Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: News
For Penn Dems, it's now all for Obama
Colin Kavanaugh
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The endorsement required a two-thirds majority to pass.
Following the vote, College sophomore Mukul Sharma, Penn Dems vice president, said the group will do "whatever it can" for Obama and wants to host a visit for either the senator or his surrogates before the April 22 Pennsylvania primary.
The Penn Dems will help organize events, walk door-to-door in the Philadelphia area and call registered voters on behalf of Obama's campaign.
The group endorsed in both the 2006 and 2007 elections, promoting Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.) and Mayor Michael Nutter, respectively.
Since Feb. 25, when the Penn Dems decided to endorse a candidate, the organization has contacted the campaigns of Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, with both expressing a desire to work with the group, regardless of which candidate the Penn Dems endorsed, Sharma said.
Despite the endorsement, the group promoted Chelsea Clinton's visit to campus yesterday and will continue to assist in visits from both campaigns.
During the meeting, statements were read from both Penn for Obama and Penn for Hillary, followed by an open debate on the candidates' positions.
However, debate at the meeting was mostly focused on whether an endorsement would deter the losing candidate from coming to campus.
Wharton junior and Clinton supporter Linda Cheung said the group "should at least try" to endorse a candidate.
But Penn for Hillary spokesman and College freshman Patrick Bauer expressed frustration at the decision, saying it was "premature for the Penn Dems to make an endorsement."
He said the group was "disappointed" that both candidates would not be allowed to "make their cases directly" before voting took place.
Cheung said many group leaders encouraged students to "put personal views aside" to reach the two-thirds majority.
Yesterday's meeting was held in the wake of critical contests Tuesday in Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island and Vermont. Clinton won three of the four primaries.
Sharma and Penn Dems President Lauren Burdette, a College sophomore, delayed the meeting until yesterday to allow members "to see all relevant information" before voting.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 17
John B Sheffield
John B Sheffield
posted 3/06/08 @ 5:45 AM EST
The Movement from Barack Obama has shown that working together it is possible we can bring about change. The use of the internet as a media campaign is the likes as never seen before in politics. (Continued…)
Bush 00 & 04 to Obama 08
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:05 AM EST
I am a Libertarian who voted for George Bush twice. I never thought I would consider voting for a Democratic candidate for that office, but I would vote for Barack Obama if he is the nominee. (Continued…)
Jenny
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:08 AM EST
I don't think they should have endorsed anyone.
It's sad that Obama has become the "cool" choice for President among college students. Politics should not be another trend in and out as quickly as Uggs. (Continued…)
Geoffrey
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:10 AM EST
Is it just me, or is this an attempt for the Penn Democrats to bandwagon off the recent huge successes of the UPenn for Obama group? I can understand Patrick's frustration with the decision, as there was likely no doubt as to who was going to win this endorsement, considering Obama's appeal to the college youth, and I'm sure the President and Vice President of the Penn Democrats knew exactly what was going to happen even before going into the meeting. (Continued…)
bob
posted 3/06/08 @ 12:30 PM EST
OBAMA IS THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR STUDENTS IN THIS CAMP. HILLARY REPRES THE OLD HIERACHY THAT HAS NOTHING TO OFFER STUDENTS. OBAMA WILL WIN THIS NOMINATION. (Continued…)
John B Sheffield
posted 3/06/08 @ 12:35 PM EST
Jenny
I have followed the career of Barack Obama since 2001, I am in regular friend/contact with a journalist/author who has been by the side of Barack from the start. (Continued…)
John
posted 3/06/08 @ 1:31 PM EST
John McCain is the man we need!
John B Sheffield
posted 3/06/08 @ 1:46 PM EST
Have you looked at John McCain recently how tired and weary he looks? his last few speeches he has had very slow delivery, life in the White House is going to be tough, people have respect for John, but sadly he is the politics of The Past, he is so 60's 70's. (Continued…)
Patty
Patty
posted 3/06/08 @ 2:12 PM EST
As a proud PENN Alum, I am so happy to hear that Penn Dems endorsed Barack Obama. In the name of The Red and The Blue, and in pursuit of the change we seek, please consider donating to the campaign through my fundraising page:
http://my. (Continued…)
Obama '08
posted 3/06/08 @ 3:02 PM EST
Read this if you want a real reason to vote for Obama. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/20/201332/807/36/458633
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