On Inauguration Day, Dems Recall Campaign Efforts

Despite miles of uphill walking, cold temperatures, and unfamiliar rural Virginian territory, 150 strong persevered with one mission in mind: to turn Loudoun County blue. It was during the trip to Virginia during Election Day weekend that the Columbia University College Democrats achieved their goals, which helped turn the tide in that state in the favor of Barack Obama, CC ’83.

As the College Democrats watched Obama give his victory speech, it was as though a piece of that victory belonged to them. Now, nearly three months later, they will relive that sense of victory en masse—this time, as Obama is inaugurated. The group will sit together in Low Plaza donning Obama paraphernalia.

“We want to be celebrating with everyone in an area where we’ll all be gathering and watching on the big screen,” College Democrats media director Avi Edelman, CC ’11, said. Edelman added that he and other group members have arranged a housing network for those traveling to Washington, D.C.

On campus, the College Democrats will put up miniature billboards in a number of locations. Each billboard will feature a photo of Obama alongside a different issue ranging from health care to war to gay rights.

“Because we are the College Democrats of Columbia University, we want to make sure from the get-go that we are voicing our opinions on the policies of the president, and these billboards will provide that awareness,” College Democrats lead activist Sarah Scheinman, BC ’12, explained. “As activists, voters, and citizens of this country, we have the privilege and duty to serve our community with our leaders. This is the first way to start that dialogue.”