In his first Dartmouth visit since he declared his 2004 presidential aspirations, Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., will speak tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Rockefeller Center's Hinman Forum.
The four-term congressman and Yale University graduate revealed his decision to form a presidential exploratory committee Dec. 1 on NBC's "Meet the Press" after a year of hinting to run. The organization's creation allows Kerry to fundraise on a national level and to better appraise voter approval.
"I'm excited to visit Dartmouth to talk about the issues and particularly to talk about some of the shared sacrifices and big choices we need to make as a country," Kerry said. "The outcome will affect college students more than anyone."
The senator, a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts for his service in the Navy, differs most from President George W. Bush on issues surrounding energy and foreign policy. In his recently unveiled economic plan, the senator focused on increased tax cuts for the middle class. He is an outspoken supporter of stringent environmental standards.
A wealthy Bostonian married to Heinz Foods heir Teresa Heinz, Kerry has been criticized within his party for appearing awkward and unable to connect with ordinary voters -- traits that may hurt him in the polls.
Kerry currently faces Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, Rep. Dick Gephardt (Mo.) and Sen. John Edwards (N.C.) for the Democratic nomination. Sens. Bob Graham (Fla.), Joseph Biden (Del.), Sen. Christopher Dodd (Conn.) and retired Arkansan Gen. Wesley Clark are also considering entering the race.
Adding to the jumble of party hopefuls, 2000 Democratic vice-presidential candidate and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman is expected to announce his run this Monday. Last month, Lieberman's 2000 running mate and 2004 Democratic frontrunner Al Gore made public his intent not to run again, shocking much of the nation.
In what also came as a surprise to many Washington insiders, Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) announced Tuesday that he would sit out the fight for his party's nomination.
Student Body President Janos Marton '04, who helped organize tonight's event, noted that Kerry has been interested in speaking at Dartmouth for several weeks, but that his visit does not imply the College's endorsement.
"The senator is really interested in answering questions from the audience," Marton said. "He encourages questions from students across the political spectrum."
Kerry added that the collegiate experience was central to his own political upbringing.
"I first thought about getting involved in public service during college," he said. "I think we can bring students back into the political system if politicians would get back to saying something interesting, challenging Americans and just listening for a change."
Kerry is expected to formally announce his candidacy in the upcoming months.
The Student Assembly, Women of Color Collective, Dartmouth Greens, Young Democrats and Dartmouth Rainbow Alliance are sponsoring tonight's event.
