This is a joint project between Nexstar Media Group and Syracuse University.
HOOKSETT, NH (NEXSTAR) — Located on the bank of the Merrimack River, Robie’s has a rustic charm that warms the soul as well as its freshly ground coffee. Derringer pistols hang above a homemade cheese sampler, and the shelves are lined with well-loved antiques. What immediately catches the eye, however, is the wall packed with campaign posters, bumper stickers, and even personally signed letters and photographs from past presidents and candidates.
Thursday, Nikki Haley became the latest presidential candidate to visit Robie’s, as the New Hampshire primary vote looms only days away.
“We have a country to save,” Haley said. “The only way we’re going to save [America], is if we go forward with a new generational leader, who leaves the negativity behind and focuses on the solutions.”
For locals, the opportunity to speak with Haley reaffirmed their support for her, especially considering the small-town venue she visited. Barbara and Bob Thinnes are Hooksett locals who had previously seen Haley on the campaign trail, but for them, her appearance at Robie’s was a special affair.
“We follow the elections every year and we go out to see candidates,” Barbara said. “[But] the people who are available to us make New Hampshire people feel that they’ll [still] be available to us after they’re elected.”
For Robie’s co-owner Jessica Robie, her and her husband’s store represents an opportunity to humanize candidates running for office.
“For me, the importance is that we continue to show the relatability of the candidates, as well as allow the common people to interact with them,” Robie said. “We see them on TV and we hear the things they say, but there’s a level of intimacy that can be provided when you get to meet them.”
“We hope that the Robie Country Store can be the venue for that.”
Eden Stratton is a senior Journalism and Political Science student at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University and has interned with the War Horse and the USA Today Network.
