A presidential candidate's daughter told students Tuesday they should take a look at all of the candidates and decide who can do the best job, rather than cheering for front-runners in the Democratic race.
Vanessa Kerry, who is the daughter of presidential hopeful Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., visited MSU in her latest stop on a cross-country tour focusing on reaching young people.
The Yale medical student took time off from school to campaign for her father.
During her speech, Kerry emphasized to the audience - largely made up of MSU Students for Kerry, which sponsored the event - to get out and take a stand.
"Chalk this campus," she told the audience. "Write op-eds, get out there, hold signs and talk to people."
Kerry also said she thinks her father is the only candidate who has a chance against President Bush in the upcoming election.
"If we want to beat George Bush, we need to fight for someone who can beat George Bush," she said.
Kerry said her father's service in Vietnam and the subsequent anti-war movement, his opinions on protecting the environment and his fight for women's rights make him a qualified candidate.
James Madison freshman Angella Guerrero, who is supporting U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt, D-Mo., said Kerry influenced her decision a small amount.
"He seems a little more charismatic now," she said "If he became the candidate, I would support him, but my candidate is Gephardt."
Guerrero said that she felt that Chrissy Gephardt, however, another candidate's daughter who visited campus several weeks ago, explained her point of view better.
"She seemed quite a bit more knowledgeable," she said.
Jaclyn Macek, coordinator of MSU Students for Kerry, said she thinks Kerry will be able to best serve the Democratic party because of his leadership skills.
"I feel Dean and the other candidates are dividing our party," the social relations junior said. "We need someone who will solidify the Democratic Party."
Besides helping to get her father's message out, Kerry said she loves being able to meet with young people.
"There's so much energy, ideas, and creativity in this generation," she said. "I love getting to meet and talk to so many people."
