Despite some political pundits dismissing Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) presidential campaign as "dead," he came out swinging last night before a packed audience of Penn students.
McCain's "Straight Talk Express" pulled into Annenberg's Zellerbach Theater for a town-hall forum with a crowd of nearly 1,000.
McCain was introduced by Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman.
Not all students in the audience were McCain supporters, but all were intrigued by the candidate.
"I support Hillary" Clinton, College freshman Chennery Fife said, "but I wanted to hear other views on the issues . and wanted to see where the Republicans were heading this election."
McCain fielded questions from audience members ranging from the Iraq War to global warming.
Addressing the issue of climate change, McCain said that "it is real, and it is a threat," noting that young people are particularly passionate about tackling climate change.
"I give great credit to Al Gore," McCain said, drawing round of applause from the audience. "We need to act as quickly as possible."
Asked about the difference between his 2000 presidential campaign and this one, McCain said "9/11 happened and renewed the importance of national security."
He outlined the importance of the "quiet diplomacy" approach to Iran and Pakistan, saying there are "many options we can exercise" before military action.
McCain believes his most important asset in his campaign is his ability to deliver straight answers to voters.
Asked during a press conference before the forum began if he believed himself to be the candidate who can "win the Iraq War with honor," he responded, "I do" with little hesitation.
And when asked what he would do to address the growing national deficit, McCain responded, "Stop spending. I will veto any bill that can't be paid for."
College junior Joshua Roberts was refreshed by the candidate's approach.
"He doesn't just say 'straight talk'," Roberts said. "He's been at a lot of town hall [forums] and answers questions that way."
McCain criticized his own party for not reforming government after achieving a majority in Congress in 1994.
"We went in to change the government, but the government changed us," McCain said, pledging to "put a cap on pointless government spending."
Penn College Republicans hosted the event, and group representatives said McCain was eager to come to Penn while he was in Philadelphia.
College senior Abby Huntsman, chairwoman of College Republicans and daughter of Gov. Huntsman, said, "I think the turnout was great and showed that college students are interested in the issues."
McCain's message certainly resonated with many students, who gave him a standing ovation at the end of the event.
"I felt something real," College freshman Grant Dubler said. "He presented a clear, genuine argument for why I should vote for him."
