2008 Elections Give Students Opportunity to Speak Out

By: Christina Donovan
Posted In: News

The ’08 election year is right around the corner and on Feb. 10, Barack Obama announced his candidacy for the White House. Already, he and other candidates are making appearances through states fighting for every vote. People of the younger voting generation may play a key part in the 2008 elections particularly because the platform is concerned with the war in Iraq, which will have dramatic effects on the nation’s future.

When Obama announced his candidacy, people were not surprised. The announcement was anticipated by many. Obama, 46, is a first term United States Senator from Chicago. While some are skeptical of his young age, others express enthusiasm for his candidacy. In any case, there is a buzz circulating around this presidential candidate.

Rhode Island may be a small state with only four electoral votes, but the citizens will be ready to support the democratic nominee as soon as he/she is selected. Until then, the Rhode Island Democratic Party will be setting up dates for their primaries and gearing up for the 2008 elections. Along with the presidential race, there will also be important races within Rhode Island as well.

Rhode Island will hold various events and fundraisers between now and Nov. 4, 2008 and there are many ways to get involved in the elections. The Democratic National Convention will be taking place in Denver, Colorado between Aug. 25-28, and Rhode Island is allowed to send about 36 representatives to formally select the democratic candidate.

Tim Grilo, executive director for the Rhode Island Democratic Party, works to run the Democratic Party each day and also works with Howard Dean to implement the 50-state strategy that is now in place. As of now, Grilo explained there are no offices set up for any of the candidates, however as it gets closer to election day, there will be opportunities to get involved though staffing, internships, and with the candidate directly.

“People are getting excited,” said Grilo, referring to Obama declaring his candidacy. Obama came to Rhode Island twice last year to support United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. As a great speaker, he was welcomed by large crowds.

Getting young people involved in politics is generally difficult. However, because the 2008 elections concern the War in Iraq, a greater turnout from the younger generation is expected at the polls.

Dr. Symeon Giannakos, a politics professor at Salve Regina University, believes that because of the War in Iraq, students will be more apt to get involved.

“Politics as usual,” was how Giannakos referred to Obama, an African American man and Hilary Clinton, a woman both running for office. It will be an interesting election, but Giannakos does not think that race or gender will be a decision factor for many people when it comes down to voting. He will vote for the presidential candidate that is experienced in many walks of life, who is able to learn quickly, and be able to understand the politics and political views on both national and international levels.

Giannakos said that campaigns are a necessary part of the election process, especially because the candidates differ so little on the issues; publicizing a name and creating public perceptions is key.

Justin Antall, a junior at Salve Regina University knows a bit about campaigns himself. After never participating in student government in high school, last year Antall ran a winning campaign for Vice President of the Student Government Association. He campaigned with a friend and together they worked to collect votes from the student body.

“I thought I could make a difference between myself and the faculty and staff,” Antall said. Although there have been some challenges, Antall has had a successful year in office.

The hectic process of elections has just begun. There are many ways to get involved, whether it be with the Democratic Party itself, or by supporting a candidate before the primaries. Getting involved in politics is a great way to stay informed and change the course of the nation.