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DAILY KENT STATER SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE EDITION
Thursday, September 27, 2012
MATT HAFLEY | DAILY KENT STATER
“Don’t boo — vote,” said President Barack Obama during a speech to students at the M.A.C. Center Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.
INSIDE
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Remembering a fallen soldier: One man’s private conversation with the president
Sweeping across Ohio, follow Mitt Romney’s latest campaign appearance
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Page 2 | Thursday, September 27, 2012
Daily Kent Stater
'FIRED UP! READY TO GO!'
LAURA FONG | DAILY KENT STATER U.S. President Barack Obama interacts with students and members of the community after his campaign speech in the M.A.C. Center Wednesday. Obama’s speech covered topics like keeping jobs in America and taking care of veterans.
Kent welcomes first president in 100 years Leighann McGivern lmcgive2@kent.edu
E
xcitement was palpable all around the Kent State campus Wednesday as crowds of people gathered in common interest — to see the first president to come to visit Kent in 100 years. The line of Kent State students waiting to see President Obama in the M.A.C. Center was interspersed with elementary school students playing hooky and local residents alike. The line stretched around Olson Hall, past the M.A.C. Annex, all the way to Prentice Hall, wrapped around the Commons and ended back at Prentice. Still more people gathered on downtown sidewalks and in local establishments hoping to catch a glimpse of the president or his motorcade. Rumors began to surface Sept. 20 that Obama would be stopping in Kent as part of his presidential campaign for re-election on Election Day, Nov. 6. Tickets were distributed at 9 a.m. Monday to a crowd that stretched down the Esplanade from Risman Plaza past the Art Building. Tickets ran out quickly. People began gathering outside of the M.A.C. Center as early as 10 p.m. Tuesday, where they braved the elements to be the first admitted to see the president’s speech. Air Force One landed at the Akron-Canton Airport at 3:30 p.m. as people continued to wait in the rain hoping to be admitted into the M.A.C. Center. Around 4:30 p.m., security began to turn away ticket holders and directed them to the Student Center Ballroom to watch a live feed of the speech. Around the same time, a 20-plus car motorcade, including a limo, vans, a black SWAT truck, an ambulance, several highway patrol cars, Kent police cars and motorcycles were spotted on campus. Police and Secret Service were stationed atop the Student Center and M.A.C. Center. Those denied access to the M.A.C. Center were visibly upset, especially those who had waited several hours to be turned away. Graduate economics student Ceola Eastwood
said she waited two hours in line Monday morning to get her ticket and joined the line Wednesday around 2:30 p.m. She was one of many ticketholders turned away at the door. “They said doors open at 3:30, but I didn’t know there would be a line,” Eastwood said. “I’m a swing voter. I’m leaning toward Obama, but I can go either way. I’m one of the people he should be convincing right now.” In actuality, security began admitting people into the M.A.C. Center around 2:30 p.m. in groups of about 50. The M.A.C. Center has capacity for just over 6,300, though the crowd let into the M.A.C. Center reached 6,600. Attendance for the president’s speech was the highest attendance of any event held in the M.A.C. Center since 1971. Jason Mitalski, an AT&T worker, set up audio, visual and Internet cables in the M.A.C. Center all day Monday. He received two free tickets from the Secret Service and was also was turned away after showing up at 2:30 p.m. One of his co-workers was able to make it inside and texted him during the speech. “I’m kind of pissed,” Mitalski said. “It’s just disappointing. I would have liked to see the president in person.” Both Eastwood and Mitalski stood behind the M.A.C. Center during the speech and watched the motorcade leave on Midway Drive afterward. Inside the M.A.C. Center, Evan Gildenblatt, executive director of Undergraduate Student Government, was the first speaker to address the crowd, who cheered in false hopes following his speech, thinking the president was about to take the stage. Gildenblatt was able to meet the president backstage and soon after tweeted, “President @ BarackObama just complimented my suit. I’m going to be wearing this for a few weeks … ” “It was pretty remarkable. I’ve never experienced anything like it in my entire life,” Gildenblatt said. “For me, as a person, to be able to express my gratitude for doing what he does was really remarkable, is the only way to put it. For the first time in my life, I’m at a loss for words. I’m definitely never going to forget this moment
BRIAN SMITH | DAILY KENT STATER Peter Shearer a Navy veteran paces back and forth in front of the Kent Obama campaign headquarters on Wednesday. Shearer chose to pace in front of the headquarters since he found it an eyesore.
for as long as I live, and I’m definitely never going to be the same.” In between each speaker, throngs of people awaiting the president’s arrival formed a wave and chanted, “Four more years!” and “Fired up! Ready to go!” Following a zealous speech by Congressman Tim Ryan, Bryan Staul, president of the Kent State College Democrats, took the stage to introduce Obama. Staul said Obama lived up to his nickname, “No drama Obama,” because he helped to calm him down before his speech, which Obama signed a copy of backstage. Staul got choked up during his introduction speech and said he was moved by the experience. “It’s just beautiful — watching that many people in one room believing in one thing,” Staul said.
After pleading with his student body to make a difference in this election, Staul made the announcement that everyone in the audience was waiting to hear: Obama was coming on stage. The crowd roared as thousands of cell phones snapped photos and filmed video of the president making his way to the podium wearing a huge grin and waving to admiring fans around him. After nearly a minute of pandemonium and cheers of “I love you, Obama!” resonated from the crowd, Obama addressed the M.A.C. Center in true rock star fashion: “Hello, Kent State!”
SEE PRESIDENT, PAGE 5
President Obama's motorcade passes Portage County Tea Party Mitt Romney supporters on Route 43 before the President arrived in Kent to speak to students on Wednesday.
CHELSAE KETCHUM|DAILY KENT STATER
Thursday, September 27, 2012 | Page 3
Daily Kent Stater
R E T T I TW #KWObama
Kelly Tunney @k_tunney You know, just in case. #KWObama
Morgan @LeMizzz I don’t care how you feel about him, but there’s nothing cooler than having the president speak at your school. #KWObama
Alyssa DeGeorge @andegeorge “I’m not fighting to create Democratic or Republican jobs. I’m fighting to create American jobs.” — Obama #KWObama
the best of
Carrie Blazina @carrieblazina #balloonobama
Matt John @mattjohnryan1 Still in shock...I just saw Barack freaking Obama live! #ObamaInKent #kwobama #4MOREYEARS
David Foster @dafoster
The girl constantly playing with her hair in the background hasn’t clapped once... #POTUS #KWObama #webcast
_naikens @_naikens “I didn’t even know there were this many people in Ohio.” —child in line to see @BarackObama speak at Kent State. #KWObama
Angela Pino @angelampino All of the discarded umbrellas. #KWObama
Page 4 | Thursday, September 27, 2012
Daily Kent Stater
President: ‘Don’t boo — vote’
NOTABLE ATTENDEES
Obama outlines choices in speech at KSU
Kathleen Clyde, (D) Ohio House of Representatives
“Portage County is a swing county in the swing state. This will keep the election and the president in the minds of the residents of Portage County. It means a lot that he came to personally ask for our votes. “I really liked his strong message about how we are all in this together versus the Republican strategy that you’re all on your own.”
LAURA FONG | DAILY KENT STATER President Obama speaks at the M.A.C. Center to students and members of the community on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012. Obama spoke about keeping jobs in America and taking care of veterans when they come home.
Daniel Moore Dmoore63@kent.edu
Lester Lefton, Kent State University president
P
resident Barack Obama “broke it down” for Kent State students Wednesday about this year’s presidential election meant for them. “This is not just a choice between two candidates and two political parties,” Obama said. “This is a choice between two fundamentally different visions.” The president told a crowd of 6,600 people at M.A.C. Center that he is running for a second term because he will not let Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney divide the work ethic of the American people. “We believe in something called opportunity, where everyone gets a fair shot, where everyone plays by the same rules,” Obama said. “You should feel confident that our problems can be solved, our challenges can be met. We’ve still got the world’s best businesses, the best scientists, the best researchers, the best colleges and universities.” He said although the path he is proposing for the country is not easy, it will lead to a better place. A major goal of his plan, he emphasized, is rooted in affordable education for all students, calling it the “gateway for the middle class.” “Education was the gateway for opportunity for me,” Obama said. “It is the only reason I’m standing here. Same thing for Michelle. Same thing for many of you in here.” He said he spent his first term as president “taking on the system,” eliminating the banks from the loan process and covering more students with Pell Grants and Stafford Loans. “So, again, you’ve got a choice because Romney wants to roll back all that,” he said. “No child should have her dreams deferred because of an overcrowded classroom. No family should have to set aside a college acceptance letter because they don’t have the money.” The president also promised to continue the controversial exploration of the Utica and Marcellus shale gas reserves in the area that — along with investing in wind, solar and clean coal — has created jobs and put the country on pace to cut oil imports in half by 2020. “Let’s go after the 100-year supply of natural gas that’s right beneath our feet,” he said. “I’m not going to let oil companies write this country’s energy plan … and collect $4 billion every single year in corporate welfare from our taxpayers. They don’t need it.” The president generated one of the most enthusiastic responses of the night when he brought up the issue of women’s reproductive rights. “Is [Romney] talking about the ‘inside job’ of having politicians control health care choices women are perfectly capable of making them-
“I am proud that Kent State has served as the location for a presidential visit. We welcome all politicians to express their views in an open and collegial way. It is the free exchange of ideas that makes universities great and, indeed, our country great. Our community welcomed the president warmly and with appropriate respect for the President of the United States.”
MATT HAFLEY | DAILY KENT STATER State Representative Tim Ryan spoke at the MAC Center, denouncing Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney’s campaign promises before President Obama took the stage on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.
selves?” Obama said, receiving an ecstatic ovation of 25 seconds. “See, I believe in you. I believe in your voice.” Obama interacted with the crowd on several occasions, responding to their “boo’s” when he mentioned Romney’s tax policy: “Don’t boo — vote.” A young woman in the crowd expressed her love for him, he responded: “I love you, too.” When an older woman shouted, “We believe in you, Barack!” the president responded, “Because we’ve been working on it, you believe me.” The president misspoke once, saying he wanted to “export more jobs” instead of “products” — but recovered well. “Excuse me, I was channeling my opponent there for a second,” Obama said to a rousing cheer. Obama pointed to Romney’s opposition to the auto industry bailout as evidence that the former governor is willing to write off those who rely on government as “dependent.” “We said, no, this may be hard … but we’re going to bet on American workers,” Obama said. “And you know what? Today, the American auto industry has come roaring back.” While government cannot solve all of the problems in the world, Obama told the crowd, it also is not the cause of all problems. He acknowledged the federal deficit needs cut,
but in a way that “doesn’t stick it to middle class families,” such as taxing families making $250,000 or more a year. He also said money saved from ending wars in the Middle East will create jobs in America. “After a decade of war, it’s time to do some nation-building right here at home,” he said. Bryan Staul, president of Kent State College Democrats, had a similarly unifying tone in his introductory speech. He said that while growing up in the Rust Belt, he was taught the value of hard work. That’s why he originally joined the Obama campaign, he said, because the president “understands that hard work and showing up and doing the job is important.” “Kent State, the American dream is still alive,” Staul said. “A kid from Nowhere, Pennsylvania can stand here — and I’m gonna choke up — and introduce the most powerful man in the world.” The president ended his speech on a more reconciliatory tone, looking into the camera and repeating his promise he made in 2008 to those 47 percent of Americans who did not vote for him. “I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices. I need your help. I will be your president, too.” Daniel Moore is the news editor for the Daily Kent Stater.
Obama on... The economy:
“Top-down economics doesn’t work. This country doesn’t succeed when just the rich are getting richer. This country succeeds when the middle class is growing, when there are ladders of opportunity for all people, when everybody has the chance to live up to their God-given potential. That’s when America grows.”
Ohio:
“I’ve spent a lot of time in Ohio, and I don’t meet a lot of victims. I see a lot of hard-working Ohioans. I see students who are trying to work their way through college. I see single moms, like my mom, putting in overtime to raise their kids right. I see senior citizens who can save their entire lives for retirement, veterans who serve this country bravely, soldiers who defend our freedom today.”
Why he’s running for a second term:
“We believe in a country where hard work pays off, where responsibility’s rewarded, where everybody gets a fair shot, and everybody’s doing their fair share, and everybody plays by the same rules. We believe in an America where no matter who you are or what you look like or where you come from or who you love, you can make it if you try.
That’s what I believe. That’s why I’m running for a second term as president of the United States of America.”
Jobs:
“I want to see us export more products and outsource fewer jobs … Now you’ve got a choice. We can give more tax breaks to companies who ship jobs overseas … or we can reward companies that are opening new plants here in Ohio, training new workers here in America. Creating new jobs here in America.” “I want to help big factories and small businesses double their exports. I want more goods stamped with ‘Made in America.’ I want to create one million manufacturing jobs in the next four years. That’s what’s at stake in this election.”
Energy:
“After 30 years of not doing anything, we raised fuel standards, so by the next decade … your cars and trucks will go twice as far on a gallon of gas. That will save you money, and it will help the environment, and it will help the economy. We’ve doubled the amount of renewable energy that we’re generating from wind and solar.”
Higher education:
“I want to make sure that everybody in America gets a great education — everybody. Education was the gateway of opportunity for me. It was the only reason I’m standing here. I wasn’t born to wealth or fame, but I got a great education.”
War and the military:
“In 2010, I said I would end the war in Iraq, and I did. I said we would wind down the war in Afghanistan in a responsible way, and we are … Osama bin Laden is dead. But we still face serious threats in the world, and that’s why so long as I’m commander in chief, we are going to maintain the strongest military the world’s ever known.”
LGBT issues:
“You’re the reason why some outstanding soldier won’t be kicked out of the military because of who they are or who they love.”
The 47 percent:
“I believe in you. I believe in your voices. From the beginning of this campaign, we’ve always said: Change takes more than one term, one year, one president — takes more than one party. It certainly doesn’t happen if you write off half the nation before you even take office.”
Evan Gildenblatt, USG executive director
“What really caught me the most was the broad appeal of his speech. I was so impressed and so moved by the president reaching out to everyone, everyone in the audience. That says a lot to me. That says the president cares. He cares about us as students and we Ohioans and us Americans. “I can’t speak to what effect it will have on Election Day, but what I can speak to is what effect it has on the voters of the places he visits. Many of the people who came today had never seen the president or any other president in their whole lives. It changed the president more into a person. It showed them, yes he cares about us. He has ideas for the future and ideas for us so we can pass along these legacies on to our children.
Bryan Staul, president of the College Democrats at Kent State
“It was a mass of humanity in the uniform of one cause. It’s really personal to me what he said before getting on the stage. I’m going to take that to my grave. What [Obama] said to me leaving the stage was, ‘Pull your pants up!’ “The President came backstage and tells me to lose the suit. We also talked football with some of the Secret Service. “He talked about student issues and also issues that affect everyone. I was glad that it was an all-inclusive speech. “I’m still expecting to wake up in my bed and find I have to go through the whole event again. “It was one incredible dream.”
Justin Barasky, Sherrod Brown’s communication director
“It’s clear from the president’s speech that he will fight for Ohio’s students and the middle class in his second term. We stand with President Obama’s vision to create jobs for Ohioans and look forward to working with him, as well as Republicans, to move Ohio’s economy forward and continue our recovery.” Tim Ryan, Janet Esposito, Ron Burbick, Karen Barrett and Andrew Manning were unable to comment.
Thursday, September 27, 2012 | Page 5
Daily Kent Stater
From Page 2
PRESIDENT ‘Fired up! Ready to go!’ Obama’s speech touched on topics from student loans to veteran benefits and gay rights, and the crowd met his fervent speech with equally enthusiastic cheers. After making his closing remarks, Obama descended the steps to greet those closest to the stage as Bruce Springsteen’s “We Take Care of Our Own” resounded through the speakers. The crowd pushed forward and people reached out, hoping to shake the president’s hand or at least touch his arm. Those who were lucky enough to make it inside the M.A.C. Center said the experience is one they won’t soon forget. Adeyinka Adesanya, junior exercise science major and Obama for America volunteer, said she got to shake Obama’s hand following his speech. “It was very emotional [and] uplifting,” Adesanya said. “He highlighted very key points that really touched me. He compared his plan with Mitt Romney’s. He really was breaking it down. That what he’s going to do [if he’s elected for a second term] is continuing to help the middle class … and getting jobs in Ohio.” Jordan Perry, sophomore communication studies major, said after hearing Obama speak she is completely confident in the vote she will cast on Nov. 6. “He has my vote 100 percent,” Perry said. “His view on the gay community, his views on everyone being equal — my values are aligned with what he has to do for our country.” Dean Kahler, who was paralyzed in the shootings on May 4, 1970, was among those in the audience. Kahler has now shaken hands with three different presidents. “He hit on all the right issues and was able to bring the crowd to their feet several times,” Kahler said. “He has the right message for America so we can move forward.” For Kahler, being able to see the president at his alma mater was “wonderful, in one word.” “The presidents go to places like Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Youngstown,” Kahler said. “They don’t come to Kent. It was an honor, being an [alumnus] here. It’s an honor the president came. I’m so happy that I had the privilege to see the president here in my old memorial gym.” Scott Hamilton and his family had the opportunity to meet privately with the president, who wanted to honor their son, Adam, for his service in Afghanistan. Adam Hamilton was killed in action while fighting as an Army specialist scout sniper in May 2011. “I thanked him from the deepest part of my heart that he would take the time to recognize our loss and he said, ‘No sir, it’s all of our losses,’” Hamilton said. Barack Obama is the first president to visit Portage County since Richard Nixon in October 1972. William Taft was the last president to visit Kent on May 15, 1912. Alyssa DeGeorge, Daniel Moore, Mike Crissman and Rex Santus contributed to reporting. Leighann McGivern is a city reporter for the Daily Kent Stater.
