The Murray State News

Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Elaine Kight

The battle among Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has become popularized through the media for several months.
With two non-traditional front-running candidates - a white woman and a black man - the 2008 presidential election has seen a significant change from the past.
The total of voters between the ages of 18-29 who have participated in the presidential primaries has increased from nine to 14 percent since the 2004 presidential election according to the NBC's Pew Research poll.
The Pew Research poll reported most young voters sway toward the Democratic side.
Whether voters decide on candidates because of their cause, nationality, gender, values or charisma, some research is required.
Administrators across campus have their own reasons for their decisions for presidential candidates and opinions about the election.
SG Carthell, director of African-American Student Services, said the turnout of the 2008 presidential election will be historical.
"I think that the uniqueness of this election, regardless of whether Hilary gets the nomination or Barack get's the nomination, we're going to see something in this country in our lifetime that we probably expected, but never thought we'd see," Carthell said.
Crystal Coleman, director of speech and debate, said the presidential race is about more than gender or race.
"Race and gender has little to do with it, it's about money," Coleman said. "Getting money, producing money and helping people retain money is the most important. Whoever can do that will be the winner of the election."
Adrian Tharpe, senior from Paris, Tenn., said he believes Obama offers this change.
"I feel he stands for everything that's right and I think it's time to have someone of color in office," Tharpe said.
Tharpe said he is swayed to vote for Obama because of his dislike of Clinton's chameleon-like personality.
"(Hillary) conforms to her environment," Tharpe said.
Though NBC polls show the majority of young-voter support Obama, Clinton also has a large group of proponents.
Judy Brookhiser, associate professor of wellness and therapeutic sciences, said now is the time for a female president.
"It's long past due," Brookhiser said. "The men have had their shot ,and we haven't come out so good."
Brookhiser also said though she is a strong supporter of many of Clinton's platforms she said she would advocate a joint ticket.
"They're both great candidates; they agree on 90 percent of everything," Brookhiser said.
Michelle Overby, freshman from Benton, Ky., said though she supports Obama, a woman as president would not be a bad idea.
"It would show that women can be president too; it's not just about man power," Overby said.
Despite the outcome, the presidential election will be historic.
Students residing in Kentucky can vote at their registered voting precinct May 20.
Robin Phelps can be reached at robinj.phelps@murraystate.edu.

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