Concert helps convey importance of voting
Michelle Berthiaume
Sports Editor
The Obama campaign in Keene, N.H. continues to appeal to the youth of America by putting on events in Keene and at Keene State College. Most recently, the Obama campaign invited Craig Finn from The Hold Steady and Jim James and Carl Broemel from My Morning Jacket to perform at the Colonial Theatre in downtown Keene, N.H. The concert was free and open to the public. Students had to fill out a “commit to vote” card in order to gain entrance to the Colonial Theatre. The concert was held on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012 at 8 p.m. According to the My Morning Jacket website, the concert was held for the Obama “For All” initiative. The “For All” initiative aims to engage the youth of America in the upcoming election.
Jim James of My Morning Jacket said, “It is so crucial for us all to work together to help build on and continue the progress we have been making under President Obama’s leadership – to get America to be a land that takes care of its own and provides equal opportunity to all – regardless of gender, race, or creed. I believe in President Obama’s vision for America – at home and as a better friend to the world – and want to help raise awareness of the importance of a person’s right to vote.”
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Alec Doyle, executive director of the Colonial Theatre, said that he was pleased to hold the event. Doyle said, “This event shows the importance of the democratic process and civic engagement.” Among those present were Obama supporters, KSC students, members of the Obama campaign, and New Hampshire democratic state senator, Molly Kelly.
Kelly spoke to the crowd prior to the event. She said that it is very important for our generation to get out and vote. Kelly also said that together, we all have the power to elect Barack Obama for four more years in office. Kelly also discussed the confusion about out-of-state students being able to vote in New Hampshire during the upcoming election. Kelly said, ““If you are a student in the state of New Hampshire, you have the power to vote. No matter what you read, you can vote in New Hampshire.” The Youth Vote Coordinator for the Obama campaign in Keene, Ben Wessel, also spoke to the audience before the concert. Wessel is in charge of encouraging the young generation of Keene to get out and vote and stressed the importance of the college-aged vote. Wessel said, “This election is going to come down to a few thousand votes so every vote counts.” Hundreds of KSC students came out to the free concert at the Colonial Theatre. Among them was KSC sophomore Jonathon Musci. Musci said that before the show, he was already planning to vote for Obama but that the show just made his vote stronger.
Young Americans are concerned about many issues in relation to the upcoming election. Musci said, “The biggest issue for me in the upcoming election is marriage equality. As a gay American, I want to be able to choose who I want to marry one day and do it legally.” Musci added that he has enjoyed the events that the Obama campaign has brought to Keene and KSC over the last few weeks.
Also in attendance was KSC senior Ryan Gould. Gould said, “The event really just goes to show how much Obama cares about the youth vote.” All those who spoke during the event reassured students that they do care about the youth vote.
Gould said he will be voting for Obama because he is the least likely go to war. Gould added that war is never good for our country and that we have spent too much time fighting wars over the past few decades. KSC senior Emory Cooper also attended the event.
She said she heard about the event through a friend, recognized the artists performing and thought it was really great the concert was free.
Cooper also took the opportunity to take photographs for one of her classes.
Cooper agreed with Musci on the importance of marriage equality in our country. Cooper said, “I have a lot of friends that are in partnerships and they should have the same rights that I do.” Organizing for America field organizer at Keene Emily Cochrane also spoke to the crowd during the intermission.
Cochrane said, “This states outcome can be decided by the people sitting in this theater tonight.”
Cochrane added that as a recent college graduate, she has received help repaying her loans. She credited that help to President Obama. Cochrane also said, “Because of Obama, I can stay on my parents health insurance until I’m 26.”
The Obama campaign at KSC has held a handful of events that appeal to the college demographic. With the election looming (Nov. 6), Ben Wessel said it best, “Every vote counts.”
Michelle Berthiaume can be contacted at mberthiaume@keene-equinox.com