‘No Moore’ versus ‘Yes to Wes’: Residents rally in Cambridge as governor tapes CBS interview
Photo by Lily Tierny for the Star Democrat
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By Lily Tierny, February 13
CAMBRIDGE — Dueling rallies fueled by bullhorns, chants and signs battled on the sidewalk Thursday in Cambridge as Gov. Wes Moore taped a town hall interview inside The Packing House.
Moore made the trip to Cambridge for a CBS News interview with correspondent Norah O’Donnell, part of the network’s series titled “Things That Matter.” Republican residents protested the event, while Democrats lined the sidewalk to welcome the governor.
Roughly 25 individuals showed up to protest Moore; around 75 showed up in support. The event inside The Packing House was invite-only and closed to the press, sparking skepticism among Republican protesters.
Robert Newberry, chairman of the Delmarva Fisheries Association, described the town hall as a staged “photo-op” and claimed that it marginalized Dorchester County residents.
“This isn’t even a town hall,” Newberry said. “This is a ridiculous ploy by the governor as a photo-op.”
Newberry said Moore, not the federal government, is hurting Marylanders. He feels the governor reneged on a promise to include the seafood industry in policymaking, resulting in harmful decisions for commercial fisheries, oysters and charter operations.
On the other side of the parking lot, Kent County residents Laura and Rich Hall said they came out to “support Wes.”
Rich held a sign that read: “WES PROTECT MARYLAND FROM FEDERAL GANGSTERS.” He said attorneys general, governors and state police are the final line of defense against federal actions that are hurting citizens.
Audience members for the town hall interview arrived in buses, sparking concerns from some protesters.
The Dorchester Democratic Central Committee said in a Facebook post after the event: “After being completely out-organized yesterday, local Republicans are going around saying that protestors were bussed into the Yes to Wes outdoor rally.”
“The buses, paid for by CBS, coming in and out of The Packing House, were strictly for folks who were attending the town hall inside,” the post continued.
Talbot County resident Shari Wilcoxon, chair of the Talbot Republican Central Committee, voiced her concerns over Moore’s policies that she says lead to higher taxes, increased utility bills and elevated car registration fees. She characterized “everything he’s done” as a failure, with particular harm to the Eastern Shore.
“He’s trying to gerrymander us out of any kind of representation at all,” Wilcoxon said, referencing Moore’s efforts to push through a redistricting bill that favors Democrats and could put Rep. Andy Harris’ (R) grip on the 1st District at risk.
Throughout the night, opposing chants were heard. “Love not hate makes America great,” supporters shouted. “No Wes, no Moore,” the opposition said.
At one point, both sides were chanting, “love not hate makes America great.” Protesters of Moore added “again” at the end, stringing together President Donald Trump’s MAGA slogan.
For Moore supporters, it was exciting to welcome the governor to the Eastern Shore. They said it felt important to defend democracy and express concerns about the future of the nation.
“It’s a very frightening situation for our country right now,” St. Michaels resident Mary Jane Svenson said. “Whether we’re going to get to vote in the fall, I think is the most important issue of our day.”
Moore’s pre-recorded interview with O’Donnell will air Sunday at 8 p.m. on CBS.
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