Presidential visits in and around Kent
Record Publishing newspapers chronicle trips from times past
P
resident Barack Obama’s stop in Kent Wednesday was the first time an incumbent president has visited Portage County in almost 40 years — the last being Richard Nixon in October 1972 when he went to Windham and some surrounding communities. Herbert Hoover waved from his train window as it slowed through the city in October 1932; former president William Howard Taft visited the area in 1912.
1912
PHOTO BY RAY MYERS
URIER | RAVENNA RECORD CO
rea d at a Windham-a pe op st on ix N t Presiden d Bill chat after Greg an to h tc pa in pk m pu that along State Rte. 82 Isler put out a sign on ix Dick and Pat.” N , in pk m pu ee fr a t and thrilled said “stop and ge unscheduled stop e th at es ut in m spent about 15 scene. converged on the area residents who
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1932
Page 6 | Thursday, September 27, 2012
Daily Kent Stater
Obama in a different light Two Indian students’ perspective on Presidential visit
Ohio’s statewide poll:
Women in Ohio:
60% Romney: 35% Don’t know: 5%
Obama:
53% Romney: 43% Don’t know: 4%
Obama:
Men in Ohio:
People ages 18-34 in Ohio:
44% Romney: 52% Don’t know: 4% Obama:
66% Romney: 31% Don’t know: 3% Obama:
Non-whites in Ohio:
88% Romney: 9% Don’t know: 3% Obama:
GRAPHICS BY KELSEY MOULTON
SOURCE: QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY/CBS NEWS/NEW YORK TIMES POLL, CONDUCTED FROM SEPT. 18 – 24, 2012. MARGIN OF ERROR: +/- 3 POINTS. TOTAL NUMBER OF LIKELY VOTERS: 1162.
BRIAN SMITH | DAILY KENT STATER Mervyn Mathew and Ishita Kinnoo both journalsim students from Amity University work in the Daily Kent Stater newsroom on the night of Sept. 26.
F
rom lining up overnight to sitting under the rain, the energy of Kent State students and residents was overwhelming to watch. As the time came close and the gates of the M.A.C. Center opened, the excitement of seeing the 44th president, Barack Obama, coming to Kent reverberated through our spines and the American people. While waiting to enter and face the moment of pride, there were Obama buttons and shirts with pictures of him and his family being sold everywhere, promoting the campaign. On seeing the enthusiasm of students, Kent State student Lindsey, 21, said, “I am excited that after many decades the President of the United States of America is visiting Kent, and it is a very sentimental moment for all of us. I don’t regret standing under the rain, feeling cold, as I am proud. ” The presidential campaign in Kent, Ohio greatly differs from what we experience in India. An energetic environment is something that is rare to find in our presidential speeches. It was more fun with music playing all around. The camera flashes focusing on the floor for Barack Obama to walk is something that came up as a surprise, as we have a rather formal and strict approach toward such events. Congressman Tim Ryan addressed the audience in a way that he was able to enlighten the crowd with positive facts about the Democratic stance with a brilliant sense of humor, which is very unlikely to be found in most Indian politicians. The Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem recit-
ed just before the president arrived gave us jitters as the audience clapped in between the anthem, which was sung expertly by Nichele Scott. Bryan Staul, president of Kent State’s College Democrats, gave an exceptional introduction to President Obama, inviting him to the stage. We forgot everything as our hearts stood still seeing him walk through the stage toward his podium. We shouted until our throats went dry, and clapped until our palms started to ache. Seeing the president of the most powerful country, who is known for his warmth and love for all, right in front of our eyes was the most mesmerizing experience of our lives, indeed. Hearing every word, seeing every smile, feeling every emotion and believing how he cares for one and all, yes, we found him to be “the people’s president.” He was, in fact, the perfect example of a man with pride and honor for his nation, grace and confidence, keeping no difference between a man and woman, rich and poor, literate and illiterate or different religions and ethnicities. He was not the sort to run away from problems but had the rationality to deliver perfect suggestions that would create a much better economy and use the capabilities of his people to the fullest. We were deeply moved by his charisma and will imbibe all that he expressed with his words and character, which we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. Ishita Kinnoo and Mervyn Mathew are students from Amity University in India.
Thursday, September 27, 2012 | Page 7
Daily Kent Stater
Remembering a fallen soldier President Obama meets with Kent family before his speech Alyssa DeGeorge adegeor1@kent.edu
P LAURA FONG | DAILY KENT STATER Kent State alumnus Dean Kahler, who was shot on May 4th, 1970, attended Wednesday's campaign rally at Kent State.
May 4 victim attends Obama’s speech Rex Santus
O
rsantus@kent.edu n May 4, 1970, Dean Kahler was left paralyzed from the waist down after a National Guardsman shot him. On Sept. 26, 2012, the former Kent State student sat in the M.A.C. Center in a crowd of about 6,600 people during a speech by President Barack Obama. “I’ve shaken three presidents’ hands now,” Kahler said. “[Obama] hit on all the right issues and was able to bring the crowd to their feet several times. He has the right message for America so we can move forward.” Kahler, now in his early 60s, said he believes in Obama because of the president’s stance on Medicare. Kahler wants to make sure he can care for himself when he gets older. “As a former steel worker,
I understand the need to have good-paying jobs … with benefits, so we can raise a family and have a house,” he said. “I’m on the crutch of my Medicare years — here in another year or so … [Obama] wants to make sure we have strong Medicare … so that we can actually take care of ourselves in our elderly years.” Aside from the president’s speech, Kahler said he was thrilled simply because Obama chose Kent — of all places — to visit. “The presidents go to places like Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Youngstown — they don’t come to Kent,” Kahler said. “It was an honor. Being an [alumnus] here, it’s an honor the president came. I’m so happy that I had the privilege to see the president here in my old memorial gym.” Rex Santus is a city reporter and assigning editor for the Daily Kent Stater.
resident Barack Obama’s visit to Kent Wednesday was a special experience for all involved. For Scott Hamilton, owner of Singleton Reels in Mantua, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. Scott Hamilton and his family spent 10 to 15 minutes of one-on-one time with the president before he gave his speech. Most of the time was spent talking about Scott Hamilton’s son, Adam Hamilton, who was killed in action while fighting as an Army specialist scout sniper in Afghanistan in May 2011. “I thanked him from the deepest part of my heart that he would take the time to recognize our loss and he said, ‘No sir, it’s all of our losses,’” Scott Hamilton said. The opportunity to meet Obama came after Hamilton contacted Rep. Tim Ryan for tickets to the event. Scott Hamilton didn’t know he’d be having a private conversation with the president until Tuesday night. To prepare, he went to the cemetery to visit Adam Hamilton. “I talked to my son and thanked him for his sacrifice and told him that he deserved this recognition — and it was all about him,” Scott Hamilton said. As Scott Hamilton and his family waited backstage in the M.A.C. Center to be told where to go, he was surprised to hear a voice behind them. “A gentleman said, ‘Scott’ and I turned around and said, ‘Hello, Mr. President,’” Scott Hamilton said. Obama knew all of their names and presented Scott Hamilton with a coin that he said he gives to gold-star parents. Scott Hamilton gave the president a black, killed-in-action bracelet to remember Adam Hamilton. Obama told him he has a special place in the White House for those kinds of bracelets. Hamilton said he was impressed by
FILE PHOTO MATT HAFLEY | DAILY KENT STATER Scott Hamilton holds a picture of his late son, Adam. Scott met with President Obama on Wednesday before Obama's speech to Kent State students at the M.A.C. Center.
Obama’s humbleness and respect for the military. “I think that he is more down to earth and more of a family figure and truly cares about the average person more than anybody would ever know,” Scott Hamilton said. When Adam Hamilton’s sister, Shawney Hamilton, a freshman at Mount Union, told the president she was interested in working for the Drug Enforcement Administration, Obama offered to help her obtain an internship. He gave Hamilton his business card and invited the family to visit the White House. “You better believe we will take him up on that offer,” Scott Hamilton said. Hamilton said the president’s visit was a positive experience for their family, but also for the city of Kent.
I talked to my son and thanked him for his sacrifice and told him that he deserved this recognition — and it was all about him
SCOTT HAMILTONSOLDIER’S FATHER
“With all of the good things going on
in Kent, to put this on top of this is just a
cherry on top of everything,” Scott Hamilton said.
Alyssa DeGeorge is a city reporter for the Daily Kent Stater.
