Backing Obama: Students at Goshen College discuss Decision 2008

Over the past year and a half, we've heard the candidates' stances on issues, their experience, their visions, even the celebrities they're distantly related to.

So, what will guide your decision when the time comes to cast a ballot?

A group of students at Goshen College, a Mennonite school, were talking about what really matters to them in a presidential candidate.

While many of the Mennonite beliefs are traditionally conservative, the candidate these students have chosen to back, is anything but.

CNN's Rick Sanchez hosted a round table discussion with first time voters about the presidential candidates.

Six out of seven Goshen College students said they would vote for Barrack Obama, and believe he'll change America for the global good.

“Foreign policy. I really like what he has to say on that, and he has a way of engaging a health care plan which I think will work,” Adriel Santiago, a Goshen College student tells NewsCenter 16 why Obama is his candidate of choice.

So, what’s faith got to do with it?

“It influences a lot of what I want to see done action wise in politics. I wouldn’t say it influences what I think my candidate should believe nearly as much as what I think they should do,” Kenda Sprunger, a freshman at Goshen College explains.

While decision ‘08 may be wearing on lots of voters, leaders in the Mennonite community say the need for change is charging the political atmosphere at Goshen College and in the Mennonite community.

“They've always been active in terms of how they've lived, they’ve traveled the world, they’ve tried to help others, they've been there for disasters. Now I think they're rising to the occasion in terms of making political difference as well with their choices,’ Jim Brenneman, President of Goshen College

The seventh student said she would vote for Hillary Clinton. The students told us that they were most likely the liberal end of the Mennonite contingency. It was also pointed out during the discussion that when it comes to social issues, like abortion, and gay marriage, Mennonites are typically more conservative.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Jerry C. Location: Stanaway on May 10, 2008 at 02:27 AM
Abortion is a peace issue. Candidates who support abortion are bad candidates and it's a sin to vote for them.

Posted by: Henry S. on Apr 25, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Where is his plan to do this? I've got to read it.

Posted by: Pilsner Location: Obama Amabo on Apr 24, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Henry, once Obama is in office, he'll have more executive power to go forward with the problems that you mention in your email. He will solve the Baby Boomer social security problem. No worries.

Posted by: Henry S. on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Pilsner, why didn't Obama submit any bills regarding fixing Social Security as a senator, if he has such a great idea? He has submitted two bills regarding Social Security, and neither had anything to do with fixing future funding problems.

Posted by: Pilsner Location: Obama Obama on Apr 22, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Anon, at 11:24. No, that is not how Obama feels about baby boomers. I was expressing my own opinion on the matter. The first baby boomer started collecting social security last October, 2008. What has started as a single rain drop will soon turn into a full blown tsnami funding crisis. We need a strong leader like Obama to make some sensible decisions about what's going to social security. Obama has a plan for all of the major issues. Just look at his website.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 21, 2008 at 11:24 AM
So, anonymous at 11:26, is that how Obama feels about all baby boomers?

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Chaz, you moron. I'm going to try to explain this so even you can understand it. The 2008 federal budget estimates revenues at $2.6 trillion. There are about 300 million people in the US. That's $8667 per person. That means a family of four would owe almost $35,000, or about the average household income in South Bend. If it wasn't for the rich and businesses, we'd be in big trouble, wouldn't we, Chaz? Isn't it time you thanked the rich for what they do pay in taxes, so you don't have to?

Posted by: Henry S. on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Pilsner, what's the plan?

