As presidential candidate John McCain vowed that a “change is coming” to thousands last night in St. Paul, Minn., at the Republican National Convention, the College Republicans at Binghamton University held their general interest meeting.
During his speech, the Arizona senator touched only briefly on the Iraq war — a conflict that Barack Obama has vowed to end. He also told the crowd he would lower taxes and cut government spending, while his opponent would do the opposite.
“Fight with me. Fight with me. Fight with me. Fight for what’s right for our country,” he urged in a convention crescendo.
To repeated cheers from his delegates, McCain made only a passing reference to an unpopular George W. Bush and criticized fellow Republicans, as well as Democratic rival Barack Obama, in reaching out to independents and swing voters who will pick the next president.
Meanwhile, College Republicans Executive Chairman John Jensen met with other members to discuss plans for the upcoming year. Ideas include a Flag Garden, which is a visible memorial made of 1,000 flags for 9/11, debates with the College Democrats, and working with NYPIRG in their upcoming voter registration.
Jensen said the group would try to end the meeting early so that members could watch the Convention.
“We’re very excited,” he said. “I think the McCain-Palin ticket is stealing the show on the change issue.”
Other members echoed Jensen’s sentiments.
Alex Paolano, a junior majoring in history, said that he thinks Palin adds “a little something to the republican ticket which’s been lacking.”
After delegates made Palin the first female vice presidential nominee in Republican history, McCain’s appearance concluded the final night of the party’s convention.
“She stands up for what’s right and she doesn’t let anyone tell her to sit down,” McCain said of the woman who has faced intense scrutiny in the week since she was picked.
Palin has faced a storm of scrutiny, some of it relating to her tenure as mayor of Wasilla, Ala., and her time as governor, but most involving her 17-year-old, unmarried and pregnant daughter.
For the most part, McCain’s aides have kept Palin out of public sight while vociferously defending her readiness to become president. She emerged Wednesday night during prime time to deliver a smiling, sarcastic attack on Obama that generated roars of approval — and acceptance — from the delegates.
“Republicans kind of have been given a bad name by the media in terms of women’s rights,” Jensen said. “We’re very excited about Sarah [Palin].”
The group has no shortage of different opinions on the election, however.
“I think the support for McCain on campus is minimal,” said Tara Lynch, an undecided freshman who is a new member of College Republicans. “It is exciting being exposed to so many people with so many different views.”
Unlike Obama’s speech a week ago, McCain, a POW-turned-political-rebel, offered no soaring oratory until his speech-ending summons to fight for the country’s future.
But his own measured style left the hall in cheers, and as is his habit in campaign stops around the country, he stepped off the stage to plunge into the crowd after his speech. Palin joined him, embraced by the jubilant throng.
— Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.