Hayden-Penn Show Gets Mixed Reviews

When Tom Hayden took the podium at UCLA’s Meyerhoff Park on Wednesday to court the student vote with a little grass-roots politicking, he brought an additional attraction to woo the MTV generation: Sean Penn.

But Penn, the Bad Boy of the Brat Pack--on hand with tousled hair and sunglasses for his first public political endorsement--fell at least a thumb short of a two-thumbs-up review.

Standing in the campus’ public-speaking park, Hayden introduced Penn as “one of the finest actors of our day” to a lukewarm crowd that seemed more interested in pressing Hayden about higher education and the environment.

“I met Mayor [Richard] Riordan once at a coffeehouse, and he suggested that if I ever had a part for an ornery old mayor, I should give him a call,” Penn said in a brief statement to the lunchtime crowd. “I came here to ask you to help make him available for work.”

There was a smattering of applause among the 200 students lounging on the grass and the steps of Kerckhoff Hall. And while some stopped to catch a glimpse of the star of “Dead Man Walking,” others scoffed at the notion that Penn’s presence would ignite interest in the mayoral campaign.

“I thought it was very weird a politician would associate with Sean Penn,” said Connie Lee, a senior studying sociology who walked by on her way to a noon class. “It’s like he’s trying to find someone somewhat more hip and cool than he is. He’s just trying to patronize us by using Sean Penn--I feel really used.”

Students spent the hour querying Hayden about his attendance record in the state Senate, the potential breakup of the Los Angeles Unified School District, and solutions to L.A.’s transportation problems.

They listened attentively as Hayden described a campus community service corps he wants to develop and the voter drives he is launching at Los Angeles-area colleges to bring at least 10,000 students to the polls April 8.

“I want to persuade you that students have an important role in this city,” Hayden said. “This is a city that needs your ideas. . . . It’s impossible to exist in an island oasis at UCLA and not be concerned about the city’s issues.”

After answering the students’ questions, Hayden turned to look at Penn, standing quietly at the back of the lawn. “Anybody have a question for Sean?” he asked hopefully.

No one did.

“I don’t think Sean Penn stands for serious political thought,” said Sean Thompson, a senior economics and political science major. “And I certainly hope no one at UCLA is taking their political cues from him and not thinking for themselves.”

Some at UCLA, however, defended Hayden’s effort to woo the student vote with star power.

“It’s difficult to get students involved in the mayoral campaign,” said York Chang, a longtime UCLA student activist and former student body president. “The Republican Party has Arnold Schwarzenegger--if there are left-leaning actors out there, they should speak their minds.”

Hayden said Penn’s endorsement helped him appeal to the broad range of interests on the college campus.

“He’s a great political activist,” Hayden said. “This is a city whose main industry is the entertainment business, and it’s a complement to my efforts. Actors and artists get a bad rap. If they’re not involved, they’re off in their exclusive domain. If they are, people--especially the cynical press--ask what credentials they have.”

And for some, Penn’s presence was enough to seal their support for Hayden.

A trembling Kristin Hanggi grabbed Penn’s sleeve as he hustled down Bruin Walk after signing some autographs. “I just want you to know how much I love your work,” said the 19-year-old theater major. “You’ve changed the way I look at the world.” Penn smiled, thanked her and moved on, leaving Hanggi shaking in a state of bliss.

“I think he’s a genius,” she said. “He’s just so truthful, so I was interested to see him with Hayden. I admire him a lot, and I know what he stands for is good and important.”

Her friends, clustered around her excitedly, agreed.

“I never heard of Hayden, so when I saw Sean Penn was here, I thought I’d stick around,” said Milo Ventimiglia, a sophomore studying theater. “I was like, wow! [Hayden] has a lot of good things to say.”

But some students remarked that the 1960s -activist -turned -state -senator -turned -mayoral -candidate has lost touch with what they believe is the most effective way to reach students--by merely talking to them.

“The best thing is just going around, talking to individuals, offering concrete solutions and being specific about how he intends to improve conditions,” said Danna Joselovitch, 23, an art history major. “People who appreciate his work can relate to that.”

Hayden may already have that formula figured out--Wednesday’s visit was his second to UCLA in two weeks. And while Riordan’s press secretary said that he would not be surprised if the mayor visited college campuses during the campaign, Riordan has no appearances scheduled.

As for Penn, he said his public endorsement was a good way to draw crowds and said he plans to visit other schools at Hayden’s request. “There were line dancers at the Republican convention to grab attention, and I don’t mind occupying that position here,” he said. “I’ll jump rope at the next one, if I have to.”

Another effort by Hayden to reach out to young people fell short Tuesday night. The mayoral contender failed to win the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Young Democrats in the nonpartisan race against Riordan.

Although Hayden is a Democrat and Riordan is a Republican, the state senator failed to win the two-thirds majority required for endorsement, said Dan Forman, president of the group.

“He appeared, he spoke, and a vote was taken,” Forman said. “There were not sufficient votes for endorsement.”

Julio Ramirez, Riordan’s campaign director, said he was not surprised to hear that Hayden had failed to win the support of the local Young Democrats’ club. Riordan did not appear before the club to seek its endorsement.

“It just goes to show that young people today are more interested in safe streets, a good education that will lead to a good-paying job,” Ramirez said.

Times staff writer Jim Newton contributed to this story.