Mason Votes

Category: Top Stories

A Brief History of Political Visits at Mason

mason votes buttons

Close proximity to Washington, D.C. and Virginia’s status as an important swing state have made George Mason University a popular campaign stop for boldface local, state, and national political candidates. Just last week, First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a speech on behalf of the Clinton-Kaine campaign in the Johnson Center. In the 2015-2016 academic year alone, Bernie Sanders, Tim Kaine, John Kasich, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama have all visited Mason’s campus.

Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Bill Clinton, Ralph Nader, John McCain, John Kerry, Joe Biden, Jim Webb, and many others have made appearances in election seasons past.

Erstwhile candidate for the Democratic nomination, former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee, chose Mason’s Arlington campus as the setting to announce his presidential candidacy this past June. Chafee even name-checked our school’s namesake, George Mason, in his announcement speech:

“It’s a pleasure to be here at George Mason University, which is named for one of the many great contributors to the best form of government on earth. As prescribed by our Constitution, which George Mason helped write, we will be electing a new President in 2016.”

As Campaign 2016 lurches toward Election Day (less than 50 days away), Mason may yet see more high-profile candidates visit our campus to rally students and ask for support from the citizens of Northern Virginia.

Rest assured that Mason Votes and Student Media will be on hand to bring you the latest updates and in-depth coverage of all things political at Mason. Check back often to follow the Mason community’s involvement in and reaction to this historic election.

Here is a brief list of political visitors to Mason campuses in recent years:

Barack Obama: President Obama’s first visit to Mason was a political rally in the Johnson Center on Friday, February 2, 2007 — just prior to the announcement of his presidential candidacy. His second and third visits both occurred during same month (Friday, October 5th and Friday, October 19th) as part his 2012 re-election bid. Obama’s most recent visit to Mason was on Thursday, January 7, 2016 as part of a televised town hall event hosted by CNN’s Anderson Cooper titled “Guns in America.”

Bernie Sanders (D): Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders held a rally in the RAC on Mason’s Fairfax campus on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 as a presidential candidate for the Democratic nomination.

Hillary Clinton (D): Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been at Mason twice since summer 2015. Her first visit was on Friday, June 26, 2015 to deliver the keynote speech at a VA Democrats event in the EagleBank Arena. The second was on February 29, 2016 when she hosted a campaign rally in the Hub Ballroom on the Fairfax campus.

John Kasich (R): John Kasich hosted two rallies at Mason during his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. The first was held on Mason’s Fairfax campus in the Hub Ballroom on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. The second was at Mason’s Arlington Campus in Hazel Hall on Tuesday, March 1, 2016.

Tim Kaine (D): Tim Kaine has been to Mason twice in recent months. The first time was on Friday, June 26, 2015 to deliver a speech at a VA Democrats event in the EagleBank Arena that included a keynote speech from his current running mate Hillary Clinton. The second was on February 29, 2016 when he helped introduce Clinton at a rally in the Hub Ballroom alongside Representatives Bobby Scott and Gerry Connolly and current Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Mitt Romney (R): 2012 Republican nominee and former Governor Mitt Romney visited Mason’s Fairfax campus to host a large rally at the then-Patriot Center on Monday, Nov. 5, 2012 — just one day before Election Day. Romney was introduced by his wife, Anne, and then-Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

Bill Clinton (D): Former President Bill Clinton hosted a campaign rally on behalf of his wife and then-candidate Hillary Clinton on Monday, February 11, 2008 in the Johnson Center. Billed as a town hall titled, “Solutions for America,” Clinton urged voters to choose his wife over Barack Obama but did note: “I also think it will be a good thing when we have our first African American president.”

Ralph Nader (G): Longtime consumer advocate and former Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader addressed Mason students in the Hub Ballroom on Sunday, October 12, 2008 on the Fairfax campus.

Bob Barr (L): Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr spoke to Mason students in the SUB I’s Patriot Lounge on Friday, September 12, 2008.

John McCain (R): 2008 Republican nominee John McCain didn’t quite make it to Mason’s campus, but he did host a campaign rally approximately 2 miles away at Fairfax’s Van Dyke Park on Wednesday, September 10, 2008. Then-Mayor of Fairfax City, Rob Lederer, proclaimed that the crowd of 23,000 supporters was “the largest turnout for Senator McCain so far on the campaign route.”

John Kerry (D): 2004 Democratic nominee John Kerry hosted a campaign rally in the Johnson Center on Tuesday, February 10, 2004. Kerry’s running mate and former Senator John Edwards also spoke at the event.