Posted by: Sounds like Obama on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:06 AM
I will eliminate the national debt in my first day in office. I will make wars illegal. I will stop all crime. I will change all diapers. I will raise the minimum wage to $25.00 per hour. I will make everything perfect.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 18, 2008 at 11:26 AM
sdb, I DO NOT agree with your comments. The recent debate was horrible, but that's not Obama's fault. I blame the moderators! They spent 45 minutes asking the wrong questions!! Too much time was wasted on insignificant topics like Rev. Wright and Hillary's unfortunate elitist comments. Obama wants to talk about the important issues such as the ecomony and health care, but he has to waste a lot of his time fending off Hillary's vitriolic attacks. I'll be so glad when the democratic party tosses her out. Obama will beat McCain in the general election. Anon, you baby boomers just need to step aside and let the younger generation make the decisions. We represent the present and future, whereas you represent the dusty past. Have fun destroying the social security system and leaving nothing behind for us. No, seriously, your generation was supposed to change the world and heal race relations, but you just made it a lot worse!! You folks are the most predjudice of all time!!!!

Posted by: anonymous Location: indiana on Apr 18, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Young people in this country have a problem of disrespecting their elders ("old people/voter"). Young people today like to act and talk as if they have all the answers. They know nothing. The "old people/voters" have lived longer, paid more taxes, seen more wars, lost more jobs, etc. Young people should wake up and pay more attention to what "old people/voters" think. That is the problem with Obama...he is too young and thinks he is "all that." He isn't "all that" and has a lot to learn. I just think it is unfortunate that he may learn at our expense.

Posted by: sdb Location: Goshen on Apr 18, 2008 at 09:16 AM
It will serve the Dems right when they lose the election (again) for nominating a blubbering moron as their "great hope" candidate..did anyone really watch the debate? Obama stammered and stuttered the whole way through it...because he had to say more than "Hope" "Change" blah blah blah

Posted by: Pilsner Location: Obama!!! on Apr 17, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Obama has an awesome and specific plan to improve the following areas: civi rights, disabilities, economy, education, energy and environment, ethics, faith, family, foreign policy, health care, home land security, immigration, Iraq, poverty, Rural America, Service, Seniors and Social Security, Technology, Veterans and so much more!!! He will heal the nation and take this country in new directions with his plan.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Apr 17, 2008 at 05:45 PM
The tax cuts Obama and Clinton voted against will effect the wealthy far more than the middle class. A full 80% of the tax cuts Bush got passed benefited the wealthiest 1%. Some real benefit huh?

Posted by: Pilsner Location: Not true on Apr 17, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Anon, None of the racist or terrorist accusuatons that make are true. There are many preachers who bring the daily news and politics into their sermons. This is not the best practice, but a common tradition in the African American church as well as many others. Rev. Wright stated his opinion. Big deal, get over it. The reason why this country is so great is because we can question the quality of our goverment and elected officials by way of an informal system of checks and balances. Verbal attacks and questions lodged against the government are acually a way of keeping this country free and strong. This is what seperates us from places like Russia and China. I know many folks (including Obama) do not agree with Rev. Wright's opinion and that's perfectly ok. The terrorist accusation is a tired joke. As I've stated before, if Obama had any significant ties with a terrorist organization, FOX News Network would be all over it. Even FOX knows this accusation is not good dirt.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Obama and Clinton already voted for a tax increase on the middle class by voting against extending Bush's tax cut.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:39 PM
wake up america do u really want obama for president he is nothing but a liar in everything he saids for you that have voted for obama i hope you know what your doing i read alot ob obamas church and guess what his church is racist against us whites obama will say he didnt know but that is another one of his lies he knew hes been going their for so long how in the world would you not know obama all he is going to do is lie and lie and hes not going to do us any good

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Apr 16, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Obama is not a Muslim and if you think that he is, you're either willfully ignorant or lying to yourself. Pick your poison. As for him raising taxes. Bet on it. For the richest 1% of Americans. In the past 7 years, much of the tax burden has moved form the wealthy to the middle class. This is the only war where there has not been a tax increase. If there had been, the country would not have accepted the war for as long as we have. Obama might have to raise taxes to undo the huge financial mess Bush has gotten us into. Clinton had to in order to offset Reagan and Bush Sr's financial idiocy. It just like at home with your credit cards kids. You can't spend more than you make and at some point, someone has to fix it by raising taxes. You can't cut taxes and then that magically makes more money. If it was that simple, wouldn't we do it at home? Every republican in 30 years has increased the size of the federal government, budget and deficit. Clinton cut all 3 and Obama will do the same.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 16, 2008 at 04:30 PM
He may stink, but I'm all for BO

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:54 PM
More good news for Obama. He has the endorsement of The New Black Panther Party.

