Columbia University was swarming with people tonight as the two giants in the race for the nation's most powerful and coveted position participated in the same forum (but were interviewed separately; we were hoping it was going to be a political debate) at the university auditorium. Woah, the steps of Low library and the surrounding areas were packed with students like me who probably tried their luck at the lottery (that secured winners with seats in the auditorium) but weren't that lucky after all. The university placed this huge screen in front of the low library so that students can watch the forum live, and perhaps enjoy a little picnic and hangout time with friends.
The forum started at around 7.30 p.m., and we bought some sandwiches and choped our seats at a strategic location just before the screen. Scores and scores of students just crammed the area and soon every spot of empty space was filled. I would really like to upload these photos, but I forgot to bring my camera--bad timing to take my cam out of my handbag when I carry it with me most of the time--and the photos are still in the camera phone we used to snap a few shots. So some other time yah.
But anyway, you can imagine the scale of this. It's machiam Singaporeans going to Comex at Expo or Christians going for FOP. Tonight's meeting between the two senators is also especially meaningful to Columbia University. Well, maybe just the appearance of that one person that makes this a particularly significant one for all Columbia students I guess. Democrat presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama, is a Columbia alum and a hot favorite among the crowd at Columbia--I'm sure there are some Republican supporters though.
Tonight both candidates were here to talk about national service. National service here does not mean draft or NS like what it is commonly referred to in Singapore. They were both at Columbia to talk about their commitment and plans for citizens to contribute in their service to the nation. Today marked the anniversary of September 11 and I suppose TIME magazine who organized this event deemed it appropriate to pay tribute to people who serve the country, and also decided to engage the candidates in a conversation about their individual blueprints for national service. It was nice because both casted down their political cat-fight for the night and in one accord rallied the nation to move beyond themselves and to serve others.
A funny moment appeared at the start when the tech crew were still fixing problems with the screening. Just as the picture came on, this Black person was shown taking to the stage to give a speech and many in the crowd, thinking it was Obama, stood up to give him a standing ovation. When his frontal view presented itself, you could just hear chuckling in the crowd. Excitement just took over and fooled by their perceptions everyone assumed the man was Obama. One could just sense the enthusiasm towards the Columbia alum in the crowd. It was hilarious seeing students jeer or scrunch their faces as McCain spoke, and observing the contrasting reactions when Obama took to the stage. And that was no surprise because when Obama spoke you could tell the difference. In my opinion, McCain's words had little substance in comparison to the university hot favorite. Obama's replies were substantiated with concrete plans and sound policy. I admired those answers. I won't say I have become an Obama fan tonight like those people wearing Obama t-shirts, but I must say that he's my preferred choice between the two.
It's a great time to be here in America when things are shaking and reforms in the government are about to take place. People seem to be yearning for change and clear direction towards a better future. Everyone is eager to vote and waiting for elections to come so that a new government can right some wrongs and bring about betterment for the citizenry. Whatever it is, we should pray for good leadership because the US is the world's power and its influence on other countries are far-reaching and tremendous. It's going to an exciting time in history!
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