Page 8 | Thursday, September 27, 2012
Daily Kent Stater
Romney stops in Bedford Heights to discuss future of manufacturing Candidate hosts round table discussion with small business owners
Joe Burbank | MCT
Ryan: Obama weak on defense in battleground Ohio John Seewer Associated Press
Grant Engle | Daily Kent Stater Romney addresses the crowd during a round table discussion at the American Spring Wire plant in Bedford Heights on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.
Grant Engle gengle@kent.edu Bedford Heights, Ohio —While Kent State was awaiting the arrival of President Barack Obama, the man challenging Obama for the presidency was 25 miles away chatting with business owners about the obstacles they have faced over the past four years. Former Gov. Mitt Romney hosted a round table discussion with seven northeast Ohio business owners at the American Spring Wire plant in Bedford Heights Wednesday afternoon. The Republican presidential nominee talked about outsourcing, medical benefits and the ingenuity of Americans in a discussion that lasted nearly an hour. The business owners on stage and a few members of the audience expressed concern to Romney over Obama’s economic record during his presidency. “The message you’re hearing is what I hear all over the country from people in the business world,” Romney said. “They don’t believe the policies over the last four years lead them to decide to invest more in America.” The first three business owners to ask Romney questions were CEOs or founders of companies with fewer than 300 employees each. Romney pointed to government regulations and the cost of medical insurance under the president’s health care plan – often referred to as “Obamacare” – as inhibitors to small businesses. “One thing we’re going to have to do if we want to get small businesses hiring again is repeal Obamacare and replace it with real reform,” Romney said. The former governor of Massachusetts also said he plans to reduce tax rates on small business. While answering a question from the audience, Romney said the president’s policies have stunted the growth of the
economy and pushed more manufacturing jobs overseas. “What [Obama] has done has made it harder for entrepreneurs and businesses to make a decision to create more jobs,” Romney said. “That’s why we need to take a different direction.” Diane Champion, the president of a steel fabrication plant in the Cleveland area, was one of the business owners who joined Romney on stage for the discussion. The manufacturer – A.H. Marty Co. – has been in her family for more than 100 years. She said her company was on an upswing right before the economic downturn in 2008. Champion said the problem lies in a lack of skilled laborers, such as welders or electricians. She also said parents need to stress the spirit of competition to their children. “I don’t believe capitalism should be demonized in today’s world,” Champion said. “Skilled labor can make the money that a college-educated person can’t because of the way of the economy is.” The round table discussion also featured Mike Rowe, host of the television show “Dirty Jobs.” Romney said Rowe was not there to endorse any particular candidate, but he was there as a friend and an invited guest. Rowe said he wrote a letter to Romney and other politicians about his concerns over the economy and blue-collar jobs, and that prompted the invitation. The television host said American families need to reconnect to the values that made blue-collar jobs important. “We can’t just talk about opportunity, and we can’t just talk about training,” Rowe said. “The conversation needs to start at the kitchen table with moms, dads and kids.” The Romney supporters at the discussion seemed to have come from all over northeast Ohio. Mentions of Stark, Lorain, Portage and Cuyahoga counties each drew loud applause and cheers from the audience. Renee Claycomb, a Romney supporter that traveled from Port Clinton to see the
discussion, said she identifies with the Republican Party because she is a staunch supporter of the Constitution and free enterprise. “I believe in self-reliance,” Claycomb said. “I don’t believe in a government that gives handouts to people.” When the discussion ended, Romney told his supporters that his campaign had work to do, but he left them with words of encouragement. “We’re taking back this country,” Romney said. “We’re going to make it strong again, we’re going to rebuild our economy and we’re going to keep our military the strongest on Earth.” Grant Engle is the sports editor for the Daily Kent Stater.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL BRYAN Mike Rowe, host of the TV show “Dirty Jobs”, speaks at the Romney round table discussion in Bedford Heights on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.
Lima, Ohio (AP) — President Barack Obama’s administration’s plan to halt production of tanks in Ohio for several years and a weak response to the crises in the Middle East are moves that can put more Americans at risk overseas, Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan said Monday. Ryan, kicking off the GOP ticket’s three-day tour of battleground Ohio, said Obama’s gutting of the military projects weakness abroad and emboldens enemies overseas. But he didn’t mention that he voted for the defense cuts he’s now criticizing on the campaign trail. “We need peace through strength,” Ryan told supporters in Lima, home to the nation’s only tank manufacturing plant. “We need a strong military.” The White House has proposed suspending tank production because the Pentagon says it will soon have enough tanks. Some members of Congress are attempting to restore funding for the tanks and other military weapons in a defense spending bill, a move the White House has threatened to veto. The administration says adding more money to the budget will trigger deeper cuts because of an agreement made during a failed congressional attempt last year to reduce the deficit. About 800 workers refurbish the Abrams tanks in
Lima, about 80 miles south of Toledo. Republicans in the state have been highly critical of plans affecting the plant and say they won’t save the government money. General Dynamics Corp.’s land systems unit, which operates the governmentowned plant, estimates that the cost of shutting down the plant and then restarting it would be $1.6 billion while keeping it open with minimal production over four years would cost $1.4 billion. The Army puts the price of pausing production much lower — around $400 million. “We’re not going to shut down the only tank plant we have in America,” Ryan said Monday. Recent polls in Ohio show Obama with a slim lead over Romney. Romney and Ryan both criticized the administration’s foreign policy on Monday, accusing Obama of minimizing the recent killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya. White House press secretary Jay Carney called the accusations “desperate and offensive,” an attempt by Romney and his allies to gain political advantage in the latter stages of a political campaign that seems to be trending the president’s way. Ryan said in Ohio that Obama failed to take a strong stand against the attack that killed four Americans and the growing unrest overseas. “That projects weakness,” he said. “It means our adversaries are much more likely to test us.”
Slipping in polls, Romney assures voters ‘I care’ Ben Feller & Steve Peoples Associated Press
Westerville, Ohio (AP) — Slipping in states that could sink his presidential bid, Republican Mitt Romney declared Wednesday that “I care about the people of America” and can do more than President Barack Obama to improve their lives. In an all-day Ohio duel, Obama scoffed that a challenger who calls half the nation “victims” was unlikely to be of much help. Romney’s approach reflected what he is up against: a widening Obama lead in polls in key states such as Ohio, the backlash from a leaked video in which he disparages Obama supporters as government-dependent victims, and a campaign imperative to make his policy plans more plain. Romney went after working-class voters outside Columbus and Cleveland before rolling to Toledo. Early voting has already begun in more than two dozen other states.
For Romney, in his appearances and in a new TV ad in which he appeals straight to the camera, it was time for plain talk to contrast himself with Obama. “There are so many people in our country who are hurting right now. I want to help them. I know what it takes,” Romney told the crowd in Westerville. “I care about the people of America, and the difference between me and Barack Obama is I know what to do.” That message so late in the campaign — a presidential nominee declaring his concern for all the people of the country — was part of his widening effort to rebound from his caught-onvideo comments at a fundraiser. In those comments, made last May but only recently revealed, Romney said “47 percent of the people” pay no federal income tax, will vote for Obama no matter what, believe they are victims, think the government must care for them and do not “take personal responsibility and care for their lives.” New opinion polls, conducted after the video
became public, show Obama opening up apparent leads over Romney in battleground states, including Ohio and Virginia. And majorities of voters in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania say Romney’s policies would favor the rich over the middle class or the poor. Specifically in Ohio, two surveys show the president crossing the 50 percent mark among likely voters. A Washington Post poll found Obama ahead 52 percent to 44 percent among those most likely to turn out, and a Quinnipiac University/CBS News/New York Times poll showed a 10-point Obama lead among definite voters. Romney was showing signs of picking up his pace. He scheduled a blizzard of interviews with ABC, CBS and NBC, his second round of broadcast network appearances in three days after weeks of ignoring their requests. He also did interviews Tuesday with Fox News and CNN. The new Romney TV ad, at 60 seconds, is a longer and softer approach in which he speaks
about people struggling to pay for food and gas with falling incomes. Romney also focused Wednesday on interest paid on the national debt, a subject he hasn’t regularly discussed in his standard campaign speech. His comments came after a Washington Post poll showed the federal debt and deficit are the one set of issues where he has an advantage over Obama with likely voters. Romney’s running mate, Paul Ryan, took a sharper approach. He told radio host Sean Hannity that Obama was using hollow tactics to paint his opponents as evil. “He’s basically trying to say ‘If you want any security in your life stick with me. If you go with these Republicans they’re going to feed you to the wolves. It’s going to be a dog-eat-dog society,’” Ryan said. In recent weeks, Romney has lost his polling edge on the economy generally, with more people saying they now trust Obama to fix the nation’s economic woes.
Thursday, September 27, 2012 | Page 9
Daily Kent Stater
editorial board Opinion editor: Jody Michael Editor: Emily Inverso Managing editor for visuals: Jessica White City editor: Britni Williams Sports editor: Grant Engle
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The Opinion Page is an outlet for our community’s varied opinions.
