Eagon: 'We know students are more likely to connect to Obama.'
People might think the members of Students for Obama have an easy job -- backing a Democrat in a president election in which the Republicans are blamed for an unpopular war and tanking economy. But Bryon Eagan nonetheless perceives the stakes as high.
"If he didn't win and I didn't give my all, I would be kicking myself down the line," says Eagon, 20, from Neenah, Wisconsin.
Eagon, a a junior majoring in political science and communication arts, is taking the semester off to serve as state coordinator of for Students for Barack Obama. The Daily Page recentlty sat him down for a few questions.
The Daily Page: What kind of support does Obama have on campus?
Eagon: We've had kick-off meetings throughout the state and all the students have been really energized. The attention and excitement we've received is encouraging.
Are you working harder to keep current voters or gain new ones?
While we want to make sure current supporters know how they can help, specifically by volunteering, we are focusing more on registering new voters.
What efforts are you planning to increase support for Obama?
We think registering new voters will work to our advantage. Many students aren't registered at their campus address. We're looking at this campaign as an educational and informational campaign.
Why use nonpartisan voter registration?
We're more concerned with getting eligible students to vote because we know students are more likely to connect to Obama.
How has his popularity affected your goal?
That topic is misconstrued. Obama is a dynamic leader who receives positive attention. Excitement is not synonymous with celebrity. I think it's jealousy from the other side and it's insulting to students. It implies that we're unable to support candidates for legitimate reasons. We want to take that excitement and turn it engagement and activity.
More information about the University of Wisconsin-Madison chapter of Students for Barack Obama is available from
