'Star Trek' star Zachary Quinto brings actors to Boulder to stump for Obama
Group holds early voting rally at Half Fast Subs on Hill
By Anne Boukhalfa-Leon For the Camera
Posted: 10/27/2012 04:56:46 PM MDT
Actor Zachary Quinto has a laugh with Rachel Leigh Cook during an early vote rally on behalf of the Obama campaign at Half Fast Subs in Boulder on Saturday morning, October 27, 2012. (Jonathan Castner / For the Camera)
The energy was high at Half Fast Subs on Saturday morning as University of Colorado students waited with sandwiches and starry eyes for actors such as Zachary Quinto -- known for playing Spock in the "Star Trek" reboot -- and Rachel Leigh Cook, star of teen romance "She's All That."
President Barack Obama's re-election campaