PLYMOUTH-More than 200 people crowded into the HUB courtroom on Monday for a “get out the vote” rally sponsored by Plymouth Area Democrats and the PSU environmental and social awareness club, Common Ground. The featured speaker was former Vermont governor Dr. Howard Dean. Dr. Dean, a former Democratic presidential candidate, appeared as part of a barnstorming tour through New Hampshire college towns on the day before the election to rally support for Democratic presidential nominee, Senator John Kerry. The upbeat message of Dr. Dean’s speech was the importance of being involved in the American democratic process. “Tomorrow is a new beginning for the next generation in politics,” Dr. Dean asserted. “Democracy is a life-long involvement.” He made allusions to other failed methods of government, and stated that democracy is the best system we have invented. But he warned that, “democracy, too will fail if we fail to nurture it.” Besides urging the crowd to vote, Dr. Dean challenged people to get more involved in the actual process of government. He appealed to the enthusiastic group to run for an office, whether it is a state, county, local, or even school board position. After rallying the congregation to vote, Dr. Dean touched on a number of issues, and why he believed John Kerry to be the best candidate for president. He spoke of New Hampshire’s 25,000 lost jobs under Bush, of Kerry’s attitude towards a foreign policy being more consistent with American principles, and of the importance of a balanced budget. Dr. Dean also spoke of the threat bush poses to the environment, and of the need for America to have a president that “deals with facts and not right-wing political theory.” When asked what the consequences for America would be if Bush were re-elected, Dr. Dean replied that it would be “disastrous.” He reiterated Bush’s suspect record of a massive debt, lost jobs, and Bush’s attack on the environment. “America can’t afford to re-elect the president,” he said. Some of Dr. Dean’s speech was reminiscent of his bid for the presidency during the primary. He repeatedly stressed the importance of environmental issues and argued that renewable energy and national security are “two sides of the same coin.” Dr. Dean’s oratory maintained optimism throughout. The tone of the rally was less to convince undecided voters to vote for Senator Kerry and more to get voters excited about voting. But this wasn’t only a presidential rally. Plymouth Area Democrats events coordinator Ellen Fine emceed the event, and she introduced a number of local candidates and even a first time voter. Candidates for the New Hampshire state representative also spoke. Mary Cooney from New Hampshire District #7, who is running for her third term, addressed the crowd. Gordon Porter Miller, from New Hampshire District #6, is a first time candidate who was inspired to run by Dr. Howard Dean’s passion. Mr. Miller spoke of the power of political action and said his own action was a part of his process of getting rid of the “frustration of powerlessness.” He got the crowd especially rowdy in advocating a no CARB diet for America: no Cheney, no Ashcroft, no Rumsfeld, and no Bush.
Ellen Fine also introduced PSU student Nicholas Gunn, who related his experience as a first time voter. He stressed the importance for voters to be informed on the issues and for young people to get out and vote.