Politics Not as Usual

November 4, 2008

Exeter students represented both sides of the aisle in downtown Exeter

Election fever is alive and well among Exonians today. Over a dozen students stand with political signs – from both sides of the aisle – in downtown Exeter, exhorting passers-by to vote. An estimated 75 students left dorms at 5:00 this morning to distribute literature on Democratic candidates in local neighborhoods. Exeter is running the "Red Dragon" – a small school bus – to the polling station for faculty, staff and the approximately 80 students who are old enough to vote. Political buttons are everywhere.  See a photo album...

Molly, a veteran politico, is excited that Election Day is here. "I got to vote for my dad and Obama," said this senior, whose father is running for District Court Judge in her home state of North Carolina. Molly initially supported John Edwards, then switched to Obama when Edwards dropped out. She worked on Obama's campaign and two others this summer, and voted via absentee ballot.

At today's Assembly, members of the Exeter Political Union (non-partisan), the Democratic Club and the Republican Club presented. Democratic Club members exhorted fellow students to get involved. "How lucky I feel to be here in New Hampshire" for this election, said Maggie, a senior and Democratic Club co-head. Her experiences canvassing and phone banking have given her a clear "idea of the issues most on voters' minds." Republican Club members, perhaps responding to what seems a clear trend toward Obama at PEA, put on a skit.

Exeter's student newspaper, The Exonian, recently surveyed the PEA community. With 365 students responding, the results showed 71% for Obama, 15% for McCain, and 7% respectively for "Other" and "Don't Know." Of the 40 faculty who responded, 88% supported Obama, 10% McCain, and 2% "Don't Know."

In the classroom, discussions have been taking place for weeks about the election and the changing economic climate. This morning, Kwasi Boadi, history instructor, took his U.S. History class to visit the Exeter polls. Boadi's class consists of foreign students – 2 each from Korea, Canada and Thailand; 1 from Italy, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Nigeria. For these students, the chance to see a historic American election upclose has been "amazing." "I'm very excited," said Hala, who hails from Saudi Arabia. Hala has done some phone banking for the Democratic presidential candidate. Parinda, a post-graduate student from Thailand, finds this year "exciting because it is a marked turning point in American history." She's surprised by how close the race is between McCain and Obama. 

Other classes have focused on political ethics. "The kids are really engaged and making insightful comments" about the candidates and the election, said Thomas Simpson, who teaches "Social Ethics: Values in a Changing World."  

The first bus trip from campus to the Exeter polls carried Michael and Dan the short distance. "It's pretty cool," said Dan of his first chance to vote. "It feels like a grown-up responsibility."  Michael, who lives in Ohio, voted in Exeter because he missed the deadline for absentee ballot back home. "It's nice to be able to vote," he said. "But," he added, "I don't really like the system because many people don't vote."

In the Phelps Academy Center Agora, Student Council is hosting a mock election. Freeman, co-head of the Election Committee, who was setting up the voting booth (a laptop computer), explained: "Our ballot has the primary presidential candidates and several policy questions, like 'Would you support a timetable for leaving Iraq?' " Freeman was keen on keeping the mock election fair. "We worded all the questions to be as non-partisan as possible."

Dinner tonight is an election-themed extravaganza. The menu starts with Senate Bean Soup and continues with bi-partisan delight: Independent Vegetable Medley, Biden's Penne with Pomodoro Sauce-V, Obama's Hometown Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza, McCain's Arizona Chili with Tortilla and Fixings, Palin's Baked Salmon with Lemon Sauce. Rumor has it that the candidates will be dropping by to visit. By the time students are consuming dessert – Rocky Road Brownies – election results will be starting to come out. They can run over to the Phelps Academy Center to watch live results on TV.

Today's excitement can be summed up by the comments of 2 bystanders in downtown Exeter this noon. "They're really getting into it," said one man after observing the Exonians engage with passers-by. "They're passionate, that's for sure," remarked another.