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Schools

Rally Goers React to Clinton's Message

Many students and supporters reacted positively as Clinton urges young people to vote for Bishop.

An overwhelmingly responsive crowd attended President Bill Clinton's "Get Out the Vote" rally for U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop, D-Southampton, Wednesday at Stony Brook University, with many rally goers reacting positively to Clinton's messages.

"I really enjoyed what Clinton had to say," said student Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, 19. "I haven't really thought about the impact that voting can have on our future, economically and academically. So I was really glad I came and I'm definitely going to vote."

Another student was much clearer on why the former president was supporting Bishop.

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"When I heard that Bill Clinton was supporting Tim Bishop I was surprised," said Nina Pinto, 21. "But then when Clinton was saying they're good friends, I thought if someone with such credibility would say such a thing, it must be something worthwhile going to."

The event was attended by more than just students. Deeper into the speech, Henry Ellis, 52, noted that "Clinton was excellent in pointing out the differences between what the Republicans and Tea Party folks are saying and what the reality is."

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Supporter Nancy Krody, 72, who said she voted for John F. Kennedy in 1960, was happy about the attendance.

"I'm glad to see Bishop get this kind of support and validation," she said.

Student Elizabeth Trimber, 21, agreed that it was time well-spent, even if she didn't like everything she heard.

"Definitely worth attending, very exciting," she said. "There were many moments where I didn't quite buy the rhetoric, but overall I was impressed and I'm looking forward to voting."

Bishop opponents outside the university's Indoor Sports Complex weren't buying the rhetoric at all. Alexa Dunetz, 20, thought the school should invite Bishop's opponent, Randy Altschuler, to speak.

"Vote Bishop out," she said, holding up a "Dump Bishop" sign. "I don't like that he voted for the healthcare bill and stimulus bill. State-funded schools are not supposed to be partisan."

Regardless of the issues, other students at the event appeared to have become more interested in the voting process in general.

"It got me excited. It was very well tailored to us as college students," said Joey Schofield, 19. "I don't feel he was talking down to us. I can see this encouraging a lot of students to vote who wouldn't otherwise."

Francesca Denaut, 21, doesn't usually follow politics, but that might change now.

"I thought it was really good," she said. "I'm probably going to vote now and continue to vote because it was really empowering."

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