University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

Page 8 text:

The year was 1976. And the game was politics. Players were candidates. Au- diences were voters. All were varied, many and strewn across the country. Among this national conglomeration of apa- thetic, fervent, disillusioned, contorted faces, a blend of wrinkling age and unblemished youth could be seen. And at the center of this youthful domain lies the student. In recent years, politics thrust students into the national arena. Demonstrations against war, protests on proverty and injustice cluttered numerous campuses. Political activism ran high. Students made themselves known, while politicians slowly came to the realization that the college collective does indeed possess a vital, strong electoral power. With their newly won right to vote, they exercised this strength in 1972. When the 1976 political conventions converged upon the nation, student radicalism virtually disappeared. A trans- formation, from an activist state to one of conformity, of ideals occured. The voices of student protest and concern greatly subsided. Once ranked with Berkley and Madison as the most radical universities in the country, the University of Michigan found itself the alma mater of the President of the United States a Republican President and loving every minute of it. Politics on and off campus began looking more and more alike. Similarity of views, rather than differences, was pre- valent. Even radical figures, who were once outside the system, set aside their outspoken political views and joined the establishment they once so vehemently opposed. Four years ago, the nation had literally held its breath to see what would become of the student vote. But in 1976, few indi- viduals gave campus ideologies any special consideration as a strong, political power block. Collegiate concern in American politics had ceased to be. Apathy and disinterest ran high. New Hampshire in February and the first presidential primary set the scene for the political year ahead. Such a crucial starting point kept the candidates and the nation eagerly awaiting the results. Future predictions became based upon those who took an early lead in this race. Out of the (continued on page 5) I 33 :%