The Quad

Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: News

Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, visited West Chester University to represent her mother's campaign on March 27 in an effort to raise support and gain votes before the April 22 Pennsylvania primary. Clinton spent her time fielding questions from members of the student body and guests to the University in Sykes Student Union.

State Representative Barbara McIlvaine Smith, Liz Wilkinson, president of WCU's College Democrats and other members of the organization were also present.

Clinton responded to questions with her mother's platforms and stances on the key issues of the '08 campaign such as the economy, war, health insurance and education. She also seemed to maintain an atmosphere of objectivity, welcoming a small group of McCain supporters to voice their opinions or ask questions as well, a request they did not fulfill, choosing rather to hold their signs in the windows behind Clinton for a few brief moments.

"I don't see past the April 22 primary," Clinton said in regard to a question about her mother's future in this campaign based on her trailing of Sen. Barack Obama in the delegate count. There are a lot of voices yet to be heard and a lot of votes to be cast."

As can be expected during a college tour, Clinton touched on issues relating to her mother's proposals regarding both education and college affordability.

"At 28, so many of my friends make career decisions based on having to pay back their college debt," Clinton said.

Chelsea explained that Sen. Clinton will double college grants to $10 thousand and double tax credits as well, providing extra relief for families of college age children.

Unexpectedly, the war in Iraq was addressed neither by Clinton nor the members of the audience until roughly halfway through the hour-long event. Not surprisingly, Chelsea neglected to address the fact that her mother voted in favor of the war in 2003. However, Senator Clinton did vote against the "Troop Surge" that has drawn media criticism since its inception.

Healthcare has become a hot button issue in recent elections, perhaps even more so during this year's heated democratic race.

"I'm proud [my mother] stood up for universal healthcare in 1993 and '94, before it was popular," Clinton said. She expressed concern about the number of people in this country that do not have any form of health insurance. "I don't want to live in a United States of America in the 21st century if that's true," she said.

Continued...

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