Daily Deacon

Student Democrat Campaigns for Cruz With “Wake the Vote”

By Tidd Gilbert

Nick Boney, a member of the Wake the Vote Campaign, was assigned to campaign for Senator Ted Cruz, despite the fact he personally “dislikes” him.

Students involved in Wake the Vote traveled as a cohort to the Iowa caucuses, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and North Carolina primaries. Each student was assigned to volunteer on the primary campaign of a presidential candidate. Boney campaigned for Ted Cruz at the Iowa caucuses.

“At first I expected to hate working for the candidates I didn’t support. I had no idea how I could phone-bank alongside Cruz volunteers all day and convince supporters to vote for the Senator.”

While campaigning for Cruz, Boney found satisfaction that Cruz supporters took the time to learn about the candidate. Despite his initial hesitations, Boney said that after some lengthy conversations with Cruz supporters he realized how “fervently they cared about their candidate.”

“My opinions on Ted Cruz and his policies didn’t change, but it was heartening to see that there are people willing to be so involved and invested in the political process at its most basic level, regardless of which candidate they support.” Boney said.

Boney also campaigned for Senator Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire and Marco Rubio in South Carolina. Both of whom he does not support.

According to Boney, he found the strong involvement in the political process consistent among Rubio and Sanders supporters.

Boney at first supported Democratic candidate Martin O’Malley. After he dropped out of the race, he supported Hilary Clinton.