The Seahawk

Issue date: 5/21/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Tess Malijenovsky

Senator Barack Obama spoke at UNCW's Trask Coliseum Monday, April 28, 2008. More than 6,000 people were feeling the good vibrations, cheering with enthusiasm, stomping and chanting "Yes he can, yes he can!"

The prospective voters kept the energy in Trask high at all times. The intercom played inspirational tunes such as "Celebration" and "Ain't No Stoppin' Us," bringing energized fans to their feet.

"I'm so excited, I can't even see straight," City Councilman Ronald Sparks said. Members of the community introduced Senator Obama as the man who could bring about change in America.

Emphatic about the desire for change in Washington, D.C., Sparks said he was "sick of the game playing" going on in D.C.

Pastor Robert Campbell followed with a prayer to look over Senator Obama and his family. He believes Obama will "restore hope in our government."

Jess Owens-Shiplett, a kindergarten teacher at Ogden Elementary School, brought up issues concerning the increasing unemployment rates, the lack of appreciation for the public education systems and rising gas prices that dramatically affect average Americans.

"We don't need four more years of an out of touch president. We need someone who will stand up for us," Owens-Shiplett said.

And standing up for American citizens is what the potential presidential candidate claims he will do. Obama promised to kick lobbyists out of Washington, bring the troops home from Iraq, decrease health costs, increase minimum wages and provide education benefits for all students and teachers.

Campaigning across America, he found struggling citizens slipping away from the American dream ideals.

"I was convinced Americans needed to be lifted up," Obama said. "And change is going to be hard."

Obama's charismatic attitude, words and promises certainly resonated through the hearts of prospective voters.

"His character speaks louder than any words, as his actual honesty and care are evident," senior Zach Martin said. "He truly seems to be seeking a presidency, not for power or a political agenda, but for the genuine concern of the future of this country."


-Amy Ott





Hillary Clinton's arrival in Wilmington Sunday, April 27 brought much hullabaloo and anticipation.

More than 5,000 people gathered to hear her speak in front of the U.S.S. North Carolina on the RiverWalk about such topics as the economy, universal health care, and ending the war with Iraq. She also spoke of her plan to end the No Child Left Behind Act.
Clinton expressed interest in scientific research for global warming and also discussed signing a bill that will include ethical stem cell research.

She challenged Senator Barack Obama to another debate, one free of moderators. Obama has turned down this request, saying he would debate her after primary votes in Indiana and North Carolina May 6.

"We need a president on day one ready to be our commander in chief, ready to turn our economy around. That is why I have to say I am very, very regretful that my opponent will not agree to a debate in North Carolina, because I think these issues are worth debating," she said.

Clinton seemed enthused about continuing the campaign and making a large impact on her supporters. Her words of optimism and inspiration brought cheers from the crowd.
"You can tell I'm having so much fun in this campaign," Clinton said.


-Alexandra Bowman

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