Presidential Candidate Stumps on Campus

The South Carolina State University community had the opportunity last Friday to see up close and personal one of the Democratic presidential candidates. 

Texas U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke is in a crowded field of Democrats who have announced they will run against President Donald Trump in the 2020 election.

O'Rourke's afternoon stop on campus was part of a busy day of campaigning that started in Rock Hill and ended in Charleston.

James Clark, the school's president, greeted the 46-year-old O'Rourke who sported an SC State hat.

Robert Francis O'Rourke is his real name, by the way.  In this video he explains the origin of his Beto nickname. 

O'Rourke spoke on the plaza for about 15 minutes then answered several questions from the audience. 

One woman said she drove from Savannah to see the candidate and ask her question about high college debt. 

Our communication students, covering the event, were able to rub elbows with national media camera crews and reporters. 

It was a picture perfect early spring day that was well attended by students along with faculty and staff. 

Ice cream was available before and after O'Rourke's talk.

Communications senior and cheerleader Jaelyn McCrae (left) enjoyed the sweet treat with her friend Ella. 

Orangeburg and the entire state will receive lots of attention from presidential candidates during the next year and a half. 

South Carolina will have an important early Democratic primary on Feb. 29 of next year. 
It will happen just after the always important Iowa and Nevada caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, and just three days before the Super Tuesday primaries in 10 states. 

Cory Booker, a New Jersey U.S. senator, is also running for president.  He will be in Orangeburg tomorrow night for a CNN town hall broadcast to air at 10 p.m.

It has also just been announced that Booker, 49, will be the commencement speaker at SC State's graduation on May 10.