The Hillel Experience: McCain chooses to use UF President's influence

This past week, University of Florida President Bernie Machen publicly endorsed Senator John McCain's bid for the United States Presidency in 2008.

On Jan. 21, McCain's campaign announced Machen's endorsement and, in a sentiment that has since been echoed in a slew of columns and letters-to-the-editor throughout Gainesville, Fla. warned that his public support should not be misconstrued as an official approval from the university itself.

The Independent Florida Alligator, UF's daily - albeit officially disassociated - newspaper, ran a front-page article on Jan. 24 that quoted various other UF officials. The common thread running through the words of each of these officials was that Machen’s public support, though unusual, does not actually reflect the university.

But can a man in a public position, making a public announcement such as this really expect his words to reflect only his self and not his surroundings?

I think the answer must resoundingly ring, "NO!"

Clearly, Machen's support of McCain holds influence; otherwise the Senator's campaign would not have publicly announced it just one week before the Florida primaries. And clearly, Machen's personal politics do not entirely mirror UF's. But they are definitely a large part.

When Machen allowed his support of McCain to become public, he consequently brought along all the influence of the institution that he works for.

McCain is set to visit UF on Jan. 27. The Florida primaries will take place two days later. Whether UF students' votes in the Sunshine State elections will even be relevant by the time the national conventions roll around, is another issue entirely. Still, McCain intends to squeeze all the juice he can out of Machen and UF.

Joshua Fleet
University of Florida, 2010
College of Journalism and Communications
Managing Editor of The SHPiEL