New Hampshire Institute of Politics

Students Elect Barack Obama for President at "Kids Voting" Event

November 5, 2012 By Saint Anselm College

More than 200 fourth, fifth and sixth grade New Hampshire students participated in a mock election at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics & Political Library at Saint Anselm College on Nov. 5.

Students elected Barack Obama for President, Maggie Hassan for New Hampshire Governor, Carol Shea-Porter for first congressional district of the U.S. House of Representatives and Annie Kuster for the second congressional district of the U.S. House of Representatives as part of Kids Voting USA.

President:

Gary Johnson—3

Barack Obama—123

Mitt Romney—58

Governor:

John Babiarz—15

Maggie Hassan—122

Ovide Lamontagne—45

CD1:

Frank Guinta—73

Carol Shea-Porter—98

CD2:

Charlie Bass—39

Annie Kuster—64

Students were joined by Governor John Lynch and Secretary of state Bill Gardner who spoke about the importance of voting, talked about what qualities are important in a candidate and why New Hampshire is unique. WMUR-TV’s Tom Griffith emceed the event.

Four area schools were in attendance and include: Green Valley School in Pembroke, St. Francis School in Litchfield, New Searles School in Nashua, and Bicentennial Elementary also in Nashua.

Students also participated in voting games, presidential trivia and a change-chain activity that will connect their wishes for the next United States President.

During the month of October and ending on Nov. 6, the Institute assisted over 40 NH schools, 7,000 students (K-12) with a remote mock election using DoubleClick Democracy, an online voting service hosted by Kids Voting USA. Results of this mock-voting exercise for the offices of President, Governor, and U.S. House of Representatives will be available on Nov. 7.

Filed Under: Campus News, New Hampshire Institute of Politics Tagged With: 2012, Election 2012, Kids Voting, New Hampshire, Saint Anselm College

Campaign 2012: A Look Back

January 12, 2012 By Cory True

"At Saint Anselm, it is part of our educational mission to help students develop the skills and wisdom they need to live in and help lead our nation. Our New Hampshire Institute of Politics, founded more than 10 years ago, embodies that mission not only for our students but also the citizens of our state."

Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., President, Saint Anselm College

In the Granite State, it's all politics, all the time. Home of the first-in-the-nation presidential primary, New Hampshire citizens and Saint Anselm students are presented with extraordinary opportunities to interact with the men and women who seek our nation's highest office. The 2012 campaign has moved on to South Carolina, and beyond, leaving New Hampshire to ponder the campaign that was. Here is our look back at campaign 2012.

Where Students Enroll in Election 101

New Hampshire's Saint Anselm College Comes Alive for Presidential Primaries

"At tiny Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire…the student body of 1,899 pulses with politics. Every four years, as the state heads into its first-in-the-nation presidential primary, the college is transformed into a hub of campaigning, town-hall meetings and high-profile debates. The gym becomes a press room, and campaign signs line Saint Anselm Drive. CNN blasts from televisions in the campus coffee shop, where display cases brim with political paraphernalia and students can be heard arguing over who will be the last candidate standing…" (Wall Street Journal, 1/6/12)

Building Buzz…

A visit by General David Petraeus to the college for a conversation in March 2010 (video) resulted in much chatter on whether the visit to the college was the precursor to a Presidential bid. Shortly after the four-star General's visit, he would be assigned as commander of the International Security Assistance Force and Commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan. Petraeus now serves as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Here Come the Candidates…

Candidates, and soon to be candidates turn to Saint Anselm College and the New Hampshire Institute of Politics as "something of a proving ground" says Carl Cameron, chief political correspondent for Fox News Channel. Accordingly, it was no surprise to see many of the 2012 candidates visit early, and often.

A New Hampshire Town Hall Meeting
Gov. Rick Perry, Joined by AZ Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

A Policy Address: Entitlement Reform
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich

No Apology: The Case for American Greatness
Former Gov. Mitt Romney

Newt Gingrich Forum
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich

America in Danger: The Mounting Financial Crisis and How Liberty Can Save Us
U.S. Congressman Ron Paul (TX-14)

Student Perspective: Inside America's Classroom…

Students participating in the EN330 "political communication" course were be invited by Fr. Jerome Day, O.S.B. to submit their weekly logs to the Saint Anselm College blog, offering a glimpse inside "America's Classroom" as we approached the 2012 New Hampshire primary.

"Who determines who the front-runner is in an election cycle? Is a candidate given the title of front-runner based simply on his or her credentials or is it based on how much fame they have obtained over the years? My naivety led me to believe that a candidate was given the title of front-runner based solely on his or her credentials and what they had done for America. However, through the start of this semester, I have begun to realize that it is the media who controls who the front-runner is in a presidential election." (Student Lyndsay Robinson 9/12/11)

Debates and Conversations…

Saint Anselm College was a media hub once again during the 2012 cycle, hosting nationally televised debates with CNN (June, 2011) and ABC News (January, 2012). You can click the date links for coverage from the Saint Anselm College blog, including video, behind the scenes student blogs, and more.

