Bill Clinton speaks at MU
He spoke in support of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Feb. 5, 2008
Former President Bill Clinton speaks to supporters and students about the campaign for his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., at the Student Recreation Complex on Saturday. Clinton discussed a variety of issues including social security, the economy and the war in Iraq.
While former President Bill Clinton’s campaign speeches for his wife have drawn some controversy, his visit to MU on Saturday drew a line that stretched from the entrance of the Student Recreation Complex to Lathrop Residence Hall.
In preparation for today, President Clinton hit the campaign trail in hopes of rallying supporters for Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. Almost 15 years after President Clinton’s first inauguration, he came to Missouri to make his case for presidential hopeful Sen. Clinton.
The crowd that gathered consisted of students, children and adults from the community. Students came to hear President Clinton for a plethora of reasons.
Freshman Stephanie Fleming said she went to gain a better understanding of Sen. Clinton’s views.
“I think I know who I’m voting for,” Fleming said. “I am hoping that today verifies that.”
Second-year medical student Stacy Syrcle said she attended to find out about medicine and health care.
“Because medicine is going to be my profession, I’m interested to hear about health care,” she said.
After an introduction by former Gov. Bob Holden, the former president grabbed his audience’s attention immediately.
“I can see it right now,” he said. “I see here today the America that Hillary wants for tomorrow.”
President Clinton went through issues, which included revamping the economy, research into alternative fuels and resources, health care, fixing the mortgage crisis and pulling troops out of Iraq.
First, he mentioned Sen. Clinton’s record associated with the early development of children. He talked about the incentives teachers would be given for going into public service. Finally, President Clinton discussed his wife’s plan to make college affordable. This plan consists of making one standard interest rate for tuition loan companies and making loans payable at a fixed rate of income after graduation.
The crowd filed out of the Recreation Complex in high spirits and filled with excitement, but reactions to the speech were as varied as the reasons students had for attending.
Freshman Lauren Seyfarth said President Clinton was the best public speaker she had ever seen.
“I learned a lot today,” Seyfarth said. “I noticed a lot of people around me were very excited about the plan for college tuition. But I still feel like I need to learn more about other candidates.”
Freshman Rachel Ternik said President Clinton was able to explain complicated issues to students in a conversational tone.
“Clinton did a great job of taking complex plans and making them understandable,” Ternik said. “I never knew about adjusted rate mortgages before, now I feel like get it. He said at one point, ‘We need someone who is ready to be president on day one.’ He made me believe that Hillary could be ready.”
More Feb. 5, 2008 News Stories
- Bill Clinton speaks at MU — He spoke in support of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
- Cars vandalized — MU Police Department officers arrested four men on suspicion of vandalizing 40 cars in Virginia Avenue Garage in early Sunday ...
- Curators discuss student input on fees — Elliot Njus News Editor At a meeting of the UM system Board of Curators last week in St. Louis, members ...
- MSA reworks Senate elections — The Missouri Students Association Senate is taking steps toward improving participation, attendance and retention by changing the Senate election process. ...
- Author to honor Black History Month — Michael Eric Dyson was named ‘one of the 40 most inspiring African Americans.’
Most recent News Stories
- MU prepares for emergency notification test — Registration for the system has increased dramatically in the last month.
- Sexual Health Safety Product Initiative set to start mid-semester — The plan has been in planning stages for two years.
- Tuition has growing significance in MU budget — The UM system said it raises tuition to help with university operations.
- MSA works to replace four departing committee heads — Students cited time commitment as a reason for leaving.
- New MSA presidential candidates enter the race — Platforms include concern for safety, STRIPES and honesty.