Cover Story
Students Riding the Donkey of their Choice in 2008
By Adam Feiler
-- Communications Director
The 2006 election is only 4 months behind us, Nancy Pelosi has been Speaker of the House for two months, and most of us political junkies were hoping to get over to Yates a little bit more.
Alas, the 2008 race for President has begun in force, and the spread of campaign fever didn't stop at Healy Gates. As we head down this yearlong road to the Democratic presidential nomination and look towards November 2008, students here on the Hilltop are getting involved in Presidential politics earlier and more intensely than ever before.
While the level of intensity at both the campus and national levels this early in the race is certainly unprecedented, it is hardly unexpected. This will be the first election in 80 years without a sitting president or vice president in the running, and this has encouraged a large field of candidates who view the race as wide open. Also, almost any president who follows George W Bush is bound to look competent and sage by comparison. Furthermore, the increasingly media-intensive nature of modern campaigning and primary front-loading makes early exposure and fundraising essential for any serious contender.
While it doesn't seem that Georgetown Democrats have settled on a specific candidate, one thing is clear: former United States Senator Mike Gravel's campaign has yet to attract substantial interest (We're still eagerly awaiting the 'Student for Gravel' Facebook group).
The enthusiasm shown for other candidates, however, was on display in early February at the Democratic National Committee's Winter Meeting and the College Democrats of America's National Convention. Each of the ten declared or tentative candidates spoke to an eager audience at the Washington Hilton including hundreds of students from around the country.
Senators Clinton, Edwards, and Obama, along with Governors Richardson and Vilsack and Congressman Kucinich, all had contingents of Hoyas volunteering at the meeting, helping out by holding signs, handing out literature, and guiding the Democrats through the halls of the hotel infamously called the Hinckley Hilton after President Reagan's unsuccessful assassin.
The speeches were impressive; each candidate has honed a unique message a full eleven months before any voting will occur. Senator Clinton said she would "end the war" as President. Senator Biden joked about his botched remark about Senator Obama's "clean" look. Senator Edwards relayed stories of people "somewhere in America" who are struggling to make ends meet. Senator Dodd contrasted his experience in Congress with the credentials of the other candidates. Senator Obama noted that the greatest enemy in this campaign won't be his opponents but the cynicism that plagues our politics. Governor Richardson challenged Democrats to run a wholly positive campaign, while Governor Vilsack argued that Congress should use its power of the purse to cut off funds and end the war.
Liz Fossett, the former President of the College Democrats, suggested her support for Senator Edwards is based on his vibrant message of economic populism. For Fossett, Edwards understands the "value of a good education and hard work" and will "look out for the everyday American" as opposed to special interests.
But Senator Dodd's supporters think that "this is not the time for a President with training wheels." Ben Naylor suggested that Senator Dodd is "the most qualified person to solve our situation in Iraq." The same argument has been made in support of Governor Richardson, whose supporters have started a Georgetown for Richardson chapter to support the former Governor, UN Ambassador, Energy Secretary, and Congressman.
While organizing has begun early and Hoyas are rallying behind their favorite candidate, some have yet to pick a horse. Leslie Gordon, the Deputy Field Director of the College Dems, is hesitant. While leaning towards Senator Clinton, Gordon is looking for a candidate who has "some clearly-defined progressive ideas." She expects a candidate to "have a firm grasp on foreign policy" and be able to "articulate real policy proposals." No one "excites" her just yet.
While some may not be excited by the Democratic field, one thing is clear: the 2008 election will be a thrilling ride and it's incorporating students like never before.
Alas, the 2008 race for President has begun in force, and the spread of campaign fever didn't stop at Healy Gates. As we head down this yearlong road to the Democratic presidential nomination and look towards November 2008, students here on the Hilltop are getting involved in Presidential politics earlier and more intensely than ever before.
While the level of intensity at both the campus and national levels this early in the race is certainly unprecedented, it is hardly unexpected. This will be the first election in 80 years without a sitting president or vice president in the running, and this has encouraged a large field of candidates who view the race as wide open. Also, almost any president who follows George W Bush is bound to look competent and sage by comparison. Furthermore, the increasingly media-intensive nature of modern campaigning and primary front-loading makes early exposure and fundraising essential for any serious contender.
While it doesn't seem that Georgetown Democrats have settled on a specific candidate, one thing is clear: former United States Senator Mike Gravel's campaign has yet to attract substantial interest (We're still eagerly awaiting the 'Student for Gravel' Facebook group).
The enthusiasm shown for other candidates, however, was on display in early February at the Democratic National Committee's Winter Meeting and the College Democrats of America's National Convention. Each of the ten declared or tentative candidates spoke to an eager audience at the Washington Hilton including hundreds of students from around the country.
Senators Clinton, Edwards, and Obama, along with Governors Richardson and Vilsack and Congressman Kucinich, all had contingents of Hoyas volunteering at the meeting, helping out by holding signs, handing out literature, and guiding the Democrats through the halls of the hotel infamously called the Hinckley Hilton after President Reagan's unsuccessful assassin.
The speeches were impressive; each candidate has honed a unique message a full eleven months before any voting will occur. Senator Clinton said she would "end the war" as President. Senator Biden joked about his botched remark about Senator Obama's "clean" look. Senator Edwards relayed stories of people "somewhere in America" who are struggling to make ends meet. Senator Dodd contrasted his experience in Congress with the credentials of the other candidates. Senator Obama noted that the greatest enemy in this campaign won't be his opponents but the cynicism that plagues our politics. Governor Richardson challenged Democrats to run a wholly positive campaign, while Governor Vilsack argued that Congress should use its power of the purse to cut off funds and end the war.
| Hoyas seem to be throwing their hats in the ring
as rapidly as the candidates themselves. Rachel Cohen, the Events
Director of the Dems, is an active Edwards supporter. "Democrats
must nominate someone who shares their beliefs and who can compete
in all 50 states," Cohen said, noting that Edwards' greatest
strength is his electability. But other Edwards supporters offered
less strategic explanations for their decision to support the
former Senator from the Tar Heel State. |
|
But Senator Dodd's supporters think that "this is not the time for a President with training wheels." Ben Naylor suggested that Senator Dodd is "the most qualified person to solve our situation in Iraq." The same argument has been made in support of Governor Richardson, whose supporters have started a Georgetown for Richardson chapter to support the former Governor, UN Ambassador, Energy Secretary, and Congressman.
|
But experience does not seem to be a factor for most Georgetown Dems, who have thrown their weight behind the three frontrunners, Senators Clinton, Edwards, and Obama. Rich Luchette, the College Democrats' Internship Director and the Deputy Director of Students for Barack Obama at Georgetown, is "sick of being told what to fear" and is "yearning to hope again." He claims that only the junior Senator from the Land of Lincoln, can "make our country great again." |
While some may not be excited by the Democratic field, one thing is clear: the 2008 election will be a thrilling ride and it's incorporating students like never before.
