False Speculation About Chelsea Clinton Speech At Texas State
This story was written by Scott Thomas and Allen Reed, The University Star
Chelsea Clinton will not speak at Texas State this week contrary to rumors and unofficial announcements according to University Media Relations.
Clinton has been touring the state with her parents, raising support for New York Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. The announcement came after the scheduling of Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy's speech on campus for Thursday. Kennedy's speech will endorse Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, Clinton's rival for the Democratic nomination.
The College Democrats secured Kennedy's visit after writing a letter to the Obama campaign. When Obama was unavailable, they sent Kennedy in his stead.
The Clinton camp is counting on strong showings in Texas and Ohio to revitalize a campaign marked by a string of recent losses.
Brian Henretta, College Democrats member, said the voter turnout for the Democratic primaries is unprecedented.
"Democrats are outvoting Republicans in these primaries three to one," he said.
Pundits have said the increased duration of the decision process has favored Obama.
"(Obama's) message of 'white fluffy clouds of hope' is resonating with a lot of people," said Michael Guzman, College Republicans member.
Obama and Clinton are set to speak at the University of Texas-Thursday. The debate will air live on CNN from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Univision in Spanish. It is not open to the general public.
"It's the most important election of our young lifetime," Henretta said. "There is just so much excitement, and I think there will be a record turnout."
One of the key factors in choosing a candidate is their perceived electability.
"In the primary, I'm going to vote for Hillary Clinton because I think she will be easier to beat in the general election," Guzman said. "She is by far less electable."
Henretta said Obama would match up better in the general election.
"I personally think that Obama has a better chance of beating (John) McCain," Henretta said. "He is much more fresh and obviously doesn't have the experience McCain does, but people around the country want something completely different than the disaster President Bush has put our nation in."
Chelsea Clinton was 12 years old when she moved into the White House after her father was elected president. She was 17 when she entered Stanford University, where she graduated with a history degree four years later.
The Hillary Clinton campaign could not be reached for comment.
© 2008 The University Star via U-WIRE