Bailey Hayward environmental sciences freshman

Freshman likes Bush, but doesn't really give a crap about his visit to Tucson

Wildcat: I'm Kylee and you're on the spot. So, tell me, why do you think people our age would be interested in Social Security?

Hayward: Because someday, we're gonna have to get jobs and get out there, and we're gonna need Social Security. So one day we'll depend on it.

Wildcat: How far along down the line will you be worrying about Social Security, in all honesty?

Hayward: Maybe 20 years.

Wildcat: The reason I'm interviewing you is because the UA has put clamps on the professors' freedom of speech, which means they can't talk about political issues in the classroom. So that means I'm turning to all the dumb college students to get some insight into why President Bush is visiting us in Tucson. Your personal opinion?

Hayward: I'm OK with it because I like Bush.

Wildcat: Did you vote for him?

Hayward: Yes.

Wildcat: So do you really think he's handling things well since he's been re-elected?

Hayward: Yeah.

Wildcat: Do you want to elaborate?

Hayward: No, that's OK. (laughs)

Wildcat: Now, are you familiar with the Terri Schiavo case?

Hayward: Yes.

Wildcat: What do you think of his stance on that?

Hayward: Well I think it should be more of a personal issue between her husband and the family. I think he's sort of intervening.

Wildcat: But do you realize it's her parents and her husband who are at odds and he's stepped in, the government, including Bush, has stepped in? Do you think it should just be between the parents and the husband?

Hayward: Yes.

Wildcat: So who do you think is right, though?

Hayward: I really don't know because I don't know a whole lot about the case.

Wildcat: OK. So now, during his visit, Bush apparently talked mostly about Social Security ... this is just what I heard ... and he mentioned a little bit about this Schiavo case and how great and glorious the war is. What do you think about his position on the Iraq war?

Hayward: I think since he got us in it, he should finish it, but I don't know. I think we should get out.

Wildcat: Why?

Hayward: 'Cause ... I don't know.

Wildcat: Because people are dying, maybe?

Hayward: Yeah, that. And sort of ... well, I think we need to set up their government before we get out. Otherwise, we're just, like, wasting American lives over there.

Wildcat: So, if you could have gone to the event and actually spoken to President Bush, what would you have said to him?

Hayward: Oh, I have no idea. I don't know.

Wildcat: No? Think of something!

Hayward: OK, let me think ... ahm ...

Wildcat: Why did you vote for him?

Hayward: I just really didn't like John Kerry. (laughs)

- Interview and photo by Kylee Dawson