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Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: News

Former first daughter Caroline Kennedy has seen many presidents come and go since her father, John F. Kennedy, took office when she was 4 years old.

"This year feels different," she said today at Youngstown State University, speaking for Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., in the Butler Institute of American Art before a crowd of mostly community members.

Fewer than a dozen students attended, despite exit polls that show Obama as the favorite among young voters, according to NPR.

"You are so lucky in Ohio," Kennedy said in her speech. "It all comes down to you."

The Harvard-educated author discussed issues central to the Obama campaign, including investing in education, helping working families and inspiring the American people. She also made frequent mention of her father, whose library awarded Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams a New Frontier Award in 2007 for his public service.

A few politically active upperclassmen showed up.

Senior Alex Mangie, president of YSU College Republicans, said he totally disagreed with Kennedy.

"I'm just checking out the competition," he said, adding that there was a good turnout.
Mangie said he voted early for Republican presidential candidate Arizona Sen. John McCain.
"In my opinion, I don't think Obama or Hillary can beat John McCain," he said. 
Junior Alison Kukla, president of Mahoning County Young Democrats, worked at the speech for the Obama campaign.

"I know a lot of undecideds are here," she said, adding that she hopes Kennedy's "inspirational" speech swayed them to Obama.

Sophomore Mark Sullivan stood in the back near the campaign volunteers during the speech, and asked one for a campaign sign afterward.

"I'll make sure I have this in my car window," he said, for undecided voters. Sullivan said he takes politics courses at YSU and watches CNN daily.

Continued...

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