Your Voice, Your Vote: ABC News (Click for full debate video, courtesy of ABC)

The college also sponsored a Lincoln-Douglas style conversation between Jon Huntsman and Newt Gingrich in November, 2011 garnering international attention for it's one-on-one style. (View our photo gallery)

Meeting the 'Lesser-Known' Candidates…

New Hampshire, $1,000 and a signature is all it takes to get onto the primary ballot. In 2012, 44 candidates registered. 35 of these 'lesser known' individuals were invited to appear at the NHIOP. Each candidate made an opening statement and responded to questions, in a broadcast aired by C-SPAN.

Filed Under: Featured Campus News, Featured Campus News, Featured Politics, New Hampshire Institute of Politics

Creating A Conversation

December 12, 2011 By Cory True

Friday morning, following the conclusion of the Cory Booker town-hall, three Saint Anselm College staff huddled for a discussion. The campaigns of Newt Gingrich and Jon Huntsman had approached the Saint Anselm College Republicans to sponsor (with the New Hampshire Institute of Politics serving as host) a Lincoln-Douglas style debate (we settled on calling it a conversation), and the time had come to decide where we would assemble an interested audience, the media, and the candidates.

It would be appropriate to mention at this point that by Friday morning, there were hundreds of requests for seats, and members of the foreign press from Germany, Switzerland and Japan had inquired about covering this event.

"What do you think?" asked Neil Levesque, Executive Director of the NHIOP.

We settled on relocating from the NHIOP auditorium to the Dana Center stage, and so started approximately 72 hours of phone calls, emails, meetings and countless spreadsheets and seating diagrams.

In a 12-hour marathon on Saturday, the audience was assembled, email confirmations were sent, and our media list grew to more than 50.

Sunday featured email conversations about finding matching American flags for the backdrop, buying 200 credentials at a local Staples, and figuring out how to accommodate the press list as it surged towards 100.

As we all signed off our iPhones and iPads around midnight on Sunday, we saw a story from the BBC: "Republicans Gingrich and Huntsman to hold epic debate." (No stress to live up to expectations!)

Republican presidential hopefuls Newt Gingrich and Jon Huntsman plan to hold a debate styled on the historic 1858 tussles between Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas.

Their campaigns say the debate, to be held on Monday 12 December at St Anselm College in New Hampshire, will provide a detailed exploration of their positions and views for the country

As Monday dawned, Saint Anselm College did what it does best: welcome our guests with the highest of hospitality: from offering a family on an admission visit with a private tour of the hall as the set was under construction, to greeting "Campaign Carl" of Fox News Channel as an old friend who spends so much time on campus he knows us by name too.

The press assembled, the audience filled in, the candidates appeared on stage.

For 90 minutes, two candidates discussed the issues on the same stage where Humanities lectures are offered four days a week, and where in early January, the full candidate field will appear for our ABC News, WMUR debate.

Following a brief press conference, Jon Huntsman walked up to the coffee shop, entering to a round of applause, and ever-so-briefly interrupting students from their dinner, or studying (it is finals week, after all) to say hello, and ask how exams were going. The candidate walked behind the counter to greet the staff (and grab a few french fries).

And then it was over.

Campaign vehicles headed out to the next event, the media filed their video, stories and photos, and the college staff enjoyed an ever-so-brief moment of pause.

No time to rest though, the primary, and our next debate, is less than a month away. Just another day in "America's Classroom"

Filed Under: N.H. Presidential Primary Debates, New Hampshire Institute of Politics, New Hampshire Primary

Students Tell Their Stories to the Wall Street Journal

December 12, 2011 By Laurie Morrissey

After her morning exam, English major Amanda Brahm sat down in the NHIOP and told a Wall Street Journal reporter about an experience she will never forget: standing in for presidential candidate Mitt Romney during rehearsals for the June 13 Republican primary debate on campus. She learned the candidate’s position and gave accurate answers to the moderator (a classmate standing in for CNN chief national correspondent John King). Meanwhile, technicians did sound and lighting checks in preparation for the live national broadcast.

Amanda Brahm stands in for Governor Mitt Romney at the June 2011 presidential primary debate.

The reporter, Jennifer Levitz, wanted to know what it is like to be at Saint Anselm College during a presidential election cycle. These students had numerous up-close-and-personal experiences to relate.

“I have friends who go to college in Washington, D.C. and they’ve never had experiences like this,” said Lyndsay Robinson. “I’ve met every single candidate at least three times.”

