The Horseshoe was deserted and freezing late one Wednesday afternoon in early February.
But there was Joe Wright and a friend dancing on the steps of the McKissick Visitors Center, arms thrusting and feet sliding to “Club Can’t Handle Me.”
A cameraman was nearby.
The duo was producing a full-length music video that both toured campus and highlighted Wright’s platform. It seemed only appropriate for Wright.
He’s the president of University Ambassadors and a prolific dancer. Wright tends to always look like an Express model — often adorned in a flashy scarf, a colorful sweater or a tie even skinnier than he.
Wright bills himself as a “power shopper always looking for a deal.” When his phone rings during an interview, he quickly turns it off, silencing the blaring sounds of “Hot Mess” by Cobra Starship.
“I’m definitely the most unique candidate,” Wright said. “I’m pretty transparent. This is who I am. I’m not trying to be this hardcore, stereotypical South Carolina candidate.”
Can this club — or university, in this case, known for its conservative roots and traditional way of thinking — handle Wright as student body president? He’s about to find out.
Wright came to the university three years ago, and his relationship with Student Government was rocky from the beginning.
Wright was denied a spot on Freshman Council. Then, former Student Body President Meredith Ross nominated Wright to serve as secretary of Government and Organizational Affairs. He was rejected once again and called unqualified for the position by the Student Senate.
Here was an organization that has struggled with attracting new students. An organization that can’t fill its own Senate. An organization that’s long been criticized for its clique elite status.
And Wright was rejected. Twice.
“Now I wouldn’t turn anyone away,” Wright said. “If someone takes a position and doesn’t do their job, I’d get rid of them. But I’d find a place for everyone.”
Ross said Wright took the rejection well and moved forward. He landed the position the next year and staged a gubernatorial showcase at the Top of Carolina. The event brought several candidates for office, including eventual victor Gov. Nikki Haley.
“One of the things we talked about is that you take it with a grain of salt and you go prove them wrong,” Ross said. “He has an incredibly strong work ethic and cares a lot about the university.”
Now, Wright wants to “Ignite Carolina.”
He wants to improve advisement and create a system for student organizations to help each other. He wants to improve communication between SG and the student body. But his promises and platform points are vague.
Wright said they’re designed to be that way. Should he win office, he’d like to hear from students and others within the organization before tackling issues.
Denise Wellman, director of USC’s Visitor Services, has seen Wright excel as a tour guide. She calls Wright an excellent communicator and a forward thinker. He’s also unflappable when asked tough questions by skeptical parents, Wellman said.
“He’s got such a deep and rich experience and tries hard to promote the university in an authentic and honest way,” Wellman said.
Wright is quick to point out “Hot Mess” by Cobra Starship no longer represents him. Now, he wants to be seen as a dynamo leader, a student who deserves the trust of the student body.
So why the ringtone, Joe?
“That was more me last year,” he said. “It’s like a year old. It doesn’t describe my life anymore.”
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