Posted by: Fred on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Is USAToday.com independent enough for you, Pilsner? http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-04-15-obamainside_N.htm

Posted by: Fred on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Explain this one, Pilsner... http://www.saidia.org/2008/02/20/keeping-obama-on-our-side-contribute-to-moveonorg/

Posted by: The true Obama on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:36 PM
http://www.stop-obama.org/?p=449

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Pilsner, no he is not taking into account the interests of the American people. Most of his contributions are from offshore.

Posted by: Beverly Location: Goshen on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:54 PM
I like Ron Paul, and he's still in the race!

Posted by: SICK OF OBAMA PEOPLE! on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Alum -holier than thou- Get off that high horse! You should not judge people!

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:47 PM
I am voting for Hillary. I do not want another Peanut farmer candidate for Pres. When we have a crisis, all Obama would do is talk talk talk, and all they would do is bomb, bomb us. Anyone that thinks one person can bring about a change is plain stupid. It takes Congress to do that. Obama is a to liberal for me. I am so afraid that if he is elected President, we will have another Iranian Hostage crisis somewheere in the world and he won't do anything at all. At least Bush went after the terriost. I don't agree with all that is going on in Irag, but we dare not pull out now, as there would be such a genacide. Also, some people are so stuck up that you would critize someone spending. Also, don't call me an old person. I have been aroung the block a few times, while some of you young people have fallen for his smooth talk. He doesn't own the white house, and he never will.

Posted by: Mike Location: Nappanne on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Wow, what an intelligent group of young people! Oh, that's right they have no real world experience and live the security of their "college lives". They have no clue and that's just too bad!

Posted by: Fred on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Nick, Pilsner has been completely mesmerized by Obama. He cannot say what Obama is going to do, other than he's a great leader, motivator and he wants to end the war.

Posted by: Pilsner Location: Obama all the way! on Apr 16, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Steve, it does not really matter if they are liberal or conservative. Obama is drawing votes from both democrats and republicans. Fred open your eyes and dewax your ears. I have mentioned about many things that Obama will do. Obama speaks for himself. It's your turn to do your work and read over all of the candidates plans and listen carefully to their talks. You will see that Obama is looking out for the best interests of all Americans.

Posted by: GC Alum Location: Seattle on Apr 16, 2008 at 01:26 PM
I think everyone is entitled to their opinions. If you want McCain, that's fine. But please don't say that someone with a different opinion is uneducated and naive. That makes you look threatened, and that kind of emotional "lashing-out" is what disheartens young people about politics today. It's risky to back him, but perhaps it's risky not to and let things stay the same. If he ends up being a liar, then we haven't exactly gone backward. If these students want to throw in their lot with someone who seems to offer a new path, let them. At least they're involved. Would you feel better if they backed Clinton?

Posted by: Mike Location: Nappanee on Apr 16, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Obama is running his campaign on the pure statement that America sucks! You can not insult the country like that! You can't expect a single person to make the world perfect overnight.

Posted by: Steve Location: Goshen on Apr 16, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I live in Goshen all my life. The word conservative does not come to mind when I think of Goshen College. Goshen College is anything but conservative. They are a liberal thinking institution. They are not conservative by any stretch of the imagination.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:52 AM
What kind of irresponsible journalism interviews seven people, not at random, and reports it as if the entire school body feels the same way?