The Stater hopes to encourage lively debate about the issues of the day on the Opinion Page. Opinions on this page are the authors’ and not necessarily endorsed by the Stater or its editors. Readers are encouraged to participate through letters to the editor (email them to jmicha10@kent.edu) and guest columns. Submissions become property of the Stater and are subject to editing without notice.
Josh Meraz’S VIEW
Cheers to everyone who volunteered their time to make President Obama’s visit a reality.
Jeers to Obama’s speech writers for not including a mention of the stimulusfunded downtown redevelopment - a missed opportunity to localize his remarks. Josh Meraz is a senior visual communication design major.
Obamania MMXII: Live! Brian Reimer Columnist It’s hard to deny Barack Obama’s immense celebrity. When the president strutted down the walkway toward his podium Wednesday, the noise level in the M.A.C. Center made me think the Beatles had reunited. Obama was in his element. The president strives on his star power. Waiting in line for hours during torrential downpours makes you really consider why you’re not curled up in a warm bed. However, it seemed like everyone was dead set on the objective at hand. While it wasn’t golf weather, it could have been worse—this is northeast Ohio, anyway. Over the course of the afternoon, people began to make friends with the group around them, which made time go by a little faster. Overall, waiting in line was a very positive and very wet experience. However, one thing I did notice while standing in line was the throng of iPad and iPhone users walking along the line, presumably taking video. What possible purpose could your home videos have? Is your mom or best friend from home really that interested in a mundane long line? And another thing: If you’re using your iPad camera in a public place, sorry, but you’re doing it wrong. Not only is the camera on the iPad absolutely atrocious, but you look really silly, too. I found great humor in the painful buildup to the president’s speech. It was like the world’s most disappointing game of musical chairs that was set to an awful soundtrack. Every time someone would speak or there was a pause in the deplorable melodies of the past decade, the entire crowd leapt to its feet for the chance to catch the first glimpse of the commander-in-chief, only to be disappointed by another terrible song. When the president finally made his appearance to the crowd, something very interesting happened. Nearly every hand in the crowd held a smartphone or camera phone with the intent to digitally capture a lifelong memory. Obama visiting campus Wednesday highlights the dramatic shift in the prevailing cultural zeitgeist. From the first speculations of the visit last week to extensive Facebook status updates, tweets and countless Instagram photos, it has become obvious how much of our lives are actually lived in two worlds. It seems that the Obama campaign is worlds ahead of Mitt Romney’s on the Internet and in social media. While Obama has masterfully orchestrated a wide-reaching social networking movement, a trickle of mostly angry, middle-aged trolls represents the Romney campaign online. It has become important for any politician to note the significance things like smartphones and the Internet have become in the lives of many. In the 2008 election, access to smartphones and social media were limited to mostly youth on the bleeding edge. As a result, both the Obama and McCain campaigns had very weak online showings. Now that these technologies have been widely accepted by nearly all demographics, politicians should move their campaigns from traditional media. The 2016 election could be the first technocentric one in the history of the United States. The impact of social media on our culture and democracy has only recently become apparent, and it will be interesting to see the extent of technology’s influence on all other parts of American life. Brian Reimer is a senior anthropology major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at breimer1@kent.edu.
Obama’s trip proves worthwhile Summary: The president’s campaign could not have asked for a better turnout for his speech. By the time the M.A.C. Center doors opened Wednesday, the line to get into President Barack Obama’s speech stretched down the Esplanade, around Olson Hall, behind the Gym Annex, onto Midway Drive, behind Prentice Hall, down past the tennis courts, bending at Oscar Ritchie Hall before winding to the edge of the Honors College nearly back to where the line began. This should confirm in everyone’s minds that the campaign’s decision to have the president come here was a good one. As we stated in Monday’s Our View, Portage County seems to always get the short end of the stick when it comes to presidential campaign visits. We’re just far enough away from Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown that candidates are content to pay no mind to us. But maybe, just maybe, the outpouring of interest for Obama’s visit to Kent has put
Kent State, the second-largest university in Ohio, on the map for many election seasons to come. After all, it’s important for students to get the message that voting is a vital part of our democracy. Merely becoming of voting age isn’t enough to get them to the polls if they don’t realize the importance every election can have on their future. We can’t think of a better way to raise interest among young voters than to have the candidates themselves come and speak directly to them. That’s why we found it so thrilling to be the first students in Kent State history to welcome a sitting president to our campus. We also hope we won’t be the last. Note to Mitt Romney: You’re welcome here at any time. The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board whose names are listed above.
Analyzing Obama’s rally the outsourcing of jobs overseas.
David Brian Cohen Guest Columnist
The President also discussed foreign policy and saluted America’s veterans in his speech. Obama’s visit to Kent is just the latest of many trips to Ohio that both he and Romney have made during this election year. Since
When President Barack Obama spoke at Kent State on Sept. 26, 2012, it was the first time a president had visited Portage County since Richard Nixon and the first time a president had visited the city since 1912 when William Howard Taft was running for reelection. During his speech, the president hit all the themes he has been hitting regularly on the stump since he accepted his party’s nomination at the Democratic National Convention on Sept. 6. Those themes included student loans (a topic near and dear to the hearts of the many Kent students in the crowd), health care, jobs and the economy. In one instance, the president messed up a line by saying, “I want to see us export more jobs” when he meant to say “products.” However, he turned the potential gaffe into an effective barb against his opponent, Gov. Mitt Romney, when he joked that he “was channeling my opponent there for a second.” This criticism of Romney for his leadership of Bain Capital has been used often by the Obama campaign and Romney’s Republican primary opponents in accusing Romney of encouraging
becoming president, Obama has visited Ohio 27 separate times—the most of any state save for Virginia, which is located just across the Potomac River from the White House. In 2012, Obama has made 11 separate trips to Ohio with more guaranteed to come. Ohio’s importance in the 2012 election cannot be overemphasized — it is the most important battleground state in the country. No Republican has ever won the White House without carrying Ohio, and only two Democrats have done so since 1896. As polarized as the country is this year, there are few battleground states in play, and Ohio’s 18 electoral votes are critical for both campaigns. The way the electoral math works, an Obama victory in Ohio would likely mean overall victory, and Northeast Ohio, a Democratic stronghold, is key to this. The Obama campaign is well aware of this. It’s one of the reasons that after 100 long years, a president decided to return to Kent. David Cohen is a professor of political science and Bliss Institute of Applied Politics fellow at the University of Akron.
Motorcade on Main Street Jake Crissman Columnist On Wednesday, the most important person in the world was in Kent – no, not Oprah; no, not Ben Stiller – the President of the United States, Barack Obama. He addressed a multitude of students, faculty and plain citizens from the M.A.C. Center, stressing the importance of registering and voting in this election. Festivities for this event kicked off early Monday as people lined up as early as 3:30 a.m. to get a ticket to see the president speak. I was in that massive line in the freezing temperatures for two and a half hours for my chance to receive a ticket. Excitement was high all week on campus in anticipation for the president’s arrival. Wednesday morning, the line to the M.A.C. Center was just absolutely ridiculous, outrageous, incredulous, unbelievable or any other adjective you’d like to use. I got in line at around 2:00 (because I had a Spanish test that apparently just couldn’t wait until next week), and I was back by the Art Building and the Honors College dorms. I stood in line for an hour before it seemed like we were beginning to make any progress. I stood in the pouring rain as my shoes were soaked through and my socks were drenched. My hoodie was thick and heavy with water, and my jeans stuck to me and began to stink with the dampness. Everybody knows that wet jeans are no fun and that wet socks will ruin your day. Now imagine being in that state and standing in a godforsaken behemoth of a queue for almost four hours to no avail. As I had made it to the homestretch, the Esplanade, I could see the M.A.C. Center was within reach. I was almost there, almost at the finish line, the mountaintop. Then, all of a sudden, they tell us, “Sorry folks, we’re at capacity. But if you have a ticket, you can watch it live on a screen in the Student Center Ballroom.” Oh, goodie, because that’s why I’ve waited so long and gotten drenched, to see the president on a screen and to not be in the same room as him. (Whoever’s responsible for the surplus of tickets given out should be fired and tarred and feathered – just saying.) I was tempted to try to persuade a cop to let me in by telling him that I write for the paper, but I doubted it would work. So I brokenheartedly made my way to the ballroom. The crowd in the M.A.C. Center was psyched. They were pumped as Bryan Staul, president of Kent State College Democrats, came out and gave a spiel on the American Dream and introduced Obama. As I watched, I wondered what it is that makes people withstand such terrible conditions only to be denied and yet still want to watch on some shoddy video screen. We all went in with high hopes of being present for the speech and seeing history in the making, but all of us in the ballroom came up short. But as I watched, Obama’s words became uplifting, and everything that he was saying made perfect sense. Suddenly, it didn’t matter to me anymore that I wasn’t in there; I already know who I’m voting for this November, and being denied the opportunity to see him in person isn’t going to change that. His speech reinforced all my political beliefs and reminded me why it’s so important to get out there and vote. Barack Obama is our guy, the leader for my generation. We must continue to move forward for a better tomorrow. Jake Crissman is a sophomore English major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at jcrissm2@kent.edu.
