It’s often recalled that at one time, politics happened exclusively in dark, smoke-filled rooms.
The scene at Sebago Brewing Company on Friday night fell just short of that cliche, thanks to Portland’s stringent anti-smoking laws, as a group of USM students (and at least one professor) gathered to take in the latest milestone of the 2008 presidential campaign.
More than 30 energized people crowded into the basement of the Old Port bar to watch the first of three matchups between Democratic nominee Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. The enthusiasm was palpable, to say the least.
As the debate got under way, it was evident who the crowd, made up almost entirely of Democrats or progressive Independents, were rooting for. Early missteps by McCain immediately drew roaring laughter and a few wisecracks. Although there was a clear bias in the crowd, there was also an obvious interest in hearing both men state their cases.
This is, after all, the point where many voters tune in to hear from candidates for the first time.
Faces watched attentively, trying to hear as best as possible from the television that, its volume maxed out, was still ocasionally drowned out by friday night bar chatter.
Jeff Doucette, President of USM’s College Democrats, attributed the raw interest to the importance of this election. "One of these two men who spoke tonight will, in 3 months, have incredible influence over all of our lives," said Doucette.
He explained that it was important for the public, and especially students, to play a role in deciding who will be in the White House next year. The audience clearly felt the same way, at times breaking into side conversations about issues raised by debate moderator Jim Lehrer.
Joel Sanchez, a member of the Student Democrats and a Maine Democratic Party Volunteer Coordinator, thought the debate was just what was needed. Sanchez explained this was the first time we’ve been able to see both candidates on the same stage, laying out their differences.
"It covered what needed to be talked about, the economy and the financial crisis. I think it was clear from McCain’s positions that the Republicans will lead us into more of the same troubles." While Sanchez found the debate’s concentration on the economy to be most important, student Jeremy Knee latched onto another issue.
As a veteran, Knee was swayed most by the candidates positions on the use of the military. "McCain talked the most about the military, but Obama talked the most intelligently about it," said Knee.
Even though the viewing was put together by the USM Democrats, it attracted many non-members as well. "We’re very happy with the turnout, although not too surprised since we’ve had a great presence on campus this year," said Doucette. The Student Democrats have gained many new members this year according to Doucette who said the group was invigorated by a recent trip the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
While the strength of the group was an encouraging sight to many, SGA President Ben Taylor had a different opinion, noting the lack of a Republican group on campus this year. "In 2006, we had both groups on campus and they were equally strong, creating a good dialogue between them", said Taylor. "It’d be nice to have that balance again since we now have such a strong Democratic group."
Although there may not be an organized group of conservative voices on campus, there are Republican students who have tried to balance the atmosphere. "The institution is quite liberal and not many conservative students are willing to come out and voice their opinions because there are so many people that’ll disagree with them," said student Dustin Gilbert. "Personally, I’ve been a lone conservative voice in a crowd of liberals," explained Gilbert, who began writing opinion columns for the Free Press last semester as an effort get a conservative perspective to students.
Despite the lack of balance on the campus political scene, USM students are energized this election cycle. The large crowd at the debate viewing party was an encouraging testament to that energy.
"I think it’s an exciting time to be in college," remarked Doucette. "And no matter what your political persuasion, you should definitely take the opportunity to learn about the process and engage in it as much as possible".
Moh Dimi, another volunteer with the Student Democrats echoed that sentiment, explaining "It’s time for a change. The American people are smart and they always speak up when it’s needed."