Biederman for president

This year's USG election may prove to be the most important one in recent years. The newly elected student government will be at the helm during the transition to the newly created four-year college system, one of the most dramatic changes to University social life since women were first allowed to matriculate. Fortunately, Princetonians have a choice. Grant Gittlin, now the Class of 2008 president, embodies many of the qualities one expects in an effective politician: He is affable, energetic and exceptionally charming. His opponent, USG vice president Rob Biederman '08, has proven himself to be a shrewd and effective leader in his current capacity as the number two man in student government. Despite the positive aspects of both candidates, however, we believe that Biederman would prove to be a more effective USG president.

One of the principal criticisms of Biederman has been that he is an "insider." We confess that we don't know quite what this means. If it means that he has a wealth of experience in USG and has developed important working relationships with the administration, then perhaps he is an insider. But the notion that his involvement in student government renders him out of touch with the student body is ludicrous. Biederman has both a clearer grasp of the issues and a more articulate voice than his opponent. Biederman's policies are also marked by a realism we found lacking in Gittlin's platform. While Gittlin chooses to focus on the positive and avoids controversy and disagreement, Biederman seems to be more in tune to the discontent felt by many students who do not share Gittlin's rosy-colored worldview.

This is not to say that Gittlin would be a poor choice for president. As he sees it, the job requires someone who will listen to and rely on the input of creative, engaged students. Gittlin has plenty of ideas himself — so many, in fact, that he often has trouble sleeping at night. Gittlin is modest about his political successes (he ran twice unopposed as class president) and prefers to learn from his mistakes rather than rest on his past laurels. In truth, however, we fail to see much substance behind any of his actual proposals. Ideas are important, but Gittlin has failed to articulate a satisfactorily concrete position on any of the most pressing issues facing the next student government.

Biederman, on the other hand, seems smart and moderate even though he does not have his opponent's insuperable energy or charm. But this election is not just about good feelings and insomnia. It is about picking the candidate who articulates the clearer policy and who will be able to negotiate with Nassau Hall on behalf of the student body more effectively.

Even though we became aware of Biederman's inappropriate actions only shortly before this editorial went to print, we decided not to retract our endorsement. That said, we are greatly bothered by both Biederman's actions and Gittlin's three disciplinary violations — in neither case are they befitting of a student leader. Nevertheless, of the two candidates we have to choose from, we still believe that Biederman stands a better chance at effectively representing the interests of the student body.