Joe Biden (D): Former Senator and current Vice President Joe Biden visited Mason as Barack Obama’s running mate, hosting a rally at the Verizon Auditorium on Mason’s Prince William campus on Thursday, September 4, 2008.

 

FLOTUS on Campus: Michelle Obama Visits Mason

Michelle Obama speaks at George Mason University on September 16, 2016.

UPDATE: Check out WGMU Radio’s coverage of FLOTUS here: www.wgmuradio.com

FAIRFAX, VA — In her first solo appearance on behalf of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama delivered an impassioned speech at George Mason University that highlighted the stakes of Election 2016 and implored young voters to make it to the polls on November 8th despite the increasingly negative tone of the campaign in recent weeks.

“We can’t afford to be tired or turned off — not now. Because while this might feel like a time of uncertainty and division, I have never felt more hopeful about the future of this great nation.”

Mrs. Obama went on to make the case that Hillary Clinton is the best choice for college students: “The choice you make on November 8th will determine whether you can afford a college tuition. It will determine whether you can keep your health care when you graduate.”

On the choice that faces Virginians when they step into the booth this November, Mrs. Obama pointed out the slim margins that helped her husband carry the Commonwealth in 2012: “Which candidate’s words and actions speak to the future we want for our country and the values we share — values like inclusion and opportunity, service and sacrifice for others? Your answers to these questions on Election Day will determine who sits in the Oval Office after Barack Obama. And let’s be clear: Elections aren’t just about who votes, but who doesn’t vote. And that is especially true for young people like all of you. In fact, in 2012, voters under the age of 30 provided the margin of victory for Barack in four key battleground states:  Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, and right here in Virginia. Without those votes, Barack would have lost those states, and he definitely would have lost that election — period, end of story. ”

Addressing the news cycle’s hot topic du jour, “birtherism,” Mrs. Obama deployed one of the most memorable lines from her much-lauded speech at the Democratic National Convention this past July: “There were those who questioned — and continued to question for the past eight years, up through this very day — whether my husband was even born in this country. [Boos] I think Barack has answered those questions with the example he’s set — by going high when they go low.”

While it is expected that any high-profile surrogate for a major party’s presidential candidate will make an affirmative case for their candidate, Mrs. Obama went a step further, saying she is “inspired by Hillary.”

“We need someone who’s compassionate, who’s unifying force, someone who will be a role model for our kids; someone who’s not just in this for themselves, but for the good of this country.”

“I know in my heart that we deserve a president who can see those truths in us, a president who believes that each of us is part of the American story and we’re always stronger together.”

Wrapping up a well-received appearance in front of a capacity crowd in Mason’s Johnson Center, Mrs. Obama expressed confidence in Democrats’ chances at keeping in the Oval Office:

“I have never been more confident that Hillary Clinton will be that president. So here’s what I’m pledging. From now until November, I’m going to work as hard as I can to make sure that Hillary and Tim Kaine win this election. I need your help to do that. You got to get to work, make it happen. Virginia will make the difference in this election. Are you ready, Virginia?”

Reporting by Jason Hartsel

Photos by Mimi Albano and Leslie Steiger.

Mason Democrats: Primary Election Student Debate (2/24/16)

February 24, 2016 — At the first Democratic student debate, discussing the potential of a Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders White House administration, student participants tried to wedge their opposition on how a politician should be held accountable for their past deeds, and whether the past can be an accurate reflection of what they might do in office.

In a nomination race that will come down to the wire, any differences between two liberal thinkers will in reality be a small leap in policy terms, but played out as if crossing a canyon.

Patriots for Bernie Sanders (left) and Patriots for Hillary Clinton (right) face off in debate while representing their hopeful party nominees.
Patriots for Bernie Sanders (left) and Patriots for Hillary Clinton (right) face off in debate while representing their hopeful party nominees.

Much of the economic discussion within the Democratic Party has come from how a Sanders administration would usher in an era of democratic socialism in America, and the Patriots for Bernie representatives were quick to define this. Rather than being a destabilising force to the United States, Sanders will look to solve the systematic inequalities by restoring wealth to those who need it, protecting the environment, and fixing a corrupt and racist justice system.

But for Patriots for Hillary, offering their candidate’s humble background as the representation of America, what was missing was the rational arguments as to how this fiscal agenda could be fulfilled. While the argument for a financial speculation tax on Wall Street – one where investors will be charged for financial transactions as a repayment for the 2008 bail-out – could create economic redistribution, particularly to fund public college education, Team Hillary quickly pointed out that any decision to tax investors would work against the average American and their 401k accounts.

