Spring Break
Election unravels at watch party
Cameron Birch
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: News
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According to Dorothy Schwartz, director of Administrative Services for the Hagerty Library, the library-sponsored effort of Drexel Votes 2008 put together the event along with the help of a communications class.
Charlie Vaihinger, a sophomore communications major who was one of the students participating in the event planning, said Drexel Votes had a basic idea of what they wanted and left much of the planning up to the class.
One example was the group's choice to broadcast CNN; Vaihinger said the planning committee saw it as "middle ground" despite the varying opinions of its members.
"[The event was a chance to] leave harsh politics at the voting booth and celebrate together. For a serious day, [students could] have a fun time," Vaihinger said.
He called the party a "unified event" after "divided buildup."
In the past, Drexel Votes has hosted watch parties for the presidential debates, held informational events and gone through efforts to register students to vote.
Schwartz complimented the program and election, and said it "helped students realize what they do." She also discussed how it dispelled the misconceptions students had about voting and showed new voters reliable sources of election information.
Schwartz and Drexel Votes invited Assistant Professor of history and politics Scott Knowles to speak at and attend the event.
Knowles said he saw the election in Pennsylvania as a "battle between counties" and saw the turnout in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh as a major component of the election.
McCain's campaigning in Pennsylvania was also highlighted; Knowles said he considered the candidate's use of local resources an effort to sway polls away from Obama and to force rallying support in other areas. Knowles said this was possible through the large media outlets Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer.
Nationally, Knowles said students were involved in one of the most historically important elections in the last 100 years and said the election represents "major electoral realignment" on ruling parties in America. He addressed the three terms of Democratic presidents in America to five Republicans since 1968.
On personal politics, Schwartz said she voted for Obama, but she highlighted the importance of supporting both sides.
On the other hand, Vaihinger said, "I was more confident [McCain] could get things, [but] I will be behind Barack Obama."
Schwartz also reiterated the political neutrality of Drexel University and Hagerty Library.
Knowles declined to comment on his personal choice for president.
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