Clinton for Childers

Former President Bill Clinton visited The Grove, located on the University of Mississippi’s main campus, on Thursday, October 14. He was accompanied by the Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood, Congressman Travis Childers, and the Mayor of Oxford, George “Pat” Patterson. All were there to speak on the importance of voting and to endorse Congressman Childers in his race for re-election.

The rally was set to begin at 11:45 a.m. however, the former president was delayed and did not arrive on stage until 12:50 p.m. Many members of the crowd became impatient and irritated, but it seemed as if none left and more continued to arrive as the day progressed. “I think it’s pretty lame that there’s 3,000 people out here and he’s hanging out with people at The Lyceum and not showing up,” Corlee Madden, an attendee at the rally, said.

However, when Clinton arrived his speech captivated the crowd and encouraged many reluctant voters to go out to the polls for this election, and vote for Travis Childers.  “Folks, you’ve got a great congressman,” Clinton said.

Clinton made a point to talk about the rising costs of student loans and how it was affecting the college graduation ratio throughout his speech. “We dropped from first to ninth in adults with a four year degree in the world, but we were still the first in the percentage of adults going to college,” Clinton said. He worked this into his campaign for Childers by stating he voted for the bill that helped to reform and improve the student loan program.

The former president suggested absentee ballots for those who did not want to drive to their counties to vote and explained how to obtain one. 

“We don’t want to think, we just make up our mind and we get mad and we say this is what I’m going to do, do not bother me with the facts. I’m telling you, on this campus, it is time to think about this election,” Clinton said. 

As the rally came to a close, Clinton quoted William Faulkner, who has a unique and personal tie to Oxford. “Our tragedy today is a general and universal fear... I believe that man will not only endure, he will prevail,” Clinton said. 

He then further wished everyone well and left us with a statement of hope.  “All of you have dreams, and I want you to be able to live your dreams. I want you to have the same opportunities I did. I believe this countries best days are ahead,” Clinton said.


Republican Candidate Alan Nunnelee defeated the Democratic incumbent Travis Childers in District 1.