2008 Woodie Awards
College Democrats
In exciting political times, student group becomes forum for debate
David O'Donnell
Issue date: 3/17/08 Section: News
On a Monday afternoon, the USM Democrats are gathered around the closest thing they have to a headquarters: a cafeteria table in the Woodbury Campus Center.
It's where they gather for weekly meetings, almost indistinguishable from any table full of students eating, studying and chatting around them.
That is, until the conversation really heats up -- something that will happen if you mention the name Ralph Nader.
The debate that ensues is typical of the College Dems, even a point of pride. And based on the climate of the current elections process, there will be plenty of it over the next year.
"I think he has every right to run," says group secretary Jeff Doucette as the group discusses Nader at their table, "and he adds a lot to the dialogue."
The controversial third-party candidate had just recently announced his fourth presidential bid, drawing sharp criticism from most national Democrats.
At this table, however, the issue is not quite so resolved.
The group's vice president, Marita Leach, says that though she respects the man, "he knows he doesn't have a chance, and he cost Al Gore the presidency. There are better ways to get your message out there."
This kind of disagreement is at the core of the group: as an organization, they cite free and open debate as second in value only to economic equality.
Currently eight members strong, some are self-proclaimed ardent Democrats, such as president senior Elizabeth Trask, who grew up attending party conventions with her parents.
Others, such as junior Rob Ellis, wouldn't mind seeing an end to party politics altogether. In his view, the Democrats are simply the best vehicle for social change -- at the moment.
It's the common excitement that unites the group.
They rarely have a meeting that isn't attended by a representative, like Tom Allen, from a local Democratic campaign, and they're planning a trip to Denver for the Democratic National Convention in August.
As their debate continues in the cafeteria, any mention of Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama prompts a series of glances across the table.
They have chosen not to endorse either candidate: in the interest of unity, they will support whoever reaches the convention with the most delegates.
Privately, most seem to prefer Senator Obama, though they speak very fondly of Chelsea Clinton's recent visit. Just last month, the former first daughter was right here in the campus center, speaking on behalf of her mother's campaign.
Regardless of opinions on the candidates, they don't let their disagreements separate them -- as the meeting comes to its official end, members hang out and keep talking casually.
Perhaps, ironically, the points of contention are what keep them together.
It's where they gather for weekly meetings, almost indistinguishable from any table full of students eating, studying and chatting around them.
That is, until the conversation really heats up -- something that will happen if you mention the name Ralph Nader.
The debate that ensues is typical of the College Dems, even a point of pride. And based on the climate of the current elections process, there will be plenty of it over the next year.
"I think he has every right to run," says group secretary Jeff Doucette as the group discusses Nader at their table, "and he adds a lot to the dialogue."
The controversial third-party candidate had just recently announced his fourth presidential bid, drawing sharp criticism from most national Democrats.
At this table, however, the issue is not quite so resolved.
The group's vice president, Marita Leach, says that though she respects the man, "he knows he doesn't have a chance, and he cost Al Gore the presidency. There are better ways to get your message out there."
This kind of disagreement is at the core of the group: as an organization, they cite free and open debate as second in value only to economic equality.
Currently eight members strong, some are self-proclaimed ardent Democrats, such as president senior Elizabeth Trask, who grew up attending party conventions with her parents.
Others, such as junior Rob Ellis, wouldn't mind seeing an end to party politics altogether. In his view, the Democrats are simply the best vehicle for social change -- at the moment.
It's the common excitement that unites the group.
They rarely have a meeting that isn't attended by a representative, like Tom Allen, from a local Democratic campaign, and they're planning a trip to Denver for the Democratic National Convention in August.
As their debate continues in the cafeteria, any mention of Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama prompts a series of glances across the table.
They have chosen not to endorse either candidate: in the interest of unity, they will support whoever reaches the convention with the most delegates.
Privately, most seem to prefer Senator Obama, though they speak very fondly of Chelsea Clinton's recent visit. Just last month, the former first daughter was right here in the campus center, speaking on behalf of her mother's campaign.
Regardless of opinions on the candidates, they don't let their disagreements separate them -- as the meeting comes to its official end, members hang out and keep talking casually.
Perhaps, ironically, the points of contention are what keep them together.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Seb
posted 3/17/08 @ 12:33 PM EST
Ralph Nader, More power to your ideas. Keep working to end this insane war and bring our people home. You've been out there making speeches, doing interviews and writing articles and have written at least three books in the last 6 years. (Continued…)
Jeff Doucette
posted 3/18/08 @ 12:56 AM EST
There are a couple of errors in this article which deserve published correction in the interest of accurate reporting and an informed student body.
First, "economic equality" was never mentioned as a value held by any group member; what was mentioned is equality of opportunity. (Continued…)
Jeff Doucette
posted 3/22/08 @ 2:08 PM EST
And furthermore(!!!), the article failed to include my deft analysis of the now defunct Republicans student group. Under such dire circumstance, I have taken matters into my own hands, as your humble public servant, and have reprinted the quotation below to right this most egregious wrong. (Continued…)
Jeff Doucette
posted 3/22/08 @ 8:47 PM EST
P.S. The last comment was meant only in jest.
Post a Comment