Clinton gets boost from N.H. ralliers

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- New Hampshire primaries seem odd to many Americans, even those who have spent their lives watching them happen every four years. But for Gavin Hart, a college student from Edinburgh, Scotland who has campaigned here for Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton since Saturday, experiencing the election year phenomenon has been "positively bizarre." "I still find it weird," he said last night at a Clinton rally. "Such a little state way up north, but it's so important to the process." Hart, a junior studying politics at Georgetown University, was joined this weekend by six busloads of college students from Washington, D.C. area universities. The Clinton rally, held in a local school's gymnasium, attracted throngs of supporters who wildly cheered the Arkansas governor throughout his fiery speech. Before last night, Hart had only heard Clinton speak on two previous occasions, but he said he supports the candidate because "he looks the most presidential" of the hopefuls and can "galvanize an audience." "He does sound sincere and I think people believe in him," Hart added. "I think he has the potential to beat Bush." But some college students who had made the trek to New Hampshire from Arkansas said their support for Clinton's presidential nomination dates back several years. Mike Malone, a Hendrix College senior, said he has supported Clinton throughout his tenure as governor. The student from Conway, Arkansas said in a slow southern drawl that he believes the governor's chances have not been diminished by recent high-profile allegations of marital infidelity and avoiding the draft. Brandy Baxter, a senior at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, agreed with Malone, noting that Clinton has narrowed the gap in recent polls that separate himself former Massachussetts Sen. Paul Tsongas. Hart said that he believes that Tsongas, who he called "just another Dukakis," would not pose a serious threat to Clinton. He added that a recent second-wind would lead to a close second place finish that would not derail the campaign. Hart also said that Clinton is protected by "a southern fire wall" which he believes will prevent northern liberal Tsongas from encroaching on Clinton's home turf.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.