Students No Soft Sell for Clinton

Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton got a big cheer when he donned a Monroe High School sweat shirt, sporting the blue and red of the fighting Vikings. And they applauded most of his “for the people” remarks on everything from condoms in public schools to civil rights.

But the Democratic presidential candidate also discovered Wednesday that Monroe students could be a tough audience and perhaps even tougher voters--those who are old enough.

“I love the way he’s talking,” said Kawana Anderson, 15. “But I don’t know if he’s actually going to do what he says he’s going to do. Just like Bush. He said taxes wouldn’t go up, and boom, they went up.”

Standing on the quad of the North Hills school, Clinton delivered a campaign speech and fielded several pointed questions from a young and sometimes skeptical audience.

Although many said they were impressed with Clinton, few gave him an all-out endorsement, choosing instead to temper their youthful optimism with a healthy dose of election-year prudence.

“As far as the presidential race as a whole, I’d have to go with ‘None of the Above,’ ” said Shelli Varner, 17, standing on the quad after the speech. “None of them, like, really flip my boat.”

Although she approved of Clinton’s stance on foreign policy and economic issues, Shelli still had some reservations.

“He doesn’t seem trustworthy enough,” she said. “Maybe its because . . . he has kind of a cocky smile. He looks like a womanizer.”

Kewon May, 18, liked what he heard--and wasn’t bothered by Clinton’s smile--but said voters should have a better field of candidates to choose from.

“I would vote for him,” Kewon said. “I think we finally have someone who cares about his country first and about education. How can you have a strong country if kids don’t have a good education?

“I think people are disillusioned because they really don’t have a choice. Brown doesn’t have a chance,” Kewon said, referring to former California Gov. Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown Jr., who is also vying for the Democratic presidential nomination.

But Clinton clearly won over others, such as Nguyet Nguyen, 16, who was pleased to hear Clinton discuss ways to enable students from low-income families to attend college.

“I think he’ll be a really good President because he seems to care more about education than the others,” Nguyet said.

Most of the 250 students who heard the Clinton speech were in the school’s law and government magnet program, which emphasizes civics and the legal system. The school, the only one of its kind in California, attracts students from throughout the city who have an interest in the legal system and government.

Teachers in the magnet program used the Clinton speech as a “total learning experience,” said Joe Hence, who teaches government, economics and law.

“We had a chance to talk about the electoral process in the United States,” such as the differences between Democrats and Republicans and issues that concern students, he said.

During the question and answer period, Student Body President Tahira Hoke questioned Clinton about his position on foreign aid.

“So many times, I see American money going to other countries,” she said. “We need that money here. . . . Even though America is a rich country, the people are not rich.”

Some of the questions hit close to home.

Nolan McFarlane, 17, asked the governor about his position on distributing condoms in public schools. This week, Monroe sent home letters to parents asking if they would allow their children to have access to condoms.

Clinton responded, “If a school or a school district wants to make that decision, they should be supported in that.” The students applauded.

His response satisfied Nolan, but it wasn’t enough to make a believer of the teen-ager who will cast a ballot for the first time this year.

“I’m not really sure,” he said. “This is my first time. I’m leaning toward Clinton.”

Evan Seamone, 16, who wants to be a politician, said none of the candidates have records that support their claims.

“It’s like taking a gamble,” he said.

If he could cast a ballot today, the choice would be difficult, Evan said.

“I wouldn’t vote for anyone,” Evan said matter-of-factly. “But if it came down to it, I’d vote for Brown.”

But whether they walked away convinced or skeptical, many students said they appreciated the governor’s decision to visit their school, saying it set a good example for other candidates.

“I feel that other candidates should come to school and reach out to the students and show that they care,” Tahira said. “Things that affect young people should be paid more attention to. It’s our future.”