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Interviews - Tnhonline
Pop culture mixes with politics (November 2004, Tnhonline)

By Julia Diament
Published: Tuesday, November 2, 2004

As word spread through the Wildcat Den that 7th Heaven star David Gallagher and The OC's Benjamin McKenzie had arrived, the crowd became visibly excited Monday afternoon. "One more day! One more day!" was chanted by some in the room. Though short lived, "Bush is scary, we want Kerry!" could also be heard above the din. The celebrities, and Cate Edwards, along with former N.H. Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, entered the room to the sound of applause.

The predominantly female audience heard the four speakers thoughts on the presidential campaign.

Following Shaheen's speech, David Gallagher, 19, perhaps better known as 7th Heaven's Simon Camden, stood up to say a few words. He immediately lightened the mood when he made reference to his show, mentioning that, from what he has heard, his program is somewhat of a "guilty pleasure." Gallagher spoke of his Republican parents, and how he was nervous at first that they may not support his decision to back the Kerry/Edwards campaign.

"Everyone assumes kids take on the political values that their families have, which is absolutely not true," he said. He was pleasantly surprised when his parents supported his decision. "I love them anyway," he joked, in regards to their Republican status.

Gallagher said that his interest in politics was somewhat of a recent development. Initially, Gallagher said he blamed Bush for the state of the country, then turned the blame inward toward himself. "Not being active, and not knowing what was going on made me the ignorant one," he said.

In a later interview, Benjamin McKenzie said that unlike Gallagher, he has been interested in politics since before he became famous, but that he didn't know exactly how or where he could help. "It wasn't a sense of guilt that made me come forward to support John Kerry," he said. "It was interest meeting opportunity."

Cate Edwards was delighted by the celebrity presence at this, and other political events. "It gets people out here," she said. "It shows people that it is cool to be involved in politics." Edwards also remarked that the large number of celebrities involved this year indicate just how important this particular election is. "These people like David and Ben are so busy with their careers and schooling, but are still able to make time," she said. She noted that the fact that these celebrities with such crazy schedules are still able to make time for political involvement suggests that anyone should be able to find the time to get involved.

University of New Hampshire graduate student Liam Kean was present for the rally, ready to show some last minute support. "It's nice to see all the celebrities out supporting voting in this election," he said, and remarked how he was glad to see so much support among students as well. While the four speakers at the rally differed slightly in what they considered the more important aspects of this election, they were all able to agree on a general message: VOTE.

"This is our country right now," Gallagher said. "This is our vote right now." McKenzie echoed Gallagher's sentiments. "This is the year we can step it up," he said.
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