Cycling Hope

If you’re tired of talking about “America’s Greatest College Weekend,” the ploys of the two remaining Democratic presidential primary candidates, or both, you’d better just skip this column. But if you’re still with me, let’s hearken back to last week. \nWhen I first overheard the rumor that Democratic golden boy Sen. Barack Obama was considering an unannounced campaign stop in Bloomington on the day of this year’s women’s Little 500 race, I was every bit of furious. Making the assumption that federal security would never permit him anywhere near the actual festivities at Bill Armstrong Stadium, the rest of the events seemed to read like the bad headlines they’d produce: “Sleazy campaign tactic lures drunk crowds from women’s race” or “Empty bleachers as Obama and Dave Matthews give away money on the far side of town.” I was just sure that rumors of an Obama appearance would draw masses to wait in hopes of catching a glimpse, rather than attend the already overlooked women’s race. I was just sure he’d be all the way on the far side of town. This year’s race was a big deal to me. It was my first Little 500, and I was riding in it. Even as a rookie team of only three riders, running on hope and Vitamin Water, I thought we had worked too hard to have our efforts eclipsed by the appearance of a pop-icon politician – not to mention the teams that are actually good and had been training for this for years.\nNeedless to say, when I looked up to see Obama right in front of me, striding onto the infield of Armstrong stadium, I nearly lost it. Well, depending on who you ask, I did lose it. Just like screaming fanatics who have gone before me, swooning the likes of Elvis and the Beatles, I was just another in the mass of screaming girls who swarmed the perimeter of the track, yelling and waving and loving it. Students have made Obama famous for reactions like this, but I thought I’d be able to muster a little more composure – I’m voting for Hillary Clinton. Obama must not keep up on his IDS opinion columnists (I normally dismiss him as hype riding on fancy rhetoric) because he still shook my hand. And now I can join the rest of campus and college students around the nation who frame pictures of themselves standing with Obama. Everyone loves exchanging an old-fashioned handshake with a rising politician. \nSo did his presence overshadow the race? Maybe. He does seem to be in every women’s race headline. But it did get a big crowd and national attention.\nBut did all the swooning change my mind? No. I always kind of liked him in the first place, but I just like Clinton more, and I’m sticking with her.\nStanding face to face, it is easier to relate, and after all, I, too, have recently entered a race riding on hope. Hope can get you in the race, but in the long run it still boils down to experience – ask Delta Gamma.