Speaking Out

College Democrats and Republicans make the case for their candidates

November 4, 2008

Standing, from left: Alexandra Bybel '10, Brendan Stuart '09, James Liska '09, Emily LaSota '09, Juan Carlos Flores '11, Abigail Paul '11, Andrew Guy '12, Matthew Melchiorre '11. Kneeling: Alysha Bologno '09, Laura Dunn '09, Philip Kiffer '11.

Much has been made of the potential electoral power of "Generation Next," as the Pew Research Center calls those between 18 and 25. For most college students, this presidential election is the first one they have a say in, and they're speaking up in record numbers.

At Dickinson, the College Democrats and Republicans have worked tirelessly this election season to register new voters, support their party and candidate and get out the vote. Always ready to talk politics, members of the two student organizations tout their candidates one last time.

Championing John McCain

To the College Republicans, who meet Mondays at 6 p.m. in HUB 206, the economy, health care, national security, the Iraq war and judicial appointments are the key issues this year.

Matthew Melchiorre '11 supports McCain's health-care reform plan, which includes reforming two government health-insurance plans. "Medicare and Medicaid are a serious problem and have ultimately resulted in higher health-care costs," he says. "If we get rid of these failing entities, we can start to fix the health-care problem in America."

For Mary Kate Skehan '12, the stark difference in judicial-appointment philosophy is what sells McCain. "He's not going to give anybody a litmus test about what they believe on certain issues, which is exactly the opposite of what Obama is suggesting."

Matt Vespa '11, who comes from a Democratic family, became a Republican in high school. He says that the invasion of Iraq was "the right thing to do," and he supports the United States' continued commitment there.

Others point to the seasoned ticket of McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin. "Biden and Obama—neither have experience balancing a budget," explains Alexandra Bybel '10, club secretary. "That's why Sarah Palin was such a good pick for McCain, because she brings that aspect of the executive branch to round out his whole campaign."

Backing Barack Obama

The College Democrats, who meet Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. in Tome 115, believe the economy and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are important, though they feel there is no single issue driving the election.

"Yes, the economy is very much in the front of people's minds, but these things all seem to be interconnected," says Brandon Stuart '09, elections manager. "The wars abroad, our troubles here—it all falls under the banner of bad leadership. It's who will be the better executive, who will be able to listen to the American people and effect the change that they want."

For James Liska '09, president, the war in Iraq is paramount. "I was in high school when the war in Iraq broke out. Seeing these past five years, the terrible mismanagement and lies, the rhetoric, the flag-draped caskets coming home—it's just something we need to stop."

Abigail Paul '11, vice president of the College Democrats and chair of Students for Obama at Dickinson, worries about the "unease among our generation" but remains optimistic: "This election has really excited a lot of people. With key phrases like 'hope' and 'change,' it really resonates. This election is about change for this generation, our children and our children's children."

"You really need to consider what [the candidates'] plans are for how to solve the economic crisis, the war in Iraq, the lack of health care for so many Americans," says Juan Carlos Flores '11, the organization's general liaison. "If you believe that we need to move this country in another direction, then I think your choice is clear."

What they agree on

Colleges often are portrayed as bastions of liberalism, but the College Democrats and Republicans agree that Dickinson isn't politically lopsided. Though some students in the College Republicans see a "bandwagon" effect for Obama, scratch beneath the surface, they say, and you'll find a lot of independent, even conservative attitudes.

"I think it's pretty even," says Phil Kiffer '11 of the College Republicans. "Sometimes the Democrats are louder, but in reality it's closer to 50-50 than first glance would suggest."

"This campus has a lot of independent thinkers," says Stuart. "Dickinson does a good job of encouraging this, too—to take a critical account of candidates, parties, issues, everything. I think that's important. The notion of a liberal campus probably is stuck back in another time."

Laura Dunn '09, vice president of membership for the College Republicans, sees the partisan energy on campus as a good thing. "Regardless who people are voting for—although I want them to vote for McCain—I really like seeing how much excitement there is. I hope that they do vote, and they vote smart."

After the polls close on Nov. 4, both organizations will gather at 8 p.m. to follow the election results. Everyone is welcome. The College Republicans will meet in Dana 110 and the College Democrats in The Depot.