TodayActors support Obama, encourage students to vote
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Dulé Hill offers his support of Barack Obama durng a visit Shippensburg University Tuesday. Michael Bupp/The Sentinel
Zachary Quinto offers his supporter of Barack Obama during a visit to Shippensburg University Tuesday. Michael Bupp/The Sentinel
Two West Coast actors stopped at colleges across the midstate Tuesday to encourage students to vote for Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill, for president.
Dulé Hill and Zachary Quinto have been jetting across the country to rally support for the candidate who they say is “the only and last true hope.” They made stops at Central Pennsylvania College in East Pennsboro Township, Dickinson College in Carlisle and Shippensburg University.
The Shippensburg event was sponsored by the Obama for President campaign and the Shippensburg College Democrats.
“Barack Obama is our hope. He is our change. He is our future,” Quinto told a group of about 200 students gathered in the Ceddia Union Building at Shippensburg University.
Seen on the NBC show “Heroes,” Quinto said he supports Obama because he is the only candidate who has not accepted special interest campaign contributions and he is the only candidate who comes from a grassroots background.
While Obama has raised most of his contributions from small donors, he has accepted several larger contributions from unions in recent months.
“Barack Obama got his start by relating to people in the community,” Quinto said.
A cast member of the USA Network show “Psych,” Hill said he is “inspired” by Obama.
“Every generation comes to a crossroads. I believe that time for us is right now,” he said. “Each and every one of us will be affected by what goes on in the primary and general elections. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to safeguard our future by making the right choice.”
Hill stressed Obama’s passion for people and his empathy and education.
“He taught constitutional law,” Hill recalled. “I look forward to a president who knows the constitution.”
Hill’s remark drew applause from the crowd. “We need trust and integrity returned to the White House,” he added.
The actors encouraged students to register to vote and forms were passed out throughout the auditorium.
Some students are already set to cast their ballots for Obama.
“He knows what he’s talking about,” said junior Ashley York. “He’ll know how to deal with the problems of today and what people need.”
“(Obama) is my favorite candidate because he’s grassroots and involved with people,” added senior Amanda Harrington.
“I think he’s an awesome people person,” said Leah Siddons.
Some of the students asked Hill what he thought of the controversy surrounding comments made by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, where Obama worships.
“I’d hope the American people are smart enough to look beyond the smoke and mirrors and look at the candidate himself,” Hill said. “It’s important we get beyond that and focus on the issues.”
Hill said it’s regrettable that the comments were used against Obama. “It’s a shame people are focusing on a few seconds when the man’s been preaching for years.”
Whomever the students choose to vote for, the message Hill and Quinto wanted to get across was to make sure their voices are heard. “I’m less interested in telling you who to vote for than telling you to vote,” Quinto said, reminding students of the March 24 registration deadline.
“Don’t do what we say just because we’re actors, that would be foolish,” Hill said. “Register to vote and then show up at the polls April 22 and cast your vote to let your voice be heard.”
Hill portrays Gus on “Psych,” and formerly played presidential aide Charlie Young on NBC’s “The West Wing.”
Quinto is originally from Pittsburgh and has made appearances on a number of shows, including “Joan of Arcadia,” “CSI” and “Crossing Jordan,” before his breakthrough performance on NBC’s “Heroes” as the villain Sylar. Quinto has begun work on J.J. Abrams’ new “Star Trek” playing Spock. The movie is set to open in May 2009.
Hill said he’s really not comfortable speaking in front of people. He prefers performing in front of a camera, but he put aside his fears to join the campaign trail.
“You have to step outside your comfort zone to make change happen,” he said. “Get involved. Step outside your comfort zone. That’s the only way we’ll bring change to this country.
“I heard Barack Obama say, ‘When ordinary Americans join together, we can achieve extraordinary things.’ I believe it.”