Although she is a Romney supporter, Robinson will be assisting candidate Newt Gingrich during this afternoon’s Lincoln-Douglas style debate with Jon Huntsman.

Jake Wagner talked about being an intern in the Huntsman campaign. The passionate politics major and Huntsman supporter (with a minor in campaign management) has been a political addict since the age of eight, and is executive director of the Saint Anselm College Republicans.

Unlike Robinson and Wagner, Brahm is more interested in the election process than in a particular candidate.

As the students chatted with the Wall Street Journal reporter, MSNBC’s broadcast of political coverage played on the NHIOP’s wide screen TV in the background. For Saint Anselm students who want to get a closer look at politics in progress, the opportunities are unlimited.

This post was submitted by Laurie Morrissey.

Filed Under: Featured Campus News, Featured Politics, N.H. Presidential Primary Debates, N.H. Presidential Primary Debates, New Hampshire Institute of Politics, New Hampshire Primary, Politics

Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker Stumps for Barack Obama

December 11, 2011 By Cory True

Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey made a reading day stop at The New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College Friday, December 9 on behalf of the reelection campaign of President Obama. During his speech, recorded by C-SPAN for broadcast hours later, Booker discussed his support for the President, focusing on education, among other topics.

Anselmian Keith Charles, a member of the Saint Anselm Student Democrats provided the student introduction for Mayor Booker. He spoke to The Union Leader, at the conclusion of the event:

“Mayor Booker is very inspiring,” Charles said. “I asked him what drives him every day, and he said, ‘If you can make a difference, then that's what matters.

Filed Under: New Hampshire Institute of Politics, New Hampshire Primary

New Hampshire Voters Taking a Second Look at Gingrich

December 5, 2011 By Barbara Leblanc

Saint Anselm College professor Elizabeth Ossoff

Newt Gingrich at NHIOP at Saint Anselm College on November 21, 2011.

Newt Gingrich at New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College on November 21, 2011.

Regarding Newt Gingrich’s recent rise in the New Hampshire polls against long time frontrunner Mitt Romney, Professor Elizabeth Ossoff, director of the research center at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, says:

“One could say that Gingrich is the anti-Romney ‘Candidate of the Month.’ But the combination of national news accounts showing Gingrich’s rise in the polls and the New Hampshire Union Leader’s recent endorsement, which anointed Gingrich as a ‘true conservative,’ may have New Hampshire voters taking a second look. Perhaps Gingrich appeals to their desire to not be pigeon-holed. New Hampshire voters do the unexpected at times. Sometimes we react against that which is expected of us. Maybe the expectation that New Hampshire would definitely go for Romney rubs some voters the wrong way, and has led them to reassess their choice now that the primary is closer at hand.”

Professor Ossoff’s research interests include the psychology of political behavior, from perspective of both the voter and the candidate. She is also interested in politics and the media, and the psychology of gender.

Elizabeth Ossoff, Ph.D, Professor of Psychology at Saint Anselm College.

Director of the research center at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Professor Ossoff speaks to reporters frequently about public attitudes toward politics and candidates, gender and politics and other themes. She has been interviewed by CNN, New England Cable News, New Hampshire Pubilc Radio, the Associated Press, The New York Times and other news outlets.

To speak to Professor Ossoff, please call Barbara LeBlanc at (603) 641-7241 (office) or (603) 486-8760 (cell).

This post was submitted by Barbara Leblanc.

Filed Under: Faculty Experts, New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Politics, Presidential Candidates Tagged With: elizabeth ossoff, newt gingrich

Governor Rick Perry Town Hall Meeting

November 29, 2011 By Cory True

Texas Governor Rick Perry is the latest candidate to visit the New Hampshire Institute of Politics and Political Library at Saint Anselm College in this increasingly busy campaign cycle. Appearing in front of an array of local, regional and national reporters, including NHIOP advisory board member and journalist Mark Halperin, Perry introduced Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio who endorsed the candidate earlier today. Saint Anselm remains a must-stop venue for candidates and the media in New Hampshire, and will host a nationally televised debate in early January preceding the first-in-the-nation primary.

Filed Under: New Hampshire Institute of Politics, New Hampshire Primary, Politics

Newt Gingrich Town Hall Meeting

November 22, 2011 By Barbara Leblanc

Newt Gingrich signs a book for a Saint Anselm College student at NHIOP.

Newt Gingrich made a swing through New Hampshire Monday, stopping at the college’s New Hampshire Institute of Politics to present his alternative to Social Security. Speaking to an audience of more than 200 students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the general community, Gingrich said he would give young workers the option of investing their payroll taxes in private accounts, rather than in traditional Social Security. Gingrich, who has been topping the polls nationally, remains behind Mitt Romney in all but one New Hampshire poll, which has the two in a statistical dead heat. Gingrich took questions from the audience and then met privately with about 20 Saint Anselm students.

