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

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In the bitter cold. Governor Ciinton campaigned to the students in front of Rackham following the final Presidential debate in East Lansing. Joining him were Hillary and Chelsea Clinton and various other Democratic politicians seeking re-elction. Greg Emmanuel Michigan Life 29

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SEEKING A NEW PRESIDENT by Lisa Mullins Comparing himself to John F. Kennedy, who spoke on the steps of the Michigan Union in 1960, Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Clinton stood on the steps of Rackham Graduate School on October 19 to speak to thousands of students and community members. He spoke of the courage to change and also outlined his proposal for an internal peace corps which would enable college students to finance their education by doing community service upon graduation. Many students saw Clinton as the JFK of their generation, hoping that he oukl be the inspiration for change and a more promising future for the United States. Many had lost hope in the government and in the so-called American Dream. Support for Clinton escalated as Election Day drew near; students banded together to create a victory tor Clinton Gore. College Democrats were on the forefront of the H Clinton Gore campaign with phone banking and literature dropping. Along with these strategies, they brought in several esteemed speakers, such as Governor Ann Richards of Texas and Michigan Congressman Bill Ford, to promote Clinton. Before the Michigan primary elections, Hillary Clinton spoke to a group of welcom- ing students at the Law School about her husband ' s policies. She was well received and people were very impressed with her energy, said College Democrat Dan Friedenzohn, an LSA senior. College Democrats worked vigorously during the Michigan primary elections in order to get Clinton on the ballot. There ' s less voter apathy in this election, said College Democrat Rachel Blum, an LSA senior, If students get out there and vote, they can really make a difference. w Many students supported Clinton because they believed he had a greater chance of making nece sarv changes in the government. Because both houses arc Democrat, said Ryan Fringers, an LSA freshman, there will be a more productive working relationship within the government. Fringers was interested to see how Clinton would act on all his proposals made during the election. Students were hopeful and excited about the promise of a new and energetic president. They proudly posted Clinton Gore signs around campus and spread the word to all their colleagues about the prospect of a new president. Clinton is young and represents our generation, said Blum, He commands respect. Clinton was not the only candidate who offered change, however. Ottering a more drastic plan for governmental reform and a whimsical sense of humor to boot, Texas billionaire Ross Perot entered the race to the surprise and cheers of many students. Perot ' s efficiency in the business world exemplified his possible role as president: He ' s possibly one of the best business Continued on page 30 28 Michigan Life

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President George Bush, U ' ho had enjoyed an 81% popularity percentage during the Gulf War, met disappointed voters during the election. With the economy in a rut, voters looked for change. Photo courtesy of Michelle Guy At his first press conference, H. Ross Perot delighted his supporters with his decision to join the race. His hard-lined business sense attracted many voters who wanted change . Photo courtesy of Benjamin Rusnak 30 Michigan Life