Unlike the last presidential election, this time ETSU student James Matthews knows exactly who he is voting for. Having developed a passionate interest in politics, he is proud to say he will be voting Democrat. Like many college students, he has made the decision to vote for Barack Obama instead of John McCain. 

According to the Obama/Biden student Web site, students between the ages of 18 and 29 support Obama over McCain 2-1.

“Like most of these students, it is easy to see what this country needs, and we need a change,” said Matthews, who considers himself to have moderate views.

Growing up in a middle-class household in Kingsport, he believes his parents had no influence on his decision because they do not share the same opinions. 

“I believe a little more in giving back to the community and our country as a whole, although in a sense, understand the Republican idea of getting what you earn,” said Matthews, a junior. “I feel like Obama would represent the people as a whole as opposed to McCain, who has more of a class-divided appeal throughout his campaigns.

“The country will go one way or the other and right now we really need an ‘about the people’ mindset,” he said. 

When asked whether he was pro-choice, he responded by saying, “I do not necessarily agree with abortion, but I believe it is the women’s choice. So, yes, I am pro-choice.”

Another concern of Matthews was offshore drilling. He believes if McCain has the power to expand offshore drilling, he will focus on that instead of on conserving oil. 

“For example, if we elect McCain, he has Sarah Palin, who being from Alaska, has the resources to offshore drill. That will be his gateway to drill more and more, and I do not agree with that mindset.”

Dave Whitney, a high school friend of Matthews and a pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines, has a different opinion. He interrupted Matthews by saying, “Why do you think we bought Alaska in the first place? It is a huge oil reserve. It is allowing us to drill. That’s the point. McCain is taking advantage of it, while new solutions can be made. 

“Health care is a big issue for me,” said Whitney, who will be voting for McCain. “McCain and Obama were both asked in a debate whether they believed health care was a ‘right’ or ‘responsibility.’ Obama said a ‘right’ and McCain said a ‘privilege.’” 

Whitney agreed with McCain, saying, “Health care isn’t a ‘right.’ It is something that we have as a privilege and that we have to work for.”

While Whitney is sure that McCain is the better candidate for presidency, Matthews said he is ready for a change.

“It comes down to how much you are willing to pay,” he said, “financially, economically, and mentally, to achieve the goals we have as a country.”