Posted by: Jim Location: Bethel on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I did a similar poll on campus at Bethel. Six voted for McCain and one voted for Hillary. I guess that makes the margin for error on both polls at about 100%, doesn't it?

Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Wow, six of seven, all from one location, and the seven were picked by one of the seven. That sounds scientific to me. What was the margin for error on that poll, anyway?

Posted by: ANNONYMOUS Location: PLYMOUTH on Apr 16, 2008 at 09:58 AM
While it is right for every citizen of the USA to form their own opinion and support whomever they want, i hope the younger generation is making their decision based on the facts and not the personal appeal. I also find it interesting that Al Sharpton is backing obama mainly because he is a black muslim in America. Obama is only half black, he was raised by a white mother and white grandparents. He is also a muslim who refuses to recognize our national anthem. Before your red flags go up accusing me of being a racist, think of the comments his pastor made. But i'm sure you'll defend him by saying he knew nothing about it. If you truely believe that then your opinion and vote is not well educated.

Posted by: Rich Location: Niles on Apr 16, 2008 at 09:18 AM
As an alumnus of this school I can say this......who the heck cares what you think. When I was at GC these idiots picketed Super Walmart, for "hurting small business" because there was nothing better to protest in the news at the time. Keep your head in the sand kids...it's more useful there.

Posted by: Nick on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Who is this Pilsner guy? He is posting everywhere for a guy who is basically a crimnal, they just haven't proven it yet.

Posted by: UNREAL on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:25 AM
While many of the Mennonite beliefs are traditionally conservative, the candidate these students have chosen to back, is anything but. THEN WHY VOTE OBAMA, WHO IS GOING TO RAISE TAXES?!!!

Posted by: Jen Location: Goshen on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Anonymous: If you are going to try to discredit Barack Obama, then Please Please spell correctly. Just becuase a union has decided to support Obama does not mean that he takes money from the "union". Now if a person in that union who is an individual decides to donate then that is not taking money from the union itself. Also, if you are going to spell diplomats then please spell it correctly. I think these young people have a right to make the decision for whoever they want. Here is the difference between OLD and Young Voters. Old voters are set in their ways and refuse to change their minds when it comes to politics. Young people are able to see the positive side of each candidate and then base their opinion solely on what they think will make a better president. They do not have a clouded vision of how politics should be. I am not saying all old people resist change but there is alot of them that do.

Posted by: One Word on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:24 AM
They go to Goshen College. That should say it all. Choose a real school then maybe your opinions would matter

Posted by: Fred on Apr 16, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Pilsner, so Obama is going to "heal our wounds"? How is he going to do that? When are you going to tell us what Obama is going to do?

Posted by: LIESOMEMORETOME on Apr 16, 2008 at 07:08 AM
So many young people are being taken in by this man! TELL ME WHAT I WANT TO HEAR! PROMISES, PROMISES! OBAMA IS NOTHING BUT A LIAR!

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 16, 2008 at 12:22 AM
I wish to remind these young students, that one person can not bring about changes, as Obama is promising. The changes need to come through Congress. Also, the man is lieing in his commercials. One, he does not own the White House, we own it. We only allow our Presdent to use it for four or eight years. Second, he claims he does not take PSC or lobbiest money, but he has been endorsed by numerous unions. What group is one of the biggest Pacs and lobbiest, but unions. He also reminds me of a former President, who because of his lack of knowledge of foreign policy, especially the Middle East, has got is into the Mess we are in now. If he would have gone into IRan when they kidnapped our dipolmates and held them hostage, we wouldn't have the problems we have now.

Posted by: Pilsner Location: Obama Nation!! on Apr 16, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Awesome! It sounds like 6 out of 7 students in this discussion are making the right decision! It's good to see such wisdom out of the mouth of the younger generation! Obama will help to heal our wounded relations with our foreign partners. I like the fact that he is committed to meeting with them. We need to keep our foreign national friends and enemies as close to the vest as possible. Go Obama!!