[Back to Press]

Candidates and causes bring people to campus

By Special to The Times and Democrat
Thursday, April 26, 2007

Hours before the debate party and community celebration, the grounds of Smith-Hammond-Middleton Auditorium and vicinity were a place for political sparring.

While students filled the plaza in front of the S.C. State student center, making noise for Sen. Barack Obama on the set of "Hardball," a smaller -- but just as enthusiastic -- group was at Smith-Hammond-Middleton cheering for Sen. Hillary Clinton.

 "Toot, toot, beep, beep for Hillary," the gaggle of freshmen students hollered, jumping up and down, at cars as they drove past.

Natasha Grate, an SCSU freshman, said, "We believe there should be a woman in office and Hillary is the right candidate."

Crystal Gibson said, "I feel a woman should be in office.''

Four-year-old Pheadra Sims was out there, jumping up and down with the other girls.

"She wants to be one of the big girls. She's chosen to be with them because they're making the most noise," said Thomas Sims, who brought his granddaughter out for a day she would remember so she'll "get it in her blood early."

"She's committed right now. I don't know where she'll be tomorrow," he said.

At the Obama table, students were receiving instructions on registering voters and supporters.

Alan Jackson, a Claflin University sophomore, said he was sold on Obama after his appearance at Claflin.

"I think America is ready to have an African-American president," he said. He also likes Obama's platform and "the vibe he gives off is a positive one."

The day wasn't only for candidates, however. The debate also drew people wanting folks to bring attention to their favorite issues.

Representatives of rock star Bono's One campaign were setting up a table to make people aware of his campaign to end global poverty, disease and HIV/AIDS.

Their goal is to have each candidate wear a "One" armband to raise awareness of the issue.

H.K. Edgerton stood at the entrance to the SHM parking lot, undeterred by the fact that some people were put off -- at least on person flatly refused to shake his hand -- by the sight of a black man in a Confederate uniform, waving a Confederate flag.

"If you consider yourself Southern, this is your flag," Edgerton said as he handed out leaflets for The Southern Legal Resource Center. "I'm not here about hate, I'm here about truth."

Across the driveway sat the Rev. Al Sharpton, interviewing people for his radio show, who applauded the decision to bring the debate to a historically black college in a smaller city.

"I think this is real America," he said.

"The students she's talked  with "are mostly undecided. They want to hear something. ... They're not going for an American Idol candidate, they want substance.