Ryan Philippe visits Columbia

Posted to Politics Watch by Josh Barone at 9:47 p.m., Nov. 2, 2008

At first glance, the downtown nightclub Generic does not look like your typical political hotspot.

On Saturday, however, actors Ryan Philippe and Olivia Wilde made an appearance there to encourage people to vote and volunteer for the Barack Obama presidential campaign. 

Philippe is best known for his role in the film “Cruel Intentions ” and the award-winning “Crash.” Wilde has acted in T.V. shows such as “The O.C.” and “House, M.D.”

Columbia was the final of three stops the two actors made in Missouri, following Kansas City and Kirksville.

Upon their arrival, the atmosphere at Generic changed instantly from nightclub to political rally.

After a drink and personally meeting with volunteers for the Obama campaign who had put in the most amounts of hours, Wilde spoke first, emphasizing the importance of Missouri’s vote in this presidential election.

“It is important that every single vote is fairly cast and counted,” Wilde said.

She thanked the volunteers for any work they have already done, and encouraged everyone else to get involved.

“You want to be a part of this movement, a part of history,” Wilde said. “You need to knock on doors, you need to make phone calls, because it’s not over.”

One of the reasons the Obama campaign has done so well in Missouri is the effort of the volunteers, Wilde said.

Philippe spoke next, also thanking everyone for all the “inspiring” work they have done and telling them to “keep it up.”

“There is something so incredibly rewarding about giving yourself without any expectations any favor and just inspiring everyone to vote,” Philippe said.

Philippe invited everyone to ask questions and sign up to volunteer during the last few days before the election. He challenged everyone to put in two hours of volunteerism.

“This is the most important election of our lifetimes,” Philippe said. “And we finally have someone to believe in.”