This post was submitted by Barbara Leblanc.

Filed Under: Featured Campus News, Featured Campus News, Featured Politics, New Hampshire Institute of Politics, New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Politics, Presidential Candidates, Presidential Candidates

Ron Paul takes first place in Kids Primary at NHIOP

November 17, 2011 By Barbara Leblanc

Ron Paul would beat New Hampshire front runner Mitt Romney and even President Barack Obama if the state’s fifth and sixth graders were the ones to choose.

In fact, Romney came in fourth in the Kids Primary Thursday, which involved more than 250 grade school voters from schools across state at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.

A strong plurality – 83, in all – gave Paul the nod. Second place Michele Bachman received 63 votes, Herman Cain, 43, and Mitt Romney, who leads in many polls in New Hampshire, just 40. Rick Perry received 10 votes and other candidates were in the single digits. Students, who had the option of voting Democratic, gave President Barack Obama 39 votes.

Students from schools in Manchester, Nashua, Derry, Pembroke, Gorham, Jaffrey and Somersworth took part in the event, where they learned about the first-in-the-nation primary from Secretary of State Bill Gardner and Gov. John Lynch.

Photos of Governor Lynch and Secretary Gardner are available on the Saint Anselm College Flickr site.

Here's a sampling of the coverage:

The New York Times (The Caucus): And the Winner in New Hampshire Is …

The votes are in in the first-in-the-nation primary state — at least the votes among 250 fifth and sixth graders from across New Hampshire who voted in the Kids Primary conducted by the Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College in Manchester.

Their choice? Ron Paul, who beat out all the Republican candidates as well as President Obama.

Perhaps Mr. Paul’s victory in this setting should come as no surprise – what 10 or 11-year-old child wouldn’t like his libertarian (“I’m NOT the boss of you!”) message?

Union Leader: Paul is kids' choice in presidential straw poll

Gov. John Lynch headlined the event for elementary school kids, which was moderated by WMUR anchor Tom Griffith and featured N.H. Secretary of State Bill Gardner.

“Remember, there is no right or wrong answer in who you select,” said Griffith. “You as the next generation of voters will have that same opportunity, and that same responsibility to look over the candidates and make educated decisions about who you think would be the best.”

Lynch spoke to the importance of the New Hampshire primary, saying that in other states people only see the candidates on television or at super-sized events. “In New Hampshire you get to meet them in small groups, and I'm convinced it makes (them) better candidates. I'm also convinced it makes them better presidents, because it forces them to connect with real people.”

Politico: Kids for Ron Paul

We wrote earlier this week about the fading youth enthusiasm for Obama — among the under-16 set, that is. And new poll of pre-teen New Hampshire students offers some unscientific support for the anecdotes we've been hearing.

Also, the kids' new apparent favorite? Ron Paul.

Filed Under: New Hampshire Institute of Politics, New Hampshire Primary

White House Calling

November 11, 2011 By Cory True

Lorie Cochran at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics receives any number of phone calls every day. Juggling duties for the department of politics and the administration of the NHIOP, Cochran occasionally receives phone calls that most of us wouldn't know how to respond to. One such situation: a call from the White House looking for students to assist in Vice President Biden's recent trip to New Hampshire.

A group of Saint Anselm students pause for a photo with N.H. Governor John Lynch before the Vice President's event in Concord, New Hampshire.

Without pause, Cochran took down the request, alongside the note that CBS News is looking for Saint Anselm students to work with the network during the upcoming primary.

With typical Anselmian efficiency, emails were sent, buzz spread among students, and within moments, replies started bouncing back from Blackberry and iPhone-laden students looking to participate.

Three students, Theodore Groh, Kristin Zanotti and Marko Samardzic were presented with a truly unique opportunity: the chance to drive in the Vice President's motorcade. The students were asked to meet with White House staff on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. and then report on Thursday at 9 a.m. to spend the day driving the VP's staff around the state.

"Driving around NH in Vice President Joe Biden's motorcade on Thursday! SO excited, love the opportunities Saint A's and the @nhiop provide!," Tweeted Zanotti.

A larger group of students were able to attend the Vice President's speech in Concord, and gained access to a press availability prior to Mr. Biden's arrival. The Saint Anselm students were front and center as Governor Lynch, Secretary of State Bill Gardner, Ovid Lamontagne, and former Governor Stephen Merrill all took time to speak with the students, and pose for photos.

Photo courtesy of Vallerie Stein '14

Filed Under: New Hampshire Institute of Politics, New Hampshire Primary