Anti-Republican Protestors, Obama Supporters Gather In Nashville

This story was written by , Vanderbilt Hustler

Voices for change, Ralph Nader and peace were among the chorus heardin Hillsboro Village as John McCain and Barack Obama prepared to debatea few blocks away.

On the corner of 21st and Wedgewood Avenues, just down the hill fromBelmont University and the site of Tuesdays debate, about 20protesters used signs and flags to protest the lack of candidatesparticipating in the debate. Protesters were also railing against whatthey called the unjust war in Iraq.

A group of more than 100 Obama backers, their ages ranging fromtoddlers to senior citizens, were also on hand with supportive signs.The group was asking commuters to honk their horns in support.

Obama supporter Alex Eaton said she is voting for him because, More of the same equals more of the same.

Protestors Rodger Clark and James Smith voiced their dissatisfaction that just two candidates were participating in the debate.

The Presidential Debate is a circus, and is rigged. Other candidates are being shut out, said Clark.

I think there are serious First Amendment issues with not allowingBob Barr and Ralph Nader in the debate. Nashville will make a lot ofmoney off the debate, but for First Amendment rights, it is a failure,said Smith.

Participants hoisted things like dove banners in protest of the wars.

A lot of young people are against the war, and it should be knownwhile the debate is going on, said protestor and MTSU student MikeGreer.

Other protesters were handing out an anti-war song set to the tuneGod Bless America to show their displeasure with the currentadministrations policies.