Presidential hopefuls Sen. Rand Paul, Governor Chris Christie, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump have scheduled major campaign events on Drake University’s campus in the days leading up to the Iowa caucuses. The candidates headline a star-studded lineup that heightens the University’s significance as a hub for political engagement.
Presidential events announced this week, in chronological order, are:
- Sen. Rand Paul will hold a “10,000 Rally!” at Drake University at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, on Pomerantz Stage, Olmsted Center, 2875 University Ave. More details are available on Paul’s campaign website.
- Donald Trump’s campaign has booked Drake University’s Sheslow Auditorium, 2507 University Ave., as the venue for a “special event” at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. Trump has withdrawn from an RNC-sanctioned presidential debate to be broadcast by Fox News Channel at the Iowa Events Center. The event is open to the public; pre-show starts at 7 p.m. Event and registration details are available online.
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Gov. Chris Christie will hold a town hall meeting at 9:45 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, in Kern Commons, Cartwright Hall, 2621 Carpenter Ave. The event is free, and no tickets are required, but attendees are asked to RSVP due to limited venue capacity. This event is sponsored by the Drake Law Republicans.
- Secretary Hillary Clinton will host a “Caucus Night Victory Party” at 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, in Parents Hall of Olmsted Center, 2875 University Ave. The event, which will also be attended by President Bill Clinton, is taking public RSVPs at this website.
More than 200 students participated in a simulation of the Democratic and Republican caucus processes on Wednesday, Jan. 27. The mock caucus organized by Student Senate, Drake College Republicans, Drake University Democrats, and Drake Political Review attracted about 50 journalists, including political reporters from top-tier national and international news outlets. The event was designed to increase awareness of the caucuses and encourage engagement in the political process. Students heard from official representatives of several presidential campaigns; special guests included Jeb Bush Jr., Ben & Jerry’s co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, and actors Justin Long, Kal Penn, and Gaby Hoffman.
Drake University will also host voters from four Republican precincts and one Democratic precinct during Iowa’s first-in-the-nation precinct caucuses on February 1.
Drake University is committed to an open and productive exchange of ideas, allowing free and informed discussion of political affairs. As a tax-exempt educational institution, Drake University does not endorse or oppose any party or candidate for public office.