Mixed feelings, uniform enthusiasm

If there is a common thread echoed among Portland State students over the results of the 2008 presidential election, it can perhaps be summed up with a word President-elect Barack Obama himself used over the course of his campaign: hope.

What may come as a surprise, however, is that the enthusiasm and positivity is not only felt by Obama supporters, but even among those that did not vote for Obama.

Brandon Archer, a political science major at PSU, is just one example–as someone who aligned himself more with the politics of John McCain, he felt that the Republican candidate was more qualified.

“He kind of seemed like the more presidential type,” Archer said.

Still, Archer said he doesn’t feel disappointed over Obama’s win.

“Obama won,” he said. “It’s time to support the person America picked.”

Frederick White, a graduate student in public administration, expressed some skepticism over Obama’s stances on some issues, but still feels excited about how the new president-elect will shape national policies.

“I’m really looking forward to see how Obama’s going to put into action some of his ideas,” White said.In terms of policy, White said, Obama was probably a good choice.

“Overall, he has a better approach to solving the country’s problems,” White said. “I didn’t always get that from McCain.”

Policy is the most important aspect, no matter which candidate, White said.

When asked, many students expressed patriotism, as well.

“I felt–for the first time ever–I felt pride for our country,” said Jenna Gray, who studies Spanish at the university.

“I don’t really think he [Obama] is going to change everything, but I like his attitude,” she said. “It’s very refreshing.”

Heather Cope, a fine arts major, said Obama winning the election was “pretty awesome.”

“I wanted to vote for the Green party candidate, but I really didn’t want McCain to win,” she said.

Cope said she celebrated the evening victory by going to an election party and drinking champagne with friends.

“I’m just happy he’s got a fresh outlook,” she said of Obama.

Even Kurt Braget, a computer science major that said he has never voted, said he could feel the excitement and energy in the air.

Although Braget said his feeelings about Obama’s win were a mixture of apathy and relief, he feels “happy he doesn’t suck as much as everyone else.”

Braget also said he thinks most people “have no fucking clue what that means,” but it’s still good to have a positive atmosphere.

“I’m psyched, I’m optimistic,” he said. “Everyone seems really happy and really involved.”

“It came down to my personal values versus what some consider is the most complete candidate. My values won out.”-Frederick White, graduate in public administration

“The popular vote was pretty close–I mean it wasn’t a landslide. It kind of makes me think the Electoral College is a little archaic. If it doesn’t reflect the people’s vote, maybe it shouldn’t be used to decide the election.”-Brandon Archer, political science major

“We went to a party, an election night party. We popped open some champagne, then went out in the street and screamed and lit fireworks. It was fun.”-Heather Cope, fine arts major, on how she spent election night

“I felt relief, and I felt like I was able to believe in people in this country again.”��-Jenna Gray, Spanish major

“I just want to have a clean record. I want to be able to look back and say, ‘I didn’t vote for that president who wanted to go to war and kill people.'”-Kurt Braget, computer science major, on why he has never voted in an election