Posted by John McCormick at 12:15 p.m. CDT
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama kicks off a two-day campaign tour of northern New Hampshire this afternoon, with a surprisingly large media contingent along for the ride.
One would expect few reporters to be available for such a trip, considering it is a holiday weekend. But reporters from USA Today, the Los Angeles Times and other national news organization are on the bus.
The trip marks the first time Obama's campaign has provided a media bus since he launched his presidential bid in February.
After getting picked up at the Manchester airport (see the photo), the media bus is heading north for the first stop of the afternoon in Conway, N.H. There are roughly 20 reporters, photographers and sound people aboard, plus others driving themselves to New Hampshire's North Country.
We won't see the candidate and his family for hours. He flies charter, of course, and has a Secret Service escort.
And for those of you who think the media always gets a free ride, consider this: Obama's campaign expects to charge "less than $1,000" for the bus ride, one hotel night and meals that will likely include soggy sandwiches.
Of course, there is an ice cream social for the candidate, potential voters and reporters late this afternoon in Berlin, N.H. I hope they have strawberry.
Follow along with the trip here in the Swamp and at chicagotribune.com.
• 
• 
• 
