Spring Break
Actor Hill Harper drums up support for Obama
Megan Specia
Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: News
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This is what brought Hill Harper, one of the stars of the television show CSI: NY to UNH on Sunday afternoon to voice his support for Barack Obama. Harper spoke of a need for change in the current political agenda, and felt that change could be accomplished by electing Obama as the next president.
A friend of Obama's since their days at Harvard Law School, Harper brought his personal message to an audience of about 50 in MUB Theater I. He also met with a smaller group of students beforehand to have a one on one discussion about issues in the upcoming election.
Harper continually stressed the importance of support for Obama in New Hampshire.
"Obviously I'm here for my friend Barack," said Harper. "The reason I am here is because New Hampshire is critical. All of the other states do not matter if we don't deliver NH." He then went on to say, "New Hampshire will decide the presidency… period."
Though the audience was small, Harper spoke to the attendants as an important ally in Obama's campaign.
"New Hampshire is a relatively small state in terms of population. A room of this size can control the election. UNH itself can control the entire election in this state," said Harper. "I want to be here because I believe and I know that Barack Obama is critical and his winning is critical for us to move forward."
A personal relationship with Obama allowed Harper to speak from a different perspective than many of his other supporters. He portrayed Obama as a genuine, "regular" guy and a capable candidate.
"People bring up experience. Experience does not equal good judgment," said Harper. "Look at his past as a community organizer. I want someone who is good at that."
According to Harper, Obama is, "the most authentic candidate in the race, from either party."
Another aspect of Obama that Harper stressed was the fact that his personal wealth does not stack up to many other candidates.
Harper repeated several times that "He's the only candidate who is not a multi- multi- multi- multi- multi- multi- millionaire," said Harper. "Having money doesn't make you a bad person, but we are in a place in this country where the wealthy control money and politics. It's time to support candidates that don't."
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