However, it seemed unusual that Patriots for Hillary had such a staunch defence of the virtues of America’s banking system. Without a doubt their actions caused much of the hurt to individuals and families during the financial crisis, and while “the banks can’t be blamed for capitalism”, an argument offered in the debate, Patriots for Bernie countered suggesting that the banks have to realize their involvement and take most of the responsibility. While Sanders has been defined by many as a socialist, the clear ire of his student supporters at government intervention in the capitalist system is perhaps the truest free-market position.

Turning to foreign policy, the political actions of both candidates in the recent conflicts throughout the Middle East were examined. It was clear that Patriots for Hillary found this a comfortable topic of conversation, given the natural passion that their representative has shown for world affairs. With a key role of the President defined as their ability to be a world diplomat, they promoted Clinton’s experience, especially in her role as Secretary of State. When subjected to the possibility that Clinton’s experience in foreign affairs was more to her detriment than a redeeming feature, Patriots for Hillary argued that her failings in Benghazi were due to systemic error, and that her support for drone warfare, while still a harsh solution, was effective at protecting American troops.

But rather than argue that their candidate was better because he had more experience, the Patriots for Bernie camp instead pushed the point that when it came to foreign policy, a person with a calm head and good judgement was always the better option. Using examples of Bernie’s Senate voting record, particularly his non-support of the Iraq War, the team showed that sometimes the best action was no action, citing the US intervention in the Middle East being responsible for the formation of ISIS.

Missing the opportunity to point out this simplification of Arabic politics, Patriots for Hillary instead pushed that there cannot be a revision of history, and that their candidate would be the best at dealing with the situation moving forward.

Ultimately the two sides of the debate framed their candidates as the woman who was grounded in the realities of office, with her experience at every level of government as her source, against a man who has dared to dream and set his mission above what most people expect him to be able to do. Despite heated moments throughout, this clearly showed the passion of students who want the best for their country, and will share their views to any ears that will listen in order to achieve something greater than themselves.

Meet the 2016 Presidential Candidates

mason votes buttons

As Mason Students prepare to vote on in Virginia’s March 1st Presidential Primary, check out brief descriptions of each Presidential Candidate (both Republican and Democrat) who will still be in the race on March 1st.

Democrats

Hillary Clinton is a former Secretary of State and also a former Senator from New York. She supports keeping Obamacare and wants to establish free community college for two years. She also supports a strong US involvement to defeat ISIS, but does not support deploying ground troops.

Bernie Sanders is a Senator from Vermont. He supports a $15 minimum wage, expanding President Obama’s executive actions on immigration, making all public universities tuition-free, and wants to expand Social Security.

 

Republicans

Ben Carson is a retired world renowned neurosurgeon who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 for his medical work. He has been a vocal advocate against Obamacare and wants to return Healthcare to market based principals.

Ted Cruz is a current Senator from Texas. Elected into office in 2012, Ted Cruz has been a long-time advocate for constitutional originalism and has fought against the Obama administration over executive orders.

John Kasich is the current Governor of Ohio. Elected into office in 2010 after an 18-year career in Congress, John Kasich has been an advocate for right to work laws and for oil fracking in Ohio.

Marco Rubio is a current Senator from Florida. Elected into office in 2010, Marco Rubio has been a longtime advocate for conservative immigration reform and has been a vocal critic of Cuba’s government.

Donald Trump is a successful real estate developer and television personality. Donald Trump has been a long-time critic of free trade and illegal immigration and has advocated for increased border security.

GMU Precinct to Pilot New Voting Technology on Super Tuesday

mason votes buttons

Fairfax, VA –The Fairfax County Office of Election has selected University Precinct (#134) to pilot new PollPad technology for the upcoming Presidential Primary Elections occurring next Tuesday, March 1, 2016. PollPads are iPads that contain voter registration records for Fairfax County. Officers of Election will use the PollPads at voter check-in to look up voters and admit them to vote. This technology is replacing paper pollbooks and the laptop pollbooks used at the last election.

Donald Garrett, the Chief Election Officer for the University Precinct, had the following to say: “I am thrilled and honored that the Office of Elections selected Mason students to pilot this new technology. Because most of our voters at this precinct are college-aged students, we are the precinct in the County that is probably the most comfortable with adapting to new technology. I received training on the PollPads last week and believe the interface is user-friendly and will allow the Election Officers to check voters in with ease.”

