Mercer University - Cauldron Yearbook (Macon, GA)

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MERCER STUDENTS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

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ELECTION ’84 f SHOWDOWN ’84!!! Mercer's presidential debate opened at 7:00 p.m. on October 21, 1984 in Mercer's Medical School Auditorium, Moderated by Assistant Dean, Dr. Blair Jerome, the forum allowed main speakers five lo seven minutes to answer the question, ,4Why should students vote tor Reagan or Mondale In November? . Following the speakers, audience members were allowed to make short, one to two minute attacks or additions to the ideas presented. While turn-out may have suggested apathy at Mercer, this was dispelled when many students turned out to campaign and vote for their favorite candi- date in Mercer's mock election on November 2, 1984. 26 Forum

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I CAMPAIGNING THE HEART PRESIDENT REAGAN The October day is hot and muggy. Thousands of viewers stand fanning, waiting, hoping for the words, The President's plane has just landed at the Macon Airport. He is on his way!” Before these words are met with peels of cheers and applause, the crowd sings along wilh the visiting Gatlin Brothers, as well as several bands and en- sembles trom area high schools. Phil Neikro, Jack Kemp, Macon Mayor George Israel and other speakers entertain (he crowd, encouraging the importance of trust, faith, and strength in govern- ment. By now. however, the crowd has the fever of aniicipation; a low mumble permeafes the air. Then, as the rush of excitement fills the viewers. President Ronald W. Reagan arrives in a flurry of noise, people, limosines, and security men. He delights the crowd for twenty minutes with his humor and ability, as on-lookers yell, Four more years!'', squelching jeers from a few Mondale sup- porters As Reagan waves his famous good-bye. leaving a buzi ol emotion among Mercer students and Maconites alike, a colorful burst of balloons faces to the sky to seal a perfect historical mo- ment in Macon, Ga. Pholo credits; Sieve Moss 2fl Fteagan