Veteran journalist talks politics

By Kelly Griffith
Managing Editor

Judy Woodruff clarified the demographic results of the recent presidential election for UNCP students, faculty, staff and alumni on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at GPAC.

University Attorney Donna Payne introduced Woodruff, commenting on the latest win by Duke University – Woodruff’s alma mater – over the Clemson tigers on Nov. 12.

Woodruff took the spotlight in a pink blouse and pinstriped suit. She immediately dove into her take on the political events earlier in the month. Moral issues and “religiosity” were the main debates throughout the election season, according to Woodruff.

The election brought out 15 percent more voters than in 2000, Woodruff said. She said although the number of voters increased, they did not sway the election for the Democrats as the media predicted.

“The media was wrong,” Woodruff said.

Woodruff said after the Republican dominance in the executive and legislative branches, she believes the Democratic Party has to rethink its political strategy. Using exit poll results to support her idea, Woodruff broke down the division between 51 percent and 48 percent of American voters.

Although the Republicans bring more male voters and women lean to the left side on political issues, Woodruff said the number of married constituents that voted for President George W. Bush increased by almost 10 points from the anticipated number.

Bush won every demographic group except the youngest voters, Woodruff said.

The college-age faction, made up mostly of single citizens, voted overwhelmingly for Sen. John Kerry.

While Kerry won the Latino vote, Bush's support from the Hispanic population increased 10 percent.

Woodruff surprised the audience when she said the number of voters that claimed they are frequent churchgoers stayed at 42 percent from the last election, despite the great uprising of Christian-faith issues in recent months.

Republicans are more comfortable talking about faith-based issues while Democrats see religion as a private matter, Woodruff said.

"I think the Democrats have to find a way to talk about values," she said.

Woodruff also discussed her views on the recent resignation of Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Before departing, Woodruff said, "Hold onto your seats. It's going to be quite a four years."