Spring Break
4,000 turn out for rally
Clinton discusses repairing 'damage of previous 8 years'
By: Yusra Tekbali
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: News
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The New York senator, accompanied by her daughter, Chelsea, spoke about her plans for the troubled economy, global warming, health care and higher education, not shying away from criticizing the current administration or taking hits at her opponents.
"Here's an old-fashioned idea - let's appoint qualified people again," she said. "We have to elect a president to repair the damage of the previous eight years and get us optimistic about the future."
Associated Students of the University of Arizona invited all the presidential candidates to campus last August, but only Clinton opted to attend. Her visit was paid for by her campaign.
Clinton supporters, foes and those still on the sidelines waited for several hours before hearing the senator speak - two hours after her scheduled 4 p.m. appearance.
The two-mile line snaking around the UA Main Library and McKale Center didn't discourage students from waiting, as many cracked jokes, enjoyed the warm weather or took the opportunity to flaunt their own political opinions.
Members of the UA chapter of the Arizona Public Interest Research Group, which aims to help students become involved in the political process by bringing issues like student debt to the attention of lawmakers, carried signs that said, "What's your plan for college affordability?"
"We want to make sure Hillary listens to what young people want - to afford college and graduate with less debt," said Kristi Van De Wyngaerde, a pre-nursing freshman and member of the group.
Clinton spoke about reforming higher education to fit the demands of the 21st century.
"Let's make college affordable again. Let's give $3,500 in tax credits for families with children in college, and let's expand the Pell Grant," she said.
She also spoke about ending the "abusive, predatory spending practices" of banks who charge high interest rate on student loans, and forgiving debt for students who work in public-service jobs after graduation.
Clinton spoke about bettering the economy and the need to balance the budget and surpluses. Her solution to unemployment garnered some of the loudest applause of the night when she said, "Regardless of what George Bush may think, global warming is real," before going on to explain how green technology will revolutionize the job industry.
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karl
posted 2/03/08 @ 11:06 PM PST
The stage should not of been so far off the improvised green hall as to force hundreds to stare directly into the low octane generated lights. Bear Down has very bright high efficiency light already I wonder who thinks that etching such an event into our retina results in greater support at the crucial time. (Continued…)
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