On Sept. 16, John Cho, the actor most famous for playing Harold in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, came to Plymouth on behalf of Obama for America. The actor gave a short speech and posed for pictures with excited students on the Alumni Green as part of a statewide campus tour.
Cho’s brief speech touched on pertinent issues for young people that included things like health insurance, Pell Grant funding, and jobs. The speech was tied together with Cho’s personal anecdotes and struggles as an immigrant from Korea. “I wasn’t on health insurance until I was about 30,” Cho said to the crowd of students in front of Mary Lyon.
After the speech a seemingly never-ending line started next to Cho. Some students brought packages of Zigzag’s to be signed; others just wanted a quick picture.
After meeting students Cho encouraged them to talk to an OFA member and sign a “dedication to vote,” card.
“Sometimes students aren’t aware they can vote in the state they go to school in.,” Cho said, “I hear ‘oh no I’m registered in Massachusetts’ or people just assume they are going to vote back home. But it’s just an educational thing; if they wish they can vote here.” A vote that may be more prized in this battle ground state than any another in the region.
Cho is contributing time to the Obama campaign by reaching students on a micro level. “If people will listen, I’m just a citizen with an opinion. If I weren’t known I’m sure I’d be talking to my friends and neighbors. But, as a result of what I do I’m sure my circle of friends and neighbors is broader than normal, so I’m just trying to say what I feel, as loud as I can,” said Cho.
Pemi-Baker Valley Republican associate Carol Mossman couldn’t argue with that, “celebrities are entitled to their own opinions,” Mossman says, but adds, “the only part that can get a little sticky is the money-their contributions.”
Overall the event was successful, drawing many PSU students. Anthony Marks, an Obama campaign member said the crowd on the Alumni Green was “a decent turn out,” comparing other events on college campuses. Marks adds, “Not bad considering the Patriots lost, and it’s a Sunday.”
Yet even with the celebrity presence, some students still aren’t convinced. Antone Quimtana, a freshman, seemed ambivalent about the entire event. “I understand politics and its importance, but I just don’t buy into it. It’s just out of our hands.” Quimtana continued, “and this whole event is a little down your throat.” Quimtana added that despite these efforts he probably will not vote this year.
After about 2 hours of picture posing Cho was escorted off amid a setting sun and an ultimate Frisbee game, to the next destination of the evening, St. Anslem.