Kansas State Area Republicans Show Little Public Support For McCain's Speech

This story was written by Amelia Wiederaenders, Kansas State Collegian

In a traditionally red state, it would be expected that there would be more of a gathering for the Republican nominee than for the Democratic candidate.

However, Republican Presidential Candidate John McCains acceptance speech Thursday night was not met with as much fanfare as Barack Obamas was.

Last week Barack Obama made his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention with much approval from the crowd at Kites Bar and Grill during a watch party there.

Instead of a public party, a small group of Kansas State University College Republicans members met at the home of Dee McKee, a Kansas state representative candidate, to watch the televised event.

There has not been a large McCain following on K-States campus or in Manhattan.

I know Ive had problems in the past about some of his economic policies, said Doug Shane, vice president of College Republicans.

But one thing he said he was sure about was McCains skill as a politician.

The thing about McCain is hes very good at being a politician, said Shane, sophomore in animal sciences and industry.

Shane said he agreed with McCains choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for his running mate.

It was smart to pick a woman, he said.

Joe Aistrup, professor of political science, agreed that McCain made a smart political move by choosing Palin.

She shakes things up, said Joe Aistrup, associate professor of political science and head of the political science department. She unites the Republican base that tends to be more conservative than McCain. Last but not least, shes an impressive speaker.

The convention was in St. Paul, Minn., at the Xcel Energy Center. There were many protests surrounding the convention, and McCains acceptance speech often was interrupted by protesters.

But McCains speech focused on peace.

I hate war. Its terrible beyond imagination, McCain said in his acceptance speech. Im running for president to keep the country I love safe and prevent other families from risking their loved ones in war as my family has.

I will draw on all my experience with the world and its leaders, and all the tools at our disposal diplomatic, economic, military and the power of our ideals to build the foundations for a stable and enduring peace.

McCain served in the Vietnam war and was a prisoner of war, kept in solitary confinement for two years. After serving three decades in both the U.S. Congress and the Senate, he is known as a Maverick for his disagreements with his party on several key issues.