2008 Woodie Awards
McCain makes a Pitt stop
2,700 people fill the Pitt Center to see presidential hopeful
Meg Barrone
Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: News
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McCain came just two days before Super Tuesday, when about half the country, including Connecticut voters, will go to the polls. It also marked his second visit to the University. The Arizona senator made a similar visit in March 2000 during his last bid for the presidency.
"We had such a wonderful time here the first time and we're very honored to be back here," McCain said, as he exited the gymnasium.
About 2,700 people filled the William H. Pitt Health and Recreation Center to hear McCain speak about the issues facing the country, including the war on terrorism - which he called "the transcendent issue of this century," the fragile U.S. economy, better care for veterans, tax cuts and pork barrel spending; and explain why he should be the next president of the United States.
"I know this nation's greatest days are ahead of us and I think I'm qualified to lead," he said to a thunderous applause followed by red and white confetti as he concluded his remarks.
Freshman Jasmin Vicente said she attended McCain's rally "to get a better understanding of the candidates in the Republican Party. It's my first time voting and he could possibly be our president. I want to make the right decision for the future."
Even those students who currently plan to vote for a Democratic candidate felt an overwhelming need to hear McCain speak in person. "I'm definitely in favor of Hillary or Obama right now but it's an interesting opportunity to hear him speak. I think people should be informed," said freshman Chris LeBeau.
"It's important we take an interest no matter which side you're planning to vote for. A big decision has to be made that will affect us greatly," said senior Gregory Vigliotta.
Junior Katie Dodaro said voters should be informed about the issues and all the candidates' standpoints before heading to the polls. Dodaro said seeing McCain in person made the political process "much more real."
SHU Student Government President Matt Telvi thanked McCain for visiting the University to speak about critical issues and said McCain has energized the electoral process.
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shu senior
posted 2/07/08 @ 12:12 PM EST
Is Prof. DeNardis on the McCain payroll? Her quote sure sounds like she is. McCain fully supported the discredited pre-emptive invasion of Iraq which has cost almost 4000 American lives, almost 80,000 Iraqi civilian lives including many children and has been quoted as saying he would keep American troops in Iraq for 100 years, if need be. (Continued…)
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