Auburn U. Students Size Up Presidential Candidates

This story was written by Lauren Smith, The Auburn Plainsman

So many issues to consider for the election, so little time left to make a decision.

Now with Election Day on its way and with the deadline for voting registration nearing, which presidential candidate do students look to for leadership? What issues in the U.S. matter most to students? And how will these issues affect their decision when voting?

The war in Iraq, the economy, taxes, health care and social security are all hot topics during the presidential debates. So which candidate comes out on top for students?

Jaleesa Albadani, an Auburn University senior in human development and family studies, said she will be voting next month, and her main concern is the economy.

For me, Id have to say the economy is most important, especially with me getting ready to graduate soon and trying to get into the job field, Albadani said. Having somewhere to work and some sort of financial stability is really important to me right now.

Kristen Ferrell, a freshman in secondary education for English, is also registered to vote and said she is concerned with health care.

It is something that is very important, Ferrell said. I think we need something that will help out everyone.

Jordyn Culbreth, a freshman in theatre, has not registered to vote yet, but said her paperwork is filled out and ready to send.

Culbreth, like Albadani, said she is concerned with U.S. economy.

I think the economy matters, Culbreth said. It affects the entire world. The war is important, too. I think they both go hand in hand.

Between John McCain and Barack Obama, both having different types of personalities, students sound off on what personality traits they respond to the most.

Albadani prefers a president who is serious, yet approachable.

I really like the down-to-earth quality, Albadani said. I like serious, but not so serious to the point that I dont feel like I can relate to them. I feel like the president should be someone you could sit down and have a conversation with at your dinner table or something so you can be comfortable.

Culbreth said she thinks good leadership qualities are a necessity.

They definitely need good leadership and management skills, Culbreth said. I think experience in the political world is a big deal.

In the end, there can only be one. Every student has their opinion on whos campaign is better.

Albadani supports Barack Obama for his honesty.

I feel like hes been more straightforward in his responses, Albadani said. I feel hes been more honest in what hes doing. He gives me that comfort factor in that I could sit down with him and talk about something. His personality is shining for me more so than McCain.

Ferrell said she prefers John McCain because he is more experienced.

I agree on his issues more, Ferrell said. I agree on his stance on the war, and I think he could handle everything if another crisis should happen. I am not happy with his choice for vice president, but I think she counterbalances his experience.

Culbreth also supports McCain.

He knows where he stands and backs that up well, Culbreth said.