A proper endorsement only looks for the best candidate with the strongest credentials to represent USC on a variety of issues, both around campus and statewide.
So in that spirit, The Daily Gamecock's editorial board unanimously voted to endorse James Strickland for student body president. He's extremely bright and has solid, transformative ideas for the student body. Strickland doesn't accept the status quo, and we believe he'd be willing to challenge authority when needed.
What separates Strickland from the other candidates, who are more well-known and charismatic, is his experience. He's previously worked to improve campus dining. He's started an organization on campus. He's served on countless SG projects, worked in the state Legislature and carries near a 4.0 GPA in the South Carolina Honors College. Strickland makes his points in a logical and factual manner. He's done his research and would grow into the role of an effective advocate for the student body.
Strickland would continue to work on taking the CarolinaCard off campus and enacting the taxi service that would replace the failed Cocky's Caravan. He wants to be a responsible steward of tuition dollars.
Most importantly, he seems to deeply care about the position instead of just padding his resume.
Strickland has his flaws. He's not the most charismatic candidate. He plans to give his $5,400 stipend for student body president back to the university, and we believe that sets a horrible precedent. The student body president works extremely hard and, if anything, maybe the job should pay a little more.
But the other candidates — while strong speakers — were overwhelmingly disappointing.
Steve Vereen has charisma and the personality to serve. He's funny and energetic. But Vereen admitted to our editorial board that he wouldn't support his own candidacy if he was looking in from the outside.
During his year as Health and Wellness secretary for Student Government, he didn't author a single proposal. He attributed the lack of work to his thoroughness, but that doesn't help his case. A student body president must work on dozens of tasks at once, moving each along simultaneously.
That doesn't bode well for our student body. While Marcus Lattimore says he can "Believe in Steve," we cannot say the same.
Rohail Kazi has been endorsed by current Student Body President Ebbie Yazdani and has served as SG's secretary of Housing.
But when asked what he has done to make life better for students who live on campus, it was clear that Kazi has done little more than meet with a lot of folks. He was totally unprepared to explain key platform points, including a book exchange for students and a special shuttle for those who live in the Greek Village to Williams-Brice Stadium.
While clearly intelligent, Kazi has failed to do his homework and admittedly had no idea that the book exchange he is proposing had already been tried by former administrations. Before a candidate chooses to run for office, he should spend some time researching those issues that he claims to care deeply about. After meeting with Kazi, it was clear he has not done so.
Joe Wright is perhaps one of the most personable candidates in this year's election. As president of University Ambassadors, he is tasked with selling this university to prospective students and their families regularly.
Unfortunately, when given the opportunity to share his platform with our editorial board, Wright's pitch fell flat. Not only was he unable to articulately communicate his plans for USC, we were not convinced he is ready to take on the huge responsibility of leading our student body. If his campaign video is any indicator, however, Wright is a great dancer and would bring new energy to a position that could definitely use some.
Earlier in the campaign, we criticized Strickland for sending thousands of Facebook friend requests to students he didn't know. We still don't think that was the best move.
But your best move is still voting for James Strickland in this year's election.