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Daily Kent Stater
Class or Obama?
Professors, students weigh in on Obama’s visit’s affect on class Alicia Balog abalog3@kent.edu Audrey Fletcher
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JACOB BYK | DAILY KENT STATER The line into the M.A.C.C. to see Obama stretched for about a mile and wound around campus.
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rik Heidemann, political science assistant professor, was not planning to cancel class Wednesday, despite the fact President Barack Obama was speaking at the M.A.C. Center. When he asked his class who had tickets for the event, he said 32 out of 35 students raised their hands. Heidemann is just one of several Kent State professors who decided to cancel class so students could go see the President speak. Heidemann said he thought about having his students come to the Tuesday and Thursday section of the same class, but too many students had conflicting schedules. “I would rather cancel class and have people excited about a civic event,” he said. “It is a teachable moment. If it makes people want to participate in elections, I am not going to moan about it.” If by attending the event students get more excited about voting, Heidemann said, that may be more useful nevermind teaching politics. “How many times does a president come to your campus?” he said. Having previously taught at The Ohio State University, Heidemann said he is almost desensitized to visits like this because they occurred so frequently at OSU. Here at Kent, he said, students seem to be more excited about this type of event than students at OSU. “There is a reasonable chance that this is a more activist-oriented student body,” Heidemann said. Freshman biology major Jessica Mulvany said she thinks the decision to cancel classes depends on the individual professor, what type of class it is and how many times a class meets a week. For instance, Mulvany said a lab should not be cancelled but a class that meets four times a week can be cancelled without many problems. Associate music professor Scott MacPherson also cancelled his class, KSU Chorale, a choir that meets Monday through Thursday from 4:20 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. He said he cancelled his class so his students could have the opportunity to see a sitting president in person, a once-in-a-
lifetime event. MacPherson said he feels students should be as informed as possible as Election Day is approaching. “Maybe hearing him speak will be one of those ways in which they can make more informed choices if they choose to vote, and I hope they do choose to vote,” MacPherson said. “I would be saying the same thing if the candidate Romney were visiting Kent and giving a similar event where he were to speak.” He said unfortunately this event takes place during the day and not in the evening, where more students can attend without the fear of being penalized in class, so he cancelled class even though he hates losing rehearsal time. “I’m urging them to do more work on their own outside the class on the music, so that they are better prepared when they come back on Thursday,” he said. “There’s a trade-off.” He said if the visit were closer to their concert in late October, he would have had a harder time deciding whether to cancel class or not but that he would figure something out. MacPherson planned to attend the president’s visit. He said the only other time he saw a president speak, he had to travel to Berlin, Germany. “I saw Bill Clinton speak at the Brandenburg Gate,” he said. “There were 90,000 people crowded there. It was in the heat of the summer. I think having a sitting president come to Kent campus, right to us, is just an amazing opportunity.” Freshman zoology major Colleen Cosgrove said if professors didn’t cancel class, they should change their lesson plans for that day. “[They should make them] review sessions,” she said. “That way no one is missing a lot of notes or information and those who are struggling can get the extra help they need.” Morgan Hall, freshman fashion merchandising major, said she thinks if professors had been more open to cancelling class, students would have been more open to attending. “My roommate almost didn’t go because she was going to have a chemistry lab that night,” Hall said. “But at the last minute the professor cancelled and she was able to get a ticket.” Hall also said she thinks it was important for students to attend the event. “I’m not even a political person,” Hall said. “I just think it is a one-time thing.” Alicia Balog and Audrey Fletcher are the academics reporters for the Daily Kent Stater.
Thursday, September 27, 2012 | Page 11
Daily Kent Stater
Local African American community weighs in on President Obama’s term
Why Kent? Why now?
Madeleine Winer mwiner@kent.edu
Ephraim Butler, director of political affairs for Black United Students
“For the black community, he means hope,” said Butler, a sophomore communication studies major. “It’s good to see someone in that role. A lot of times, the only role we might see people like ourselves in, as far as in the media, are people that are athletes or entertainers.”
Amoaba Gooden, interim chair of Pan-African studies
“People saw him as kind of a balance, a way for people of color to negotiate their presence in the world,” said Gooden, who is African-Canadian. “He represents so much for so many people. Because of the history of enslavement and internal colonization in the States, he represents the possibility that there is not a concrete ceiling to the limits of achieving for African-Americans.”
Kayla Ivey, sophomore chemistry major and member of the College Democrats
“He has shown the African-American community, and me particularly, that nothing is impossible, and with hard work and a strong mind you can achieve anything,” Ivey said.
Sam Bain, chairman of the Ohio College Republican Federation
“He’s a cultural icon because he seems more concerned about being a celebrity and hanging out with Jay-Z and Beyonce, while our ambassadors are being killed in the Middle East,” said Bain, a senior at Sinclair Community College in Dayton. “[The president] cares more about being a celebrity than he does about doing his job as president.” Madeleine Winer is the diversity reporter for the Daily Kent Stater.
Rex Santus
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rsantus@kent.edu
ampaign officials are reluctant to talk specifics about why President Barack Obama is visiting Kent State, but politicians and city and county employees have their theories. Kent State, one of 13 public universities in the swing state of Ohio, stands out for two reasons: It’s a large, public university, and it sits in a city that received $20 million in federal TIGER grants, the first stimulus money of its kind awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. “I think that Kent has definitely benefitted from the economic-development policies and the stimulus funding that came from the Obama administration, so I think that factored in,” said Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent). “I also think young people and students are very important to his reelection efforts[…]” Ohio is a battleground state, Clyde said, and students are critically important to the president’s reelection. In 2008, Obama captured the support of the youth vote, and he’s aiming for a repeat this November. The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a research group that specializes in youth involvement in politics, conducted a poll in July that found Barack Obama’s support among young people had declined since 2008. “Overall, the 18- to 29-year-old demographic in our poll was … supportive of Obama,” said Felicia Sullivan, the chief researcher of the poll, “but still, Romney had a greater support among this population than McCain did four years ago.”
PHOTO BY MATT HAFLEY | DAILY KENT STATER
Kent State is the second-largest university in Ohio behind The Ohio State University. There are 27,706 students enrolled at Kent’s main campus. Portage County Commissioner Maureen Frederick said the combination of Kent’s large student population and the success of federal funding in aiding downtown development is what she believes enticed the president to visit Kent. “Why wouldn’t anyone want to come to Kent during a campaign or otherwise?” Frederick said. “There’s tremendous success in Kent. […] He would see living proof of tremendous growth that’s going on in Kent.” Dan Smith, Kent’s economic development director, also said the downtown revitalization project was likely a major factor in the president’s decision to speak at Kent State. “The piece that helped the downtown project move forward was a $20 million FTA TIGER grant,” Smith said. “Basically, that created 900 construction jobs over the past 24 months, as well as … [eventually creating 700] permanent, full-time jobs.” Tim Lowry, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), declined to comment on the issue, saying only campaign officials could comment on Obama’s reasons for visiting Kent. Obama is the first president to visit Kent since President William Howard Taft in 1912, according to the Record-Courier. Rex Santus is a city reporter and assigning editor for the Daily Kent Stater.
Page 12 | Thursday, September 27, 2012
Daily Kent Stater
Liquid Crystal Symposium discusses advancements in liquid technology
Check out KentWired.com and read about the KSU volleyball team’s next two games
Demetri Martin likes dog jokes more often than political jokes Kelsey Misbrener kmisbren@kent.edu Only 39-year-old comedian Demetri Martin can make a Venn diagram funny. He employs guitars, harmonicas, diagrams and illustrations to make his dry oneliners hit harder than your average spoken-word joke. His show, “Important Things With Demetri Martin” ended in 2010, but on Saturday at 10 p.m. he’s back on Comedy Central for a one-hour stand-up special. In a conference call with college journalists, Martin explained why he likes dog jokes more than political jokes.
