Students gathered in the Tyler Haynes Commons Thursday night to watch John McCain accept his party's nomination for president at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.
In his speech, McCain admitted the government had broken the American peoples' trust. "We lost their trust when instead of reforming government, both parties let it get bigger," he said.
He spoke about the war in Iraq, reminding viewers he was the candidate who had said, "I'd rather lose an election than see my country lose a war." He also thanked Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of multinational forces in Iraq, and all serving in the U.S. military.
"I hate war," he said. "It's terrible beyond imagination." He recounted how his time as a prisoner of war in Hanoi, Vietnam, made him grateful to be an American. He said the other prisoners' compassion humbled him. "My country saved me," he said, recounting his prideful attitude before he was taken prisoner.
He praised his Republican running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, for her executive experience and record of cutting taxes, challenging special interest groups, balancing the budget and achieving bipartisan agreements. "I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington," he said.
McCain also addressed the economy and education, which he called "the civil rights issue of the century." He promised to "use the best ideas from both sides" when creating policy.
About 60 students watched the speech live on MSNBC at the event, hosted by the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement.
Tim Patterson, a junior who serves as a conservative commentator for The Collegian's Election 2008 Blog, said he thought the speech did not have as high rhetoric as Barack Obama's speech did last week, but he thought he got to know McCain better as a person.
"I think Palin stole the convention last night," he said.
Though Patterson did not vote for McCain in the primaries, he is voting for him in November because of his small government policy, his socially conservative stance, and his foreign policy experience.
Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter
Rasheed Nazeri, head of University of Richmond Students for Barack Obama, went to the viewing because he said he wanted to hear what McCain had to say. "I have great respect for John McCain," he said. "I was a fan of him several years ago, when he was still a maverick."
Nazeri said McCain's POW story was compelling and showed his heroism. "But I don't think he's the right man for the presidency," he said. "He offers more of the same."
Pamela Duran, a McCain supporter, said she liked how McCain reached out to Democrats and Republicans in his speech.
The CCE will host more viewings leading up to the election, including the presidential debates, the Richmond mayoral debate, and Election Day, said Andy Gurka, area coordinator for the University Forest Apartments. The viewings will be followed by discussion and debate among students and faculty.
Support independent student media
You can make a tax-deductible donation by clicking the button below, which takes you to our secure PayPal account. The page is set up to receive contributions in whatever amount you designate. We look forward to using the money we raise to further our mission of providing honest and accurate information to students, faculty, staff, alumni and others in the general public.
Donate Now
