Life in the Slow Lane

"I'm in Crawford four times a week," Diebenow says, "and haven't seen the president yet. He's like Sasquatch [the mythical Bigfoot] to me."

To demonstrate the reporting priorities he and his publisher have established, Diebenow notes that he didn't bother to cover a recent anti-Bush rally. "They're all about the same," he says. "I'd had a wisdom tooth pulled and just didn't feel like going." The 1,500-circulation paper is as laid-back as the community it covers, though it did endorse Bush and is mailed to the White House.

And, Smith admits, it livens up the day when a big-shot New York TV producer gives him a call just to see if there are any overlooked feature stories in Crawford he might suggest.

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Truth is, President Bush didn't spend much time in downtown Crawford on this trip to Texas. That was a disappointment to many, including Doc Mishler, the former college professor who has recently become part of the town's local color. A year ago he launched a 3,200-mile horseback journey from his home in Choteau, Montana, heading for Crawford. His cause: raising awareness of the world's starving children. "Every day," he points out to anyone who will stop to listen or read one of the press releases he carries in his saddle bag, "50,000 children die of hunger."

Daily, the 67-year-old, who holds a doctorate in philosophy from Western Michigan University, can be found beneath a shade tree near the post office. Dressed like a character out of Lonesome Dove, he's joined by his Tennessee walking horse, Chief Spirit, and his dog, Czar Bear. And to many Crawford residents, he's no longer viewed as an outsider. Even the mayor likes him. "He's a gentle, kindhearted man," Campbell says.

"The people here have received me wonderfully," Mishler acknowledges. He spends his nights in the air-conditioned comfort of Wolf's Peace House, a local rancher allows him to board his horses in a 60-acre pasture nearby at no cost and donations from passing strangers take care of his limited financial needs.

If, in fact, every small town needs a storytelling "character," Mishler fills the bill nicely. He'll gladly provide passers-by with details of his winding journey that began in June 2002 and ended with his arrival in Crawford in June of this year; he'll also tell of the generosity of people he met along the way, and of what he calls his "final mission in life." Given the opportunity, he's convinced he can turn the president's attention from war to providing nutrition for future generations. He even has a gift for Bush.

His trip began with two horses that he rode alternately. The mare, Faith, gave birth to a filly soon after Mishler arrived in Crawford. He named the foal Hope and has plans to present it as a gift to President Bush if the opportunity arises. Though a self-described optimist, he knows chances of that happening are on the far side of remote.

And, since August has passed without the audience he'd hoped for, Mishler's future plans are a bit vague. He may head to Washington or go back home. A lot depends on whether his colon cancer remains in remission. Or, he may stay in Crawford awhile. "I really like the people here," he says, "and you know George is going to be coming back this way."

And when he does, sleepy little Crawford will awake, polish up the billboard on the edge of town that reads, "Welcome to Crawford: Home of President George W. Bush," and be ready, more experienced and better prepared for the circus that is certain to follow. They're getting used to it.