UW-Madison’s Students for John Edwards is working to build a grassroots organization on campus this semester.
According to Peter Rickman, SFJE co-chair, the core group leaders are organizing recruitment and outreach on campus to “build a larger set of people who are going to be able to impact this race in Wisconsin and Iowa.”
SFJE is emphasizing the grassroots campaigning technique to impact both Wisconsin and the primary states.
Rickman said through events, the group hopes to bring students Edwards’s message for “building one America.”
In addition to campaigning in Wisconsin, the group is planning to travel to Iowa this weekend to contact the caucus participants.
Rickman said the group is keeping up with “the kind of thing that really lends itself to having a 21st century campaign,” like using new media devices such as Facebook, YouTube and MySpace.
UW-Madison journalism professor Dhavan Shah said Facebook is successful in indicating “which presidential candidate [a student may] affiliate with.”
According to Shah, the membership of student political organizations on Facebook “highlights the fact that [students are] likely to vote.”
“I’m starting to think politics is the ‘new black’ on college campuses,” Shah joked. “It’s almost a way of showing your fashion or showing your allegiance or identity.”
Shah described Edwards as a “not terribly experienced candidate,” but noted his experience running as a vice presidential candidate in 2004.
Emma Mason, a UW-Madison freshman and group member, said she hopes the group can spread Edwards’ word on campus.
“He’s kind of in the shadow because he’s not as well-known as some of the other candidates,” Mason said.
The group hopes to shift the focus of the election to issues other than just the battle between Obama and Clinton.
Some of the group’s incentives for joining the group have been Edwards’ history and how it has shaped him into the politician he is today.
“He’s a totally self-made man. We can trust him in that sense,” Mason said.
His message “Creating One America” emphasizes his goals to eliminate the gap in social statuses and promote universal health care.
The group has its kickoff meeting Sunday, Sept. 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Union South.
