A steady downpour moved Sen. Sherrod Brown’s campaign speech indoors, but did not dampen his message to about 100 people in Baker University Center on Monday.
In his speech, Brown, D-OH, highlighted women’s rights, government assistance for higher education, the auto bailout for Detroit carmakers and how Athens voters can help get him re-elected.
“This is Athens — there’s no better progressive community in Ohio, we know that,” Brown said. “That’s why I’m proud to come to this particular campus.”
The current generation of college-age people is one of the most idealistic and progressive generations in recent times, “and that’s really exciting,” Brown said.
The tax policies of former President Bill Clinton’s administration should be an example of where the country should be moving, Brown said, adding that President Barack Obama’s administration has been helpful to Ohioans and voters should support his re-election.
“I look around this room and I see people are involved. Don’t sell yourselves short,” Brown said. “When you talk, people listen. Talk to people about Barack Obama and me and other progressive (candidates).”
The speech at the Bobcat Student Lounge lasted less than 15 minutes, but Brown said that democratic strongholds such as Athens are an important ground for Democrats with Election Day a week away. The stop was a part of Brown’s seven-day campaign tour across Ohio.
“(Athens) will be key to re-electing Sherrod and key to re-electing the president,” said Andrew Zucker, spokesman for the Ohio Democratic Party. “(Brown) knows the importance of this region, this area and especially this university.”
Zucker, an OU alumnus, said OU students could relate to Brown’s policies, such as legislation Brown introduced that prevented doubling interest rates on federal student aid.
Brown’s support of lower interest rates on federal students loans struck a chord with Frances Weiner, a senior studying psychology.
“I think it’s definitely a big issue for students. We should really be paying attention to the interest rates because it’s money out of students’ pocket,” Weiner said. “(Brown) definitely grabbed my attention.”
Brown’s support for higher education affordability illustrates why students at OU can trust Brown in Washington D.C., said Ohio Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-92.
“I think a lot of people in Athens and right here at Ohio University appreciate (Brown’s) work,” Phillips said. “(Brown) has been an advocate for the middle class, and people here in Athens understand how important that is and how he’s somebody who’s on our side.”
