The Kitchen Table

Welcome to a new weekly feature on the Virginia politics blog called "The Kitchen Table," which we hope will bring you interesting and illuminating glimpses into the lives of those regular folks who probably don't read this blog but dutifully embrace their democratic responsibilities when called upon to do so. We're talking about voters.

Our first installment takes us to the McLean Hilton, where President Obama made his first public appearance with Creigh Deeds (D) yesterday in support of the latter's run for governor. Earlier this week we told you about how some people's anxiety over Obama's domestic agenda could influence their vote for governor this fall, to Republican Bob McDonnell's advantage.

But the 1,500 who showed up for yesterday's rally proved that Obama's blessing was still a major plus for a lot of voters. Some, like Bonnae Powers, 43, a human resources director from Fairfax, were drawn by a chance to see Obama in the flesh but looked forward to "the opportunity to learn more about one of the candidates for Virginia governor." Others were already won over by the state senator from Bath County. Still others said they'd be voting for Deeds because he's a Democrat -- and that's reason enough.

Apologies for the shaky video to follow. I'll get better at this, I promise!