By: Essence Buckman, Staff Writer
President Barack Obama’s second and last term is coming to a close in the year 2016, so now many Republican and Democratic candidates are working hard and advocating their policies to win the hearts and votes of the citizens of the United States. Wofford College has invited presidential candidates and other political figures in the past to speak in front of not only the student body, faculty and staff, but also other people in the community who decide to attend. These candidates come to express and explain their views and policies for international affairs and the betterment of our country.
While both Republican and Democratic candidates have been invited in the past, the end to this fall semester will consist of a visit from two infamous Republican candidates. Donald Trump had his Presidential forum on Nov. 20 and was boycotted by the use of posters before he came. Following Trump, Ben Carson, the infamous neurosurgeon who successfully removed Siamese or conjoined twins, spoke Dec. 2. Samantha Wagner, class of 2018, answered some questions on Ben Carson:
Q1. “Are you attending the Ben Carson forum?”
A1. “Yes, along with my family.”
Q2. “Are you engaged in current politics?”
A2. “[Kind of.] I follow general media but I haven’t done much research on my own.”
Q3. “What have you heard about him?”
A3. “I have heard that his foreign policy is lacking. However, he seems to be a solid candidate. I know he is an internationally famous neurosurgeon and with a very impressive resume in that field. I also know that he comes from a background of poverty and is a good example of the American dream. I took an AP Psychology course and we learned about his past and career.”
Q4. “How do you feel about him?”
A4. “From what I’ve heard, he appears to be a solid candidate. I believe he is intelligent and has honorable qualities I believe are good in a president.”
Q5. “What are you expectations for his arrival at Wofford? How do you think he’ll be received by the student body and community attendees?”
A5. “I hope that people will be interested in his speeches, and I think that overall the student body will be fairly supportive.”
Q6. “If you are aware of some of his policies, of which do you agree or disagree with? Why?”
A6. “I am not aware of many of his policies. I need to do more of my own research before I vote.”
Overall, Wagner had a fairly neutral response toward Carson’s arrival, but students and community members can be vocal about their agreement or disagreement with Carson’s policies. Regardless of student opinion, it may be safe to say that many supporters or non-supporters can agree that having a famous candidate come to a small town and a small school such as Wofford is a big opportunity and moment.
