2008 Woodie Awards
Stars stump for Democrat
Shantrice Radford
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: Election 2008
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Actor-comedian Chris Tucker and actress Kerry Washington spoke in support of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama recently in front of a large crowd in the University Center.
Washington, known for her work in movies such as "Ray," "Save the Last Dance" and "The Last King of Scotland," said during the Jan. 22 visit that she backs the Illinois senator because of his principles, not his skin color.
"The candidate I've chosen was based on principles and values," she said. "He wants to build bridges and make people come together. We have to come together and start acting like a country, and the only way we're going to do that is with somebody new and fresh who doesn't bring a lot of that baggage."
Tucker, best known for his work in "Rush Hour" and "Friday," said he thinks Obama would improve the nation.
"I know the Clintons, and I know Barack, and I'm going with him because that's how I feel," Tucker said. "...He has hope. I believe in what he's saying and he'd heal the country in a lot of different ways."
After saying that, a student asked him again why he liked Obama.
"Dude, I just told you!" he said, but repeated his answer anyway.
Students were invited to a question-and-answer session with the celebrities, and several hard-hitting questions were asked. Though Tucker was the headliner, Washington answered most of the questions. Tucker, however, offered his opinions when asked directly.
When one student asked if Obama planned on raising teachers' salaries, Washington indicated that they didn't know the answer.
"If that's not already part of the plan, we'll mention it to him tonight," Washington said.
They said Obama thinks it will take time before results can be seen when it comes to ending the war in Iraq.
"I want to quote something that Obama says all the time," Washington said. "He wants to be as careful coming out as we were careless going in."
When asked whether they thought the United States is ready for a black president, Tucker and Washington both replied, "Hell yeah!"
Washington elaborated.
"He's offering truth and a commitment to this political game in an honest way," she said.
Tucker encouraged students to vote.
"Make a decision," he said. "If you're old enough to vote, go vote - and take it seriously. Even if you don't think your vote counts, do it anyway. How many things do you do already where you don't know if they count or not?"
Freshman Clementia Nelson said students seemed to be more interested in the celebrities than the politics.
"The overall event was cool," Nelson said. "I think spectators lost focus on Obama and gained focus on the celebrities for a moment, though. Other than that, I think the event was beneficial toward the Obama campaign."
Freshman John Ansah said the event made him hopeful.
"They answered questions I've been thinking about," Ansah said. "It gives me hope that America's going to be better."
Freshman Ebony Morris said she went to hear a celebrity point of view on the elections.
R&B Singer Usher Raymond IV originally was slated to appear with Washington, but he canceled after the death of his father.
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