DAILY
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STATER 240 Franklin Hall Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242
Photo by Brad Barket | PictureGroup Comedy Central Presents Demetri Martin at The Skirknall Theater on February 17, 2012 in New York City.
when I knew the most about politics because I spent the summer in D.C., and I just found it overwhelming. I had friends who can write tons of material about politics and get a lot of creative work out of it. I don’t know why, but I find it really disillusioning and it just kind of overwhelms me. And I think irresponsibly I’ve often
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EDITOR E mily Inverso
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Managing editor FOR VISUALS
Jessica White jwhite83@kent.edu
ASSIGNING EDITORS COPY DESK CHIEF
Rex Santus rsantus@kent.edu Caitlyn Callahan ccallah8@kent.edu Kelli Fitzpatrick kfitzpa4@kent.edu Amy Cooknick acooknic@kent.edu
CITY EDITOR KENTWIRED EDITOR Britni Williams
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Daniel Moore dmoore63@kent.edu
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NEWS EDITOR
with Kent State University to develop ideas and produce flexible devices in the city of Kent. It has been successful in reaching the technology market through partnerships with Brookstone and is working to put out more advanced Boogie Boards, which are digital notetaking devices that use liquid crystal technology. Additional speakers are scheduled to talk more on biosensors and the medical industry of liquid crystals during Thursday’s session in the Kiva. Following the speakers, a tour of the Liquid Crystal Institute will take place at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Live streaming of the symposium will continue throughout the day and the footage will be archived and posted onto the LCI website. —Brittney Trojanowski, College of Arts and Sciences reporter for the Daily Kent Stater
Fire drills kick off Kent campus fire safety week
Are politics making their way into your jokes because of election season? “Not really. I spent a bunch of time in California and I listened to NPR more because I’ve been in a car more than I was in New York, so I feel more aware of politics, but I don’t naturally gravitate to politics as something that I find funny. I find it kind of overwhelming and really frustrating. “I was a White House intern at the Clinton White House when I was in law school the summer of ’96. And that was probably
Students, faculty and industry experts gathered Wednesday at the Kiva to discuss the new advancements in flexible display device technology during the first of two days of the Symposium on Flexible Liquid Crystal Devices. “If there were a theme for this conference today it would be: just do it,” symposium chair John West said, “because these are the companies that are going out and actually putting products in the marketplace today.” Michael McCreary, keynote speaker and vice president of research and development of E-Ink Corp., talked about the potential of flexible electronics, such as fully functional digital newspapers and magazines. Albert Green, CEO of Kent Displays, most famously known for the Boogie Board, told of their groundbreaking and innovative advancements in the eWriter industry. Kent Displays partners
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Zachary Lutz zlutz@kent.edu
veered away from it. “Working at The Daily Show when I did was an interesting experience because Jon Stewart used to always talk about relevance and how important it was to make sure any piece on the show had relevance; it was relevant to the larger kind of conversations in our culture, and often it was, of course, about politics. So PHOTO EDITOR
Matt Hafley mhafley@kent.edu
FEATURES EDITOR ASST. PHOTO EDITOR
Kelly Tunney ktunney@kent.edu
OPINION EDITOR
Jody Michael jmicha10@kent.edu
SPORTS EDITOR
Grant Engle gengle@kent.edu
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Allison Struck astruck@kent.edu
Brian Smith bsmith38@kent.edu
ENTERPRISE TEAM
Maura Zurick mzurick@kent.edu Alyssa Morlacci amorlacc@kent.edu Doug Brown dbrow127@kent.edu Megan Willkinson mwilki@kent.edu Simon Husted shusted1@kent.edu
that was cool. That was a good kind of course in that for me, but I think my natural state is kind of more irresponsible and kind of disconnected from topical stuff as we call it, you know. Kelsey Misbrener is a features correspondent and city reporter for the Daily Kent Stater.
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Kent State will conduct its annual campus fire safety drills Thursday as part of Campus Fire Safety Week. The Department of Public Safety will initiate testing of its emergency mass notification system by holding two fire drills, one at 11:10 a.m. and another at 5:50 p.m. Both should last about 10 minutes, said Lt. Bill Buckbee, coordinator of emergency preparedness. A Kent State Police dispatcher will alert students and faculty by activating a broadcasted message over the university’s public speakers in each building. “We do this to test the technology and the procedures that are required to implement emergency plans on campus.” Buckbee said. “It also gives
us the opportunity to educate the public a little bit and make them more conscious of being prepared in an emergency.” Academic buildings will not actually be evacuated, but instead, all classroom instructors and unit supervisors are asked to review the guidelines with students and employees. This will include reviewing what to do in the case of an actual campus emergency, Buckbee said. Members of law enforcement will be patrolling university grounds during the drills to monitor the sound level of the broadcast. Buckbee encouraged students and faculty to report areas where the broadcast is not heard.
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DAILY KENT STATER
Lori Cantor 330-672-0887 lcantor@kent.edu
Samantha Lingenfelter 330-672-0883 slingenf@kent.edu
Paul Gimmel 330-672-2586
ADVERTISING MANAGER
BUSINESS OFFICER
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE SENiOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Tami Bongiorni 330-672-6306 tbongior@kent.edu
PRODuction MANAGER
Kathleen Barnes 330-672-0886 kbarnes6@kent.edu
Norma Young 330-672-0884 njyoung@kent.edu
STATER ADVISER
Susan Kirkman Zake 330-329-5852 szake@kent.edu
SENiOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
BROADCAST
Nicole Lade 330-672-2590
Bridgette O’Reilly 330-672-2590
Heather Fesenmeyer 330-672-2697
DIGITAL SALES MANAGER
Tommy Grasso 330-672-3251
DIGITAL/WEB
Andrew Rolinc 330-672-3251
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Andres Solano 330-672-2697
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India Hines 330-672-2585
—Amanda Crumm, safety reporter for the Daily Kent Stater CORRECTIONS The Daily Kent Stater recognizes the responsibility to correct errors that occur in the newspaper. When errors occur in the newspaper, corrections will appear in this space as promptly as possible.
Thursday, September 27, 2012 | Page 13
Daily Kent Stater
For information about placing a Display ad please call our offices at 330-672-2586 or visit us at 205 Franklin Hall, Kent State University. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Classified ads can be placed by FAX at (330) 672-4880, over the phone at (330) 672-2586 or by e-mail at ksuads@yahoo. com. If you fax or e-mail an ad, please be sure to include run dates, payment info and a way for us to contact you.
www.kentWired.com tHe PlaCe iS ray’S ray’S tonight Starting at 9PM 1st 250 customers receive Free ray’s imprinted 75th anniversary koozie — labatt’s Draft $2.50 — Buckeye Bombs $3.95 — long island ice tea $3.50 and more = ray’S PlaCe ray’S tonight Starting at 9PM 1st 250 customers receive Free ray’s imprinted 75th anniversary koozie — labatt’s Draft $2.50 — Buckeye Bombs $3.95 — long island ice tea $3.50 and more = ray’S PlaCe WOW, it’S tHUrSDay BBQ Pork at Franklin Square Deli it’s a Sell Out every thursday, See Why! Franklin Square Deli 330-673-2942 Delivery Daily after 2:00
ing facility. these caring individuals will assist our residents with their activities of daily living. Starting wage is $8.75. We offer flexible scheduling and a great working environment. apply in person at 889 n. aurora road, aurora or aberry@annamariaofaurora.com. located just 12 miles from the main campus. Clerical Position: Great Pay & Health Benefits! Full time. General Office and Billing exp. Preferred. newbury, OH Facility. Send resumes: tomkuhnle@att.net or apply in person 14095 Cross Creek Pkwy, newbury OH 44065 Servers, Dishwashers, aM Hostess and line Cooks. aM/PM shifts available. apply at Hudson’s restaurant, 80 n. Main Street, between 9-11aM or 2-4PM or email resume apply@3foodies.com now Hiring @ Johnny J’s Pub & Grille, Servers/Bartenders/Cooks, experience preferred, but will train. 21 and over. apply in person, 1282 Weathervane ln akron 44313 or 2891 e.Waterloo rd. akron 44312
By nancy Black today’s Birthday (09/27/12) a new phase of exploration, discovery and adventure begins this year. travel, education and mind expansion are among the priorities. Home life and finances motivate you for a launch within five years. you’re building something of lasting value.
to get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
local part-time furniture mover needed. Must be available at least 2 full days a week. Monday-Sunday. $11/hour to start for helpers. $13/hour for drivers (clean license required) 330-689-1900. Direct Care Providers Great opportunity to gain experience while caring for individuals with disabilities. Hattie larlham offers full-time and part-time, every other weekend and shift differential w/ starting rates up to $10.70 with shift diff! requirements: HS diploma/GeD, must pass criminal background check, & drug screen. Must be able to lift & position individuals. apply in Person 9772 Diagonal rd. Mantua, OH 44255 1-800-233-8611 x3096 www.hattielarlham.org eOe & Drug Free Facility aurora and Streetsboro - Have meaningful work and get great experience at explorers Montessori Child Care. Shifts are full-time, 3-6pm, and subs $10/hr. email resume to: eileen@ youngexplorersmontessori.com. Parasson’s italian restaurant accepting all applications for all positions, all shifts. Starting at $8-$10/hr. apply in person 11aM-9PM, no phone calls please. 3983 Darrow rd., Stow. 234 Wooster rd., n. Barberton 501 n. Main St., akron. 959 e. Waterloo rd., akron randolph United Methodist church in randolph Ohio is accepting applications for paid position of music director to lead tuesday contemporary worship, direct choir and chime choir. For information, contact rev. karen Drotar karenrumc@gmail.com. See our website, visit us on facebook.com/ randolphumc Make CHriStMaS CaSH. easy. Part-time weeders needed now. Morning hours 8-12, a couple days a week. 330-622-1557 anna Maria of aurora, a nursing care facility, is hiring dietary aides to work in the nursing home and independent living. Flexible scheduling; weekend, morning and afternoon positions are available. Starting wage is $7.75. apply in person at 889 n. aurora road, aurora, OH or aberry@annamariaofaurora. com. We are located just 12 miles from the main campus.
