To the Editor:
It's my impression that many college students don't care about politics. We've grown up with tales of Watergate and lived through "Zippergate". We've heard stump speeches, policy discussion, and ideological debates from all sides. We've seen grand promises made and most of them broken. And as a result, college students are too busy and too jaded to really stop and listen to politicians. Aren't all politicians alike?
Take one look at John McCain and the answer to that question become obvious -- no! Students who have meet Senator McCain can testify as to his sharp wit, eloquent rhetoric, and impassioned beliefs. While bantering with voters he manages to address important issues such as campaign finance reform, reducing waste in the federal budget, and improving the standard of living for the men and women in the United States military. He is somehow able to be both charming in his speech and fierce in his beliefs. There is a fire in his eyes that says, "I will fight for you and for the good of our nation."
And McCain has not won the attention of just older voters. One of his greatest qualities, in my opinion, is his genuine interest in the opinions of young people. He doesn't distance himself from college students; he listens to them. McCain is extremely accessible, happy to speak with college students, and willing to communicate on their terms. I was initially drawn towards McCain's campaign after hearing him speak at SAE. As he joked about the MTV Music Awards and Puff Daddy, he answered students' questions and spoke about inspiring the nation's youth. In the several opportunities I've had to speak with him since then, my admiration for both the man and the candidate has grown. As a president, John McCain would be a fierce fighter, a concerned listener, and an honest leader, and I encourage all students to vote for him.
