Eleanor Werner and former aide to Hillary Clinton, Patti Solis Doyle
Name: Eleanor Werner
Class: Senior
College: FCRH ’18
Major: Double Major: American Studies and Political Science Minor: Urban Studies
What kinds of clubs or organizations are you involved in on campus?
I am the President of College Democrats, Secretary for Fordham’s Mock Trial team, Intern at Congressman Joseph Crowley’s Queens District Office, University Ambassador with the Rose Hill Society, Democracy Coach with Generation Citizen, Student Philanthropy Ambassador with the Philanthropy Committee, and Squad Director with College Democrats of America, and a Captian for New Student Orientation.
What’s it like being in a leadership position of a political group on campus? It it really fun! I have really enjoyed my time on the College Dems E-Board. I think I’m in a really unique position where I can create a safe and welcoming space on campus for people to express their ideas. I also have the opportunity to educate members of our community on issues that are important to our society. I have also learned a lot from our members. While it can be tough to deal with partisan politics, it is important to have a club like the College Dems that can discuss important and decisive issues in a respectful manner.
How many members does Fordham College Democrats have? Generally, we have around 30-40 members at our weekly meetings. Everyone who comes to the meetings are very engaged and create very meaningful and interesting discussions.
How do you think last year’s election influenced membership? Did more people join or was it not at all affected?
It definitely inspired more people to come to meetings every week and become more engaged with politics in general. We have always had a very steady number of members come to every club meeting, but this year there has definitely been an increase in members who come to every meeting. Our members are definitely very passionate about working to elect Democrats at all levels of the government. College Dems has also become a place where people can express their frustration over our current administartion and the issues we have with their policies.
What is one thing you wish more students knew about politics on campus?
I wish students knew that politics really does impact your everyday life. Decisions that are made as far away as Washington D.C. and as close as in our own community can truly impact our lives, even as students. Also, I would love for people to realize that local politics are also just as important as national politics. It is so disheartening to see the low voter turnout in local elections. These people are our most direct representatives and people do not seem to grasp the importance of these elections.
Do you see yourself going into politics in the future? What about your other group members?
Yes! My current goal after graduation is to work on Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown’s re-election campaign. He is up for re-election in 2018. I have worked for Council Member Ritchie Torres, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and currently, Congressman Joseph Crowley in handling constituent services. I would love to work in D.C. on the legislative team for either a Senator or Congressperson. Eventually, I would love to return to Cleveland, Ohio, where I am from, and run for elected office. My dream job would be to become a Senator from Ohio.
There are a lot of other club members who are very politically active. Our VP, Sophia, has worked as an organizer in North Caroline on Hillary Clinton’s Presidential campaign and currently, on Mayor de Blasio’s re-election campaign. We have other members who have held internships with Community Board 6, Council Member Torres’ office, Dynamic SRG, and on campaigns for politicians from their home states.
There is definitely a decent amount of people interested in pursing politics in some capacity.
Do you think Fordham ever makes it hard to be politically active on campus?
They have been pretty easy to work with this year. Last year was slightly different as it was an election that was pretty heated. They made us co-host all debate watch parties. It was hard to sit through some parts of the debate where the Republicans would cheer for statements Trump would say that I whole heartedly disagreed with.
Now for the fun questions.
Rams or Best? Depends on what sandwich I want. Best: The Tex Rams: White Girl
Go-to study spot? My desk or kitchen table.
Botans or Bronx Zoo? Botans!