230 organizations V o t e While Harding was seen by many as a primarily Republican campus, several groups on campus were not included in this majority during the 2008 election year. Supporters of Democratic candidate Barack Obama found their own voice in the midst of a red campus. Many Obama enthusiasts joined two different groups on campus: College Democrats and Bisons for Obama. These two groups allowed supporters the chance to get to know each other through this common bond. They had a chance to come together as a minority of Democrats on a highly Republican campus. “Being a Democrat on a campus that is primarily conservative Republicans can be a challenge from time to time,” junior Stephanie O’Brian said. “We were definitely outnumbered, so when you saw someone with an Obama or Democrat T-shirt or button, you would talk because you knew you both had something in common.” These two groups on campus had watch parties for all of the debates and on election night. At the beginning of the fall 2008 semester, the two groups got together to host speaker Shaun Casey. Casey was the head of Evangelical Affairs for Obama, and his talk positively assured the groups that they could be both a liberal and a Christian. “College Democrats hosted Shaun Casey to help excite Obama supporters and to better inform Democratic, liberal and progressive students about Obama’s policies and how they relate to Christianity,” sophomore Chris Berry said. Events like this helped Obama supporters on campus connect and reaffirm their beliefs. Each member had different reasons for believing why Obama should be the next president. “His perseverance and message of hope are universal,” senior Karie Cross said. “I tend to vote democrat because of the party’s humane view on things like foreign aid, diplomacy, welfare and universal health care.” Others felt that Obama could implement the proper steps to bring change. “I believe that health care is a right. The church is not taking care of people, so the government needs to,” O’Brian said. “I also wanted change.” After Obama was elected president on November 4th, the Obama supporters on campus were thrilled. They believed that America had made the right choice. “Our nation took a look at where it had been, thought about what direction it wanted to go and elected Barack Hussein Obama to take us there,” Cross said as she proudly wore her Obama button on November 5. “I am so pleased that Americans are open-minded enough to overcome his name and race.” Although Obama fans were very pleased with his victory, they understood the need for respect throughout the entire campaign season. The goal of the election was to find the person who would be the best leader of our country. “Regardless of party affiliation, you need to have respect for the other side,” Cross said. “There are always valid arguments on both sides of every issue. Be thoughtful and prayerful and do what you think is best, whether it is what everyone around you is doing or not. Above all, be respectful when debating and discussing issues.” The election season brought many differing viewpoints, countless debates and endless jokes for Saturday Night Live, but it was important to remember that politics were not the most important thing to worry about. “I love politics, and I am passionate about them,” O’Brian said. “But I also know, as should everyone, that this world is not our home; we are just passing through.” Bethany Loftis Row 1: K. Grant, B. Brown, M. Mauney, M. Smith, D. Alexander, B. Higgens, L. Ferrell, B. Sims, A. Williams, M. West. Row 2: L. Wagon, B. Inloes, T. Box, K. Phillips, M. Connors, S. Rhea, J. Emmery, B. Wilkerson, L. Casey, W. Aubrey, L. Jackson. Row 3: J. Brown, A. Work, S. Geraco, H. Mitchll, C. Collins, J. Grimm, P. Parkey, T. Parrish, C. Schandevel. Row 4: J. Stein, T. Covington, C. Kays, C. Nowlam, A. Roberts, H. Steger. Row 5: W. Dixson, M. Venable, H. Steger, M. Hays, B. Pagoada. Row 6: R. Mays, C. Owen, J. Chen, K. Mayora. Row 7: K. Thomason, C. McMenamy, C. Cardona. Row 8: M. Marriaga, L. Rodriguez, T. Sequeira. Row 9: A. Augsburger, T. Leledon, J. Queen, R. Hedden. Row 10: L. Ramirez, A. McDougald, C. Swafford, L. Wheeler. Row 11: C. Christy, C. Celsor, K. Guy. Row 12: J. Blake, K. White, A. Olree, B. Noblitt, R. Young, J. Moore, E. Shepard, S. Frazier, T. Jones, A. Durgin, J. Zern, J. Grimm. Row 1: F. Franks, W. Brown. Row 2: N. Rogers, K. Sherrod, M. Ellis, L. Dove, M. Goodhart. Row 3: D. Manes, S. O’Brian, H. McIntosh, C. Bell. Row 4: T. Jones, C. Berry, J. Shock (Sponsor). American Studies Distinguished Students College Democrats Students Show Support In Presidential Election
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