About Tuesday’s Election

Virginia is hosting a Presidential Primary Election for both the Republican and Democrat parties on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Because the Commonwealth has an open primary system, voters are not required to register with a political party prior to the election. When the voter checks-in at their precinct, they may choose to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary. The Democrat ballot will contain three (3) candidates and the Republican ballot will contain thirteen (13) candidates; write-ins are not allowed. Although several campaigns have “suspended” their campaigns, many of those campaigns will still appear on the ballot because they were printed in January.

Virginia law requires voters to present a valid photo ID in order to vote. Students are encouraged to bring their Mason ID to the polls as this will be accepted. Please visit http://elections.virginia.gov/registration/photo-ids-required-to-vote/ for a list of other acceptable IDs.

About the University Precinct

The University Precinct (#134) was established in Fairfax County in Summer 2011. The boundaries of the precinct are the same as the boundaries of the main (East) Fairfax campus of George Mason University. Individuals must be registered to vote at their on-campus address to vote at this precinct. This is typically 4450 Rivanna River Way for students or a Masonvale address for faculty/staff.

 

 

Contact: Donald Garrett

Chief Election Officer, Precinct #134

[email protected]

 

John Kasich to Visit Mason

mason votes buttons

Kasich to Visit Mason

Ohio Governor and Presidential Candidate John Kasich will visit the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University on Monday, February 22, 2016

FAIRFAX – Kasich for America has announced that Ohio Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate John Kasich will be visiting the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University on Monday, February 22, 2016 from 10-11am. Doors will open at 9:30am and the event will begin at 10am. The event will take place in The Hub Student Center.

To RSVP to the event go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fairfax-town-hall-w-gov-john-kasich-tickets-21523023944

Register to Vote at Mason

Questions about voting on campus, absentee ballots, ID requirements, or registration deadlines?

Click the link below for updated VA voter registration guidelines for Mason students.

GMU Guidelines 2016

vote_public-domain

Mason Votes Meeting Schedule 2015-2016

mason-votes-buttons

Mason Votes, a university-wide committee, strives to create awareness and conversation around voting and elections (local and national) for the Mason community. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to participate. Student Media oversees the student-run Mason Votes website, masonvotes.gmu.edu, and is always looking for content contributors.

To get involved, please attend a meeting, or contact Alissa Karton, [email protected], for more information.

Upcoming Mason Votes Meetings:

2015
August 7, 4pm, 222 Founders Hall, Arlington Campus
September 11, 3pm, HUB 1012, Fairfax Campus
October 16, 3pm, HUB 1012, Fairfax Campus
November 13, 3pm, HUB 1012, Fairfax Campus
December 11, 3pm, HUB 1012, Fairfax Campus

2016
February 5, 3pm, HUB 1012, Fairfax Campus
March 4, VIP 3, HUB, Fairfax Campus
April 1, VIP 3, HUB, Fairfax Campus
May 6, 3pm, HUB 1012, Fairfax Campus

First Look at 2016 Races with Tom Davis

Join former Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA) and moderator Robert Guttman, Director of Mason’s Center for Politics and Foreign Relations, as they review the 2014 mid-terms and look ahead to discuss who the possible candidates — Republican and Democrat — will be and how they are preparing to run for the Oval Office.

Davis, now Rector of George Mason University’s Board of Visitors, will join Guttman in examining who the new, post-mid-term political “stars” are and how they will factor in the race for the White House in 2016.

Where: GMU – Arlington Campus, Founders Hall Room 118

When: Thursday, November 20 at 5:30 PM

This event is free and open to the community. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to [email protected]

From The Office of Community & Local Government Relations – Arlington Campus

Internship and Paid Canvassing Opportunities

Patrice Winter for Delegate is offering an internship with her campaign for Delegate.

www.electpatricewinter.com

-Gain experience working in grass roots campaigning,

-Boost your resume for college and job hunts.

-Fulfill hour requirements for government service projects.

For more information please contact:
Anne Taylor (571) 354-6196
[email protected]
10560 Main Street
Suite 308
Fairfax, VA 22030
 

Paid Canvassing Positions – to be filled immediately

 Kathleen Murphy’s delegate race in Northern Virginia is looking for enthusiastic individuals to help spread our message by going door-to-door and speaking with voters.

 Canvassers must:
-hold democratic values
-be willing and able to talk with voters
-comfortable knocking on doors

Hours will vary and we are flexible.  Canvassing will begin at 3PM on weekdays, 10AM on Saturdays and 12PM on Sundays.  Must be able to come in 4 days a week, for 3-4 hours a day.  Must have own transportation.

 Compensation:
-$10/hour
-reimbursement for gas from office to canvassing location.
 Please send resume to Mary Kate Waldron if interested.
(703) 662-1334
[email protected]