First lady Michelle Obama said college voters are key to the Obama re-election campaign in a national conference call Tuesday morning.
The conference call was organized by Students for Obama, an organization dedicated to the re-election of President Barack Obama. Students for Barack Obama have chapters on college campuses across the U.S.
Michelle emphasized the importance of student voters, urging them to get involved in campaigning on their college campuses.
“College students are our biggest supporters,” she said. “You are some of the most important people in our campaign. You are leading the way for your school and your community.”
Michelle highlighted what Barack has done in the past four years concerning college education.
“Who is going to stand for you in the White House?” Michelle said.
She said the president’s support of the Pell Grant, his efforts to keep interest rates low on student loans and the implementation of tax credits for college education under his administration.
“You know how much is at stake every time you look at your tuition statement or student loan bill,” Michelle said.
As a college graduate, Michelle said she understands the importance of a degree as a ticket to a better future.
“Higher education is an economic necessity,” she said. “Education is the key to everything (Barack and I) have been able to do in our adult life.”
She said health care reforms passed under the Obama administration benefit college students.
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, young adults can remain on their parents’ healthcare plans until they are 26. The act also provides women with access to free preventative care such as mammograms.
Michelle urged students to consider these issues when voting in November.
“Barack’s got your back,” she said. “We need you to have his back, too.”
Praising Students for Obama and their efforts on campuses throughout the U.S., she urged volunteers to continue their efforts and keep working until the end.
“We want you to own this process ... keep pushing,” Michelle said.
She said students provided the energy behind Barack’s 2008 campaign, and they need that spark again.
Secondary education freshman Hugo Aguas said college students will make a difference in the presidential election.
“Obama is actually helping us,” Aguas said. “He’s been giving us more grant money than ever before, from what I have heard. Right now he’s helping us, so we have to help him.”
Social work junior Yessica Soto said she does not think college voters will impact November’s elections.
“Most college students I’ve seen aren’t really that political, so I don’t think they will make a difference,” Soto said.
Soto said even if college votes do not measurably affect the election, it is still important to vote.
“College students have to vote,” she said. “Having our voice heard, even if it’s just through a vote, makes a difference.”
Reach the reporter at tnhoman@asu.edu
