Students wait anxiously, watch TV for results of presidential election

It was over before it began. Although election night was, for some people, predictable and anti-climactic after six months of a roller coaster campaign, many students at the University still lingered near televisions to follow the progress of the presidential election. In the Butcher-Speakman-Class of '28 House in the Quad, a casual party was held in the apartment of Professor Matthew Santirocco, chairperson of classical studies. Throughout the evening, students milled in and out of Santirocco's apartment to watch television, eat and chat amongst themselves and the professors. William Harris, associate professor of political studies informally discussed politics and analyzed the election night results with students. Harris attributed the lack of support for President Bush to his ineffective campaign strategy. He cited Bush's over-confidence in his incumbent status, his negative campaign stance which catered to far right-wing constituents and lack of attention to the important issues as his "fundamental strategic mistakes." Despite his criticism of Bush, he was wary of predicting a successful Clinton-led government. "If Clinton is a moderate, he will run into problems with the liberals and Congress," Harris said. He was also apprehensive of interpreting the overriding support for Clinton as a positive sign for the nation's future, adding, "landslide presidents are not terribly successful presidents." College senior Mark Schuchman agreed that Bush's overly-conservative campaign turned off many constituents. He said Clinton's moderate standpoint helped win the votes of the middle-class majority, the liberals and the Reagan Democrats. He also said the country is "swinging back to the left" and believed the novelties of Clinton's youth and non-traditional, professional wife represent the nation's readiness for "a new look." College senior Rachel Wagman also questioned Bush's campaign strategy and Bush's accomplishments of the last four years. "The Republicans were out of touch with the people," she said, and added that she wondered why Bush's addressal of the dire issues occurred "too little, too late." She said she supported Clinton because "he has a vision" and attributed much of his popularity to the fact that "the Democrats appealed to a wider variety of people." At 4108 Spruce Street, about a dozen students huddled around the television to cheer and clap for Clinton's anticipated victory. Many students there condemned Bush's rude campaign behavior and his avoidance of the real issues. "He was speaking with immature language not befitting a president." said College senior Marcia Zabusky, co-chairman of Vote for a Change. "Clinton was much more presidential." She said that Bush's perpetual questioning of the "truth and honesty" of Clinton's character backlashed upon himself. "He called his own word into doubt." she added. And Zabusky said Bush failed to follow through with his promises to better the environment, education and the health care system. She said she believes that Clinton epitomizes the nation's baby-boomer mentality which yearns for fresh ideas. "They want a president they can identify with," she said.