Web sites, like Facebook.com and MySpace.com, have helped generate student interest in the 2008 presidential campaigns. Candidates are addressing more issues that affect the younger generation through YouTube.com debates and outreaches on social networking Web sites. University students have mixed opinions on the importance of their involvement in the campaign process. “Yes, it’s important. They are messing with our Social Security,” said Kim Espinoza, communication disorders senior. “They are messing with our futures.” Espinoza admitted she thought it was important for students to be involved, but she has not watched any of the debates. “Debates are the most important part,” said Korey Kanzig, petroleum engineering freshman. “I’ve watched the ones on YouTube.” Kanzig said if a candidate cannot respond in a debate, they may be unable to respond under real pressure in office. “If I could stand up and have people listen to me, I would, but I just go and push a button,” said Darrell Rivers, sociology sophomore. “I don’t feel like I have a voice.” A Gallup poll from Jan. 10 to Jan. 13 showed John McCain leading with 33 percent of the votes for the Republican nomination. “Right now I’m more impressed with Romney and McCain,” said Rob Farber, microbiology sophomore. “McCain is more of a moderate and listens to different issues.” Farber said the most important issue to address is the economy. “A strong president will strengthen the economy,” Farber said. Brandon Lamartini, religious studies sophomore, said he would probably vote for Huckabee because he admires a man who brings morality into the campaign. “I would like to see a little more depth to all the candidates,” Lamartini said. In the same Gallup poll, Hillary Clinton led the Democratic nomination with 45 percent of the votes. However, Barack Obama is close behind with 33 percent of the votes. “I’m pulling for Hillary, but I haven’t read up on anything,” said Sheena Mannina, mass communication sophomore. “I think she was the driving force behind a lot of Bill Clinton’s politics.” Chelsea Lewis, anthropology sophomore, said she thinks Clinton is an inexperienced candidate who acts like the campaign is a popularity contest. “I feel like she is throwing the ‘I’m a woman’ card too much,” Lewis said. Corey Sanchez, kinesiology senior, said he thinks Obama is a solid candidate who is effective in his campaign method. “It’s awesome to have diversity in this election.” said Jaimie Dagner, mass communication junior. Farber thinks Obama should focus more on the important issues than targeting a specific group of people in his campaign.
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