Our guys and gal kick ass, their guys suck ass

or so says the New York Times in a recent set of articles comparing voter enthusiasm for Presidential candidates. First the bad news for the GOP:

Interviews with dozens of Republicans across the country this Labor Day weekend found that despite the already lengthy campaign, which started almost a year ago, many candidates have made either no impression or a negative one, and many voters are still chewing over their options.

Then again, with John McCain and Rudy Giuliani trying to out Cheney each other, Mitt Romney's flip-flopping, and Fred Thompson campaign from the seat of a golf cart, why would they? And how about on our side?

Forget the “lesser-of-the-evils” talk typically heard from Democratic primary voters around this time of a presidential campaign. Interviews with dozens of Democrats here and across the country this Labor Day weekend found them enthusiastic about their presidential choices and, if slightly nervous about potential weaknesses in their candidates, confident of victory in 2008.

Say goodbye to invasions of privacy and oil-rich nations, and hello to universal health care and alternative energy. Looks like we have a lot to be happy about: just remember these candidates don't elect themselves, we need to get in gear, and work hard for our people at all levels of the ticket.

Candidates Avoiding Michigan?

The New York Times reported yesterday that some of the Democratic candidates for President are signing a pledge not to campaign in states that move their primary before the sanctioned dates of the DNC. The article may be found here, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/us/politics/02dems.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=login

Michigan is a critical swing state in the general election and a very important state in all elections. To not campaign in this state is both foolish and insulting. Michigan's population proves to be a much more decisive state than New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina, and Nevada. Michigan is a very diverse state both in population and in issues. We have an economic crisis that needs to be addressed on the national and international level. We have a wide variety of Democrats believing in all kinds of issues, from union woes in the UAW to environmentalist concerns amongst the Great Lakes.

I support Governor Granholm in her pledge to sign the legislation to move our primary to January 15th.

Message from the President

The Michigan State University Democrats is an organization of students dedicated to forwarding the ideals of the Democratic Party. Our mission is to assure wider participation and effective organization in furthering the continuing growth, development, and implementation of the campus, local, county, state, and national programs and policies of the Democratic Party.

We hope to raise awareness on campus for progressive ideals through fun, fresh, and exciting new ways. We use many different techniques to achieve these goals. Through registration drives, bi-monthly meetings, fundraising events, speakers and forums, and the occasional protest, we demonstrate that we are a committed group of politically aware and politically active members of the Michigan State community.

While there are often various interests within the Democratic Party, the MSU Democrats recognize that these groups within the Democratic Party, be they environmentalists, civil rights activists, labor activists, or any other, must come together and unite behind a progressive vision of the political future.

This year promises to be a banner year for the Democrats on campus and nationally. From an East Lansing City Council race, to the Presidential caucuses, to the campaign for the presidency, the MSU Democrats will be fighting all year long to forward the ideals which define us. The Democratic issues will be addressed, discussed, and debated, both on the local and national stage. The Michigan State University Democrats will be in the heart of all of these discussions.

This year’s MSU Democrats are stronger than ever. We have a committed Executive Board, detailed organizational planning, and a clear vision of our goals. We will bring high profile speakers, as well as representatives from other progressive on-campus groups, to meetings. Throughout the year, the MSU Democrats will be hosting forums, events, and fundraisers to raise awareness on a broad scope of progressive issues.

I’d like to personally welcome each and every one of you to the organization. Whether you are new to campus, new to the Democratic Party, or a familiar face, I look forward to having you as a part of the MSU Democrats. We have high organizational aspirations and plan to make a difference in the community, but in order to do that we need an active membership. I hope to see each and every one of you at our meetings, fundraisers, and events. Let’s show the country that Michigan State University is not only green and white, but blue as well.

Democratically yours,

Scott Hendrickson
President
MSU Democrats