anna Maria of aurora is hiring Pt & Ft caregivers to work in our assisted liv-
affordable Off-Campus Housing! JOBS!! Clerical, administrative, dispatching, customer service, general labor. all shifts available. Monday-Friday 11aM-3PM infinity resources, inc. 126 W.College St., kent. 330-968-6516. www.thejobsnetwork.com
Phillips DvD player. 5 years old, excellent working condition, silver in color. $20. tbongior@kent.edu
kent rUMMaGe anD Bake Sale. Presbyterian Church 1456 e. Summit. Saturday, September 29th, 9am-1pm ($2 per bag at 12pm).
all real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” State and local laws forbid discrimination based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. all persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. if you feel you have been wrongfully denied housing or discriminated against, call the FHaa at 330-253-2450 for more information. 1 bd in 3-bd, half-house, w/ bath, lr, kit, Private entrance and porch $230/br/ mo +util. 1-year lease. no Pets. 330-6738505 or 330-221-8218 now renting studios, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for fall. Call 330-678-0123. now accepting application for efficiencies, 1 and 2 bedrooms for Fall 2012... please call 330-678-0746. Spacious 2 & 3 Bdrm. apts. Gas, heat, water, trash removal, parking & internet all included!!! Come out for a tour and reserve your apartment. We are filling up...so hurry!! 330-678-0823
kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $325/bedroom + security deposit. (330) 676-9440
We Pay Heat! 1Br $451 2Br $584 3Br $656 -appliances inc. -Secured Buildings -On Busline -laundry Facility -Central air -Outdoor swimming pool -Free Gas, Heat & Water -2.5 miles from campus Call 330-678-0761 Hrs. M-F, 9-5. leasing@mjmmanagement.com 1214 anita Dr., #101 eHO tty711 kent near downtown and campus 1 bedroom apartment with extra guest bedroom, all utilities paid except electric, $575/bedroom + security deposit. (330) 676-9440 Shrewsberry rentals 4 bedrooms $1475. trash, sewer, and recycling paid. 330-221-2881 large 3 bdrm townhome, close to downtown and bus line, $800.00 pr month 330-678-3047 4 bdrm townhome, close to downtown and bus line, $1000.00 pr month 330-678-3047 extremely large 5 bdrm townhome, close to downtown and bus line. $1500 pr month 330-678-3047 Single rooms available, starting at $325 pr month, some include utilities. 330-678-3047 1 bdrm apartment, includes all utilities. $475.00 pr month 330-678-3047 availaBle FOr rent Check out our website www.johlre. com, if you are looking for an apartment, duplex, home, or student rental. you can also contact us by e-mail, call us at 330-677-4722, text us at 330-2218280, or stop by our office at 200 e. Summit St. Jack kohl realty Property Management & rental Office 200 e. Summit St. kent, OH 44240 trudi Plumb or anne Moneypenny Phone: 330-677-4722
Houses Close to Campus— 147 Crain, 5/6BD House, Xlarge rooms, stove, fridge, dishwasher furnished, washer/dryer hook-up, air conditioned $395 per person + utilities, no pets 133 linden, 5BD House, stove, fridge
aries (March 21-april 19) today is a 5. Something that you try doesn’t work, but it moves your ideas forward in a way. let them know what you need. your optimism is contagious.
leo (July 23-aug. 22) today is a 5. no need to give unsolicited advice ... offer more hugs instead. listen intently; allow yourself to be persuaded, and fall in love again. the impossible gets achieved.
Sagittarius (nov. 22-Dec. 21) today is a 7. you feel best at home for a few days. ask the right questions and listen to diminish controversy. Stirring the pot isn’t good for romance. Be adaptable and agile.
taurus (april 20-May 20) today is a 6. Be very careful now. Where others see a problem, you see an exciting opportunity. look farther into the future. Magnetism fills the space.
virgo (aug. 23-Sept. 22) today is a 6. Stand for yourself and for the team. employ very gentle persuasion and gain new partners. Consider all options, and then feel your way to the right answer. then it’s time to boogie down.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) today is a 6. Fantasies are abundant. Choose carefully now. Do what you promised, and avoid exaggerations. Create more work that requires the use of your imagination and record it.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) today is a 6. Moderate your desire to press ahead at full speed, especially around sharp turns. keep your dreams alive with an injection of passion. Prepare to sell your ideas. Cancer (June 21-July 22) today is a 6. your imagination can take you on an amazing adventure, and help you save money, too. Hold your temper, and avoid getting hurt. Don’t leave a mess.
furnished, washer/dryer hook-up, $425 per person includes all utilities, no pets 111 Sherman, 6BD House, stove, fridge, dishwasher furnished, washer/dryer hook-up, $425 per person, includes all utilities, no pets 624 vine, 5BD House, stove, fridge furnished, washer/dryer hook-up, $350 per person + utilities, no pets Check out our website www.jkohlre. com for more information. you can also stop by our office at 200 e. Summit, call us at 330-677-4722, or text us at 330221-8280. Jack kohl realty Property Management & rental Office 200 e. Summit Street kent, OH 44240 trudi Plumb or anne Moneypenny Phone: 330-677-4722
2 bedroom 1 bath $550+utilities 1st 3 Months. See website for specials. JlCaStO.COM 330-688-7040 kent- $595 plus utilities. remodeled 1 bedroom home with appliances and full basement. tiger lily realty 1-888449-9314 www.tigerlilyrealty.com 2 bedroom condo. 1/4 mile from campus. Ground floor, secure building. $600/month + utilities. Water included. 440.339.0227 kSU area 2Br large, Quiet, luxury apt. Many amenities $650+ 330-628-0447 kent- 2 bedroom house for rent. Washer/dryer hookup. 2 car detached garage. $750 + gas and electric. no dogs. 330-554-7459
Married graduate student couple seeking roommate. $160/mo + 1/3 of utilities. 5 minute drive from campus. Call Mick at 330-687-3529.
libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) today is a 5. reaffirm a commitment. keep your objective in mind and increase productivity. Watch for obstacles or delays if you have to travel right now. Proceed with caution. Scorpio (Oct. 23-nov. 21) today is a 7. take care of family first. then figure out what you want to accomplish, and start your work. Watch expenses as costs overruns occur easily. Don’t spoil a whiney loved one.
aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) today is a 5. an insight increases your chances for money, but it will require work. Meet new and interesting people. romance is part of the mix all day. Don’t buy expensive gifts. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20). today is a 7. Provide what the boss wants. there’s a beneficial development, finally. Decide who you’re growing up to be in the next day or two. Don’t hurt sensitive feelings. Stand up for what’s right.
Page 14 | Thursday, September 27, 2012
(RIGHT) People clad in anything from ponchos to trash bags waited in line to see President Barack Obama speak. (FAR RIGHT) Air Force One taxis down a runway at the AkronCanton Regional Airport Wednesday afternoon. The plane had to navigate a rainstorm that delayed its earlier arrival in Toledo.
Daily Kent Stater
BRIAN SMITH | DAILY KENT STATER
HANNAH POTES | DAILY KENT STATER
Hannah Potes | Daily Kent Stater (LEFT) Ava Baucco, 7, of Kent, cries quietly after she and her mother were turned away from seeing President Barack Obama’s speech. BRIAN SMITH | DAILY KENT STATER (BELOW) Air Force One taxis down the runway as it lands on an Akron-Canton regional airport runway on Wednesday. The plane had to navigate a rainstorm that delayed its earlier arrival in Toledo for a presidential visit to Bowling Green State University.
SHANE FLANIGAN | DAILY KENT STATER President Obama speaks before an estimated crowd of 6,600 inside the M.A.C. Center. Obama is the first U.S. President to visit Kent State since President William Howard Taft in 1912.
PHOTOS BY HANNAH POTES | DAILY KENT STATER (ABOVE) A member of the Secret Service stood watch on a hill behind the Student Center after President Barack Obama’s arrival at Kent State. (LEFT) Ava Baucco, 7, of Kent, cried quietly after she and her mother were turned away from seeing President Barack Obama’s speech.