While 1,500 people were leaving the Barry Kaye auditorium after the debate, journalists from numerous publications and radio stations were storming the Live Oak Pavilion where a spin room had been setup. Common to debates and conventions, spin rooms give journalists a chance to interview politicians and campaign leaders. Florida senators, congressmen, and even the state attorney general were being interviewed.
Naturally, the UP wanted some answers on why students should vote, so we entered the room of spin and asked these important government officials what they thought.
Connie Mack
? Florida Congressman 14th Congressional District? Supports Mitt Romney? On FAU: “I love this university. In fact, I represented the state house, or at least the district. I have ties to Florida Gulf Coast and I’ve been here before.”? On the debate: “I thought this was a great debate where a lot of key issues were pinned down.? Why students should vote for Mitt Romney: “Romney wants to offer students, who are the future of America, a solid chance for success and a strong economy that will benefit them.”
Kathleen Shanahan? Serves on McCain’s national strategy team and was former chief of staff for Florida Governor Jeb Bush? Supports John McCain? On FAU: “I love this university, it’s in a pretty location, and I love FAU president Brogan. In fact, we worked together when he was lieutenant governor.”? On the debate: “McCain was strong on important issues in this campaign, especially on his reflections on taxes and environmental reform.”? Why students should vote for John McCain: “It’s very simple. He tells the truth, and whether you like it or not, he’ll give you a straight answer.”
Jim Pinkerton? Policy Advisor for Mike Huckabee? Supports: Mike Huckabee? On FAU: “I haven’t done much except drive through, but I have to say it’s a nice place and they did a great job getting students excited.”? On the debate: “As you could see from the debate, Huckabee can relate to people and get his point across. He clearly had a good night.”? Why students should vote for Mike Huckabee: “Huckabee has a commitment to students and plans on helping with loans and more. He’s a believer in public education and knows he can make it better for the people; it’s something he wants anyone, no matter who they are, to get an education and get somewhere.”
Mike Haridopolos? Florida Senator and Co-Chair of Huckabee Florida Organization? Supports: Mike Huckabee? On FAU: “You can tell the staff spent a great deal of time setting up the campus, it was impressive.”? On the Debate: “Huckabee’s personality clearly shined through during the debate although I was a bit frustrated that he didn’t get more questions – it seemed that the debate might have been aimed towards other candidates.”? Why students should vote for Mike Huckabee: “He’s not left or right, he’s vertical. He understands that the oldest civil right it to an education; he knows that if people are given that opportunity, they’ll take it. Just look at his state, it’s number one in the country for education.”
Bill McCollum? Florida Attorney General and Rudy Giuliani’s Florida Chairman? Supports: Rudy Giuliani? On FAU: “I’ve been to this campus before; I was a former Board of Governor before I became Attorney General. I know FAU has a medical program almost completed and that’s one thing I strived to get done in Florida state universities.”? On the Debate: “I don’t know how it could have been done better; FAU did a great job. Rudy made a homerun with the last debate question regarding The New York Time’s criticisms; he got to hit many important points with his answer.”? Why students should vote for Rudy Giuliani: “With his performance as New York City mayor, he knows how to stand up. He’s the one who represents the longest opportunity for students to be provided with the strongest government, and most importantly how to give people choices.”
