Students recently discovered GOP hopeful John McCain, who won the Florida majority vote, hosted a National Security Roundtable on Friday, January 25, 2008 in Plant Hall.
Some students praised the spotlight McCain brought to our campus.
‘Having an American hero and political figure on our campus launches familiarity of politics and world issues for many students,’ said Katrina Castillo, Chairwomen of UT College Republicans. ‘I’m just especially glad it happened to be a republican.’
Hosting any political figure on any college campus creates awareness for an age group with a history of not voting.
Other college students hope the presence of a McCain on our campus would encourage other peers to vote.
‘College graduates today are faced with daunting student loan debts and fewer job opportunities,’ said senior Sean Fitzgibbons. ‘Students aspire to start families, buy homes and ensure the livelihoods of our parents.’
Fitzgibbons graduates this May and is worried about finding a job well suited for his expectations.
‘We have the most to lose in this election but also the most to gain; all students need to get out the vote,’ he said.
Andrew Learned, Senior Class Congressman for Student Government and Florida resident, cares about the personal effects of this presidential campaign.
‘With Florida and Tampa in particular so important in this year’s primary season, many of our students, including myself, have become actively involved with the various campaigns, an experience which, needless to say, is far more beneficial than mere textbooks,’ he said.
But there are still students on campus with no political knowledge. Some even seemed to ignore the fact that McCain was on campus.
‘I am not even sure [what] the opposing issues between the democratic and republicans [are],’ said Lyndi Jordan, who says she does not pay attention to the media.
The race was close between Arizona Senator John McCain and Massachusetts Govorner Mitt Romney.
However, with 77% of Floridian precincts reporting, CNN had projected McCain as the winner with 36% of the vote and Romney trailing at 31%.
Students who’d like more information on how to vote should contact their state’s department of elections to ask about absentee voting.
Related Links:
Editorial: Voter Disenfranchisement by Party Elites a Threat to Democracy
Spartans Speak Out On Political Viewpoints