| The time was about 4:30 PM when I arrived at the Texas Union sporting my new Rick Noriega shirt and ready to hand out campaign literature and watch a debate.
I always knew students at the University of Texas were interested in this presidential race, but what I saw surprised me. I thought I had made great time: the doors wouldn't be opening for another hour. Yet hundreds had showed their faces for the UT Senate Watch party before I did.
Within minutes the line would reach the street (literally). Then it would wrap around the corner of the block. Even a handful of Republicans showed up. Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton were debating. There was prospect of Chelsea Clinton showing up at this watch party after the debate (it turned out there was a "scheduling error," though). This was a must-watch event.
The capacity for the Union Ballroom was set at 1000. 600 students had to be turned away. I'm confident many more left before the opportunity to be turned away presented itself. I know of even others that wanted to come but did not because they did not want to bother with being rejected.
Needless to say, it was great. With scores of Obama and Clinton signs as well as scores of supporters for each -- this was one debate that these students were attuned to.
They have already started voting in large numbers. They are ready to choose the next President of the United States. Or at the very least, they want their input heard. They showed it tonight in Austin. |
