With only 35 days remaining until America decides who willoccupy the White House for the next four years, election fever atThe University of Memphis is on the rise.
This intensity was apparent near the crosswalk leading to theCentral parking lot yesterday. Two women on the sidewalk held alarge sign stating "Fire Bush" as drivers whizzed by, many honkingtheir horns in praise or showing thumbs down in disapproval.
Kelly Jacobs and Angelica Bossert, the two sporting theanti-Bush message, attempted to register students in thehigh-traffic area.
The two John Kerry supporters exemplify the polarization amongvoters at The U of M as to which candidate they intend to supporton Nov. 2.
"The University of Memphis recently rejected credit cardvendors, just like they should reject George Bush on Election Daybecause he has been the credit card president," Jacobs said. "Hehas spent us into a hole with no end in sight with deficits andspending billions on Iraq."
When asked about their preferred candidates, U of M studentsproudly voiced their opinions with concise reasons to back up theirremarks.
Junior communications major and Bush supporter Abby Cainexpressed her belief in the importance of voting.
"This will be the first time that I get to vote in apresidential election and I think more young people shouldparticipate," she said. "I believe in Bush's goals, support hisfaith and his candidacy versus John Kerry because Kerry doesn'tknow what he believes."
Cain's remarks about Democratic presidential nominee John Kerrystem from Republican assertions that he hasn't been consistent onthe issues.
President Bush has derided Kerry in campaign speeches about hisposition on the war in Iraq, citing Kerry's senate votes in favorof giving Bush authority to wage war in Iraq before voting againstan $87 billion bill tied to the war effort.
Meanwhile, Kerry has challenged Bush on rushing to war in Iraqwithout a clear plan to win the peace, tax cuts he says largelybenefit the wealthy and a net loss of jobs in America since Bush'sinauguration in 2001.
Beverly Lowe, who plans to enter a master's degree program ineducation, said she is voting for Christianity and therefore,Bush.
"I don't play that game (politics) when it comes to religion,"Lowe said, referring to her strong beliefs and anti-abortionconvictions.
Democrats hope to capture the votes from those upset with Bush'score agenda, including Iraq, the economy, tax cuts and otherpolarizing issues.
Senior theater major Barnell Williams voiced support for Kerryon the basis of Social Security. "I'm about to be a baby boomer, soI need to know Social Security is going to be there for me."
Senior education major Stephanie Martin drew laughter fromothers while filling out her voter registration form. "You bettervote," she told a passerby who glanced at the "Fire Bush" sign.
With the election so near and emotions so fervent, numerousget-out-the-vote drives have taken place at The U of M, includingfour in one day last week.
Anyone interested in voting in the election who has not alreadyregistered must have his or her applications to the Shelby CountyElection Commission by Oct. 2. They can visit the commissionpersonally or go to <a href="http://www.shelbyvote.org">shelbyvote.org</a> for more information.
