For many, vice president's visit a once-in-a-lifetime experience

It isn't every day that a person in Watertown can find a U.S. vice president in the 600 block of Mill Street.

In fact, none of the 11 people questioned by the Times, both young and old, could recall a sitting president or vice president visiting the city in their lifetimes.

Few had seen a president or vice president in person before Vice President Joseph R. Biden appeared at the North Side Improvement League on behalf of 23rd Congressional District candidate and fellow Democrat William L. Owens.

"This is history," said Linda Bennett, Watertown, a supporter of Mr. Owens. "It will never happen again."

"It's very exciting," said Ethel Soukey, Theresa. "It's wonderful to have a vice president care about our community and support Bill Owens."

Some people recalled Presidents Bush and Clinton and Vice President Dick Cheney visiting Fort Drum, but none remembered a trip to the city of Watertown by a White House occupant.

"I heard that Teddy Roosevelt was in Copenhagen once before an election," said Maurice L. Murphy, Lowville. "But that was before my time."

Donald Schofield, Watertown, recalled shaking hands with Jimmy Carter during a campaign stop in March 1976, before the future president won the Democratic nod.

"I asked him about George Wallace, and he said, 'He's a good man, but he ain't gonna win. I'm going to,'" Mr. Schofield said.

Thomas Flavin, Watertown, said that before Mr. Biden, the biggest political celebrity he could remember coming to Watertown was Robert F. Kennedy in the 1960s.

"I thought it was pretty special that (Mr. Biden) came here. It was pretty special to me, anyway," he said.

Patti Stephens, Sackets Harbor, said she came to the event because she supports Mr. Biden.

"He's a principled vice president. I wouldn't come just to see any old vice president," she said.

Sharon Moore, Sackets Harbor, said she called her daughter in Washington, D.C., Monday to tell her the vice president was coming to the city because "I was thrilled."

But Mrs. Moore may have proved to be just the person Mr. Biden was targeting by his visit for Mr. Owens.

"I actually came because I was supporting his opponent and I wanted to see if I could be swayed," she said.

Was she?

"I think so," Mrs. Moore said.

Monday's event attracted about 250 people.