John Kerry’s campaign has proved strong across the RWC campus, with an impressive 55 pro-Kerry responses to the Activist poll held October 8. Bush was favored by 27 students, and five students were undecided.Not all Kerry/Edwards supporters jumped to call themselves Democrats, though, and nearly a third of the responses were from students and faculty who considered themselves independents.
Breann Hays, an independent, told The Activist that she believes “as students, we should care that Bush promised to increase Pell Grant funding, then cut it.”
Across the board, opinions vary from topic to topic, but several topics take precedence over others. Many Kerry supporters were concerned about the war and rising education costs. Gay rights and civil unions were also mentioned.
Missy Hudak, 19, pointed out Ohio’s importance as a “swing state” and added, “I can’t justify voting for anyone else.” Whether you vote like your RWC classmates or the opposite of everybody else, the importance of campaigning continues to prove its effect on college students.
Bush supporters were also strong in their opinions. Robert Montoya, 20, wrote, “Kerry has no idea how to fight this new type of enemy. He is thinking with old school mentality.”
Jacob Blankenship, 22, claimed, “The Democrats are making up lies such as the draft is going to be started. Kerry is twisting the facts and America is forgetting the threat we face.”
One student who preferred to remain anonymous said of Kerry, “As a vet he betrayed his fellow soldiers. As a Catholic he betrayed his faith. As a candidate he has failed to stand firm on any issue. I don’t want him to betray the country.” Amanda Jones, 18, said, “Who wants a president that can’t make a decision?”
Undecided voters also had comments to share: Kristen, 19, said, “Honestly my vote was going to Bush; however, being an education major, I recently heard he wants to cancel the special ed program putting special ed in normal classrooms. However, Kerry changes his opinion on everything. Nader is throwing my vote away, so to speak, so till the debates are over I don’t know.”
One anonymous person insisted, “I would rather vote for my Cat.