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Gravel to campaign in the Granite State
Amanda Ager
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: News
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"I offer a change. I offer to empower the American people," Gravel said in a telephone interview yesterday.
This empowerment would come in the form of a new, fourth branch of government which would require a major change in the Constitution. It's called the National Initiative for Democracy (NID) and it would be made up of citizens who would have the power to vote on laws along with Congress.
However, Laura Jones, president of College Democrats at UNH, thinks that NID is "really out there" and prevents anyone from taking Gravel seriously as a candidate.
Jones admits that Gravel's chances of being president are low in part because of his big ideas and also because the field of candidates is particularly strong.
Gravel, who was senator from 1969-1981, has supporters on campus, including junior Chris Liquori.
"[He has] the type of leadership, courage and guts we need in our government," said Liquori, who hosts "Live with Liquori" on SCAN-TV. According to Liquori, he is doing "anything he can" to support awareness of Gravel, the one candidate along with Dennis Kucinich, who he thinks are "the only genuine candidates for change."
Gravel described himself "a man to afford change." Another big change Gravel would like to see is the direction of the country, especially when it comes to war.
"This is the third war in my lifetime and it's totally unnecessary," he said. "It puts the world in jeopardy."
During Vietnam, Gravel became known for efforts in ending the draft with filibustering.
"I ended the draft so young people today don't have to fight," Gravel said.
Liquori praised Gravel on his stance, describing him as bold, innovative and courageous.
However enthusiastic Gravel and his followers are, Gravel's statistical support is suffering. In a Bloomberg poll given this year, 2 percent or less of the polled chose Gravel as the Democrat most likely to beat a Republican. The same percentage also would have chosen Gravel if they were voting in the primary that day. These low poll numbers, along with his low campaign funding, means that he has been excluded from debates.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 16
Peace Czar
posted 12/07/07 @ 12:25 PM EST
So much for the keen insight of our academic professionals. I'd expect better from someone in the position of Professor Smith. It'd also be nice to have a little bit of reverence for someone like Senator Gravel. (Continued…)
John Francis Lee
posted 12/07/07 @ 10:59 PM EST
Yes Smith's comments reflect very poorly on the University of New Hampshire.
But Laura Jones description of the NI4d as "really out there" is much more disturbing. (Continued…)
Great Posts
posted 12/08/07 @ 3:03 AM EST
I am glad there are a few people with there heads screwed on striaght. If the people were ever allowed to make laws... all I can say is TERM LIMITS for Judges, Senators,etc. (Continued…)
Peace Brother
posted 12/08/07 @ 4:42 AM EST
To all the naysayers, I say do not be so quick to dismiss a great man like Mike Gravel. Do NOT believe all their foregone conclusions that America is hopelessly destined to be led by followers who promote was and chaos. (Continued…)
Peace Brother
Peace Brother
posted 12/08/07 @ 4:45 AM EST
Sorry for the typo above, I meant to write "war" and chaos...
paul
posted 12/08/07 @ 8:28 AM EST
I love Mike Gravel, and the American People will show their true colors when they ignore Gravel. It is always like this with great men and women, they are dismissed when they are around and when they are gone the world will suffer from the loss. (Continued…)
Peace Brother
posted 12/09/07 @ 2:15 AM EST
As Bob Marley, another great who has passed on, used to say, "Get up. Stand up. Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up. DON'T give up the fight."
Derek
posted 12/09/07 @ 3:22 AM EST
Honestly, Gravel is the candidate who will really bring on the change this country needs, with the NI4d, end of the war on drugs, and COMPLETE withdrawal of troops from Iraq. (Continued…)
gretsky
gretsky
posted 12/10/07 @ 8:42 PM EST
UHN students are being cheated out of a quality Political Science program when professors such as Andrew Smith are allowed to teach. Yes, professor Smith--the Democrats are annoyed with Gravel, because he speaks the truth. (Continued…)
Peace Brother
posted 12/11/07 @ 6:20 AM EST
I say that we load up the bus with all of the other candidates (except for Dennis Kucinich, Joe Biden, and Bill Richardson who can serve as VP, Secretary of State and/or Secretary of Defense) and drive them off the cliff. (Continued…)
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