ECU student part of national efforts for Barack Obama

[Ethelk2044]

http://www.newsargus.com/news/archives/2007/06/07/ecu_student_part_of_national_efforts_for_barack_obama/index.shtml


Even before Barack Obama became a presidential candidate, Nathan Lean's interest in supporting the senator had already been sparked.

By the time the two met at a South Carolina town hall meeting in April, Lean had launched the Web site rockwithbarack.com and was working on a grassroots voter registration campaign.

The encounter was brief, but memorable.

"It was really great," Lean recalls. "He's the type of guy that, it's almost like when you talk to him, you feel like you've known him a long time because he's so engaged in the conversation. He's actually in the moment with you. He responded well."

Growing up Lean's political interests were kept guardedly private.

"It was kind of a personal thing," he said. "You vote for who you vote for and that's it."

Now 22 and "smack dab in the middle" of the most under-represented group that will vote, the 18- to 35-year-olds, Lean says he avidly reads up on the candidates and where they stand on issues.

The senior music major at East Carolina University has also had opportunities to hear what his peers in other countries think. Last summer, he studied and performed in Morocco -- encountering a variety of cultures, religious and political beliefs. Witnessing how others view America and its government caused him to take note.

By December, Lean had begun sharing his own political commentary on the Internet, through "Facebook," targeted at high school and college students as a way to exchange information and stay in touch with friends after they go off to school, he said.

The concept of rockwithbarack.com related more to support and sharing than music, he says, although at some point that might also be incorporated. With blogs and links for individuals and groups to share their political thoughts, the effort drew a steady audience.

When Obama announced his candidacy Feb. 10, the numbers on the Web site started skyrocketing, Lean said.

"When people realized this was something that was really going to happen, they joined," he said. "I started thinking, this is something that can't just remain stagnant. Either I abandon it or turn Internet enthusiasm into online activism."

A board of directors from across the country was formed to head up efforts. The Web site also expanded and went national.

[illinoisprogressive]

1. what a really fun article.

[ncteechur]

2. Way to go ECU student, Nathan Lean! Congrats from and EC alum.