obama was at the other end of the state, he was there for fundraising, he never bothered to come over here, see the trouble people were having," said Jim Roscovius of Sioux City.
"Now he's here for votes, rather than to help our flood victims when we needed him a year ago," said Ted Herbold of Sioux City.
Protesters like Jane Calais began lining up more than three hours before Obama's speech began.
"This administration has done nothing for us. They're lying and if we can get across to one person that we're in bad shape right now," said Calais.
They say the President's main failures are adding $5 trillion to the debt, unemployment over eight percent, rising energy prices and healthcare premiums, and declining incomes.
But no matter the party, the importance of learning about the issues and voting this November was apparent.
"It's getting around election time, so you gotta hear these candidates out and start making your decision," said Jesse Scott of Sioux City.
In about two months, that decision will need to be made.
Officials say more than 50 protesters came out against Obama Saturday.
They say the crowd would have been larger if they'd had more notice and if Art Splash wasn't taking place in town.
Protestors set up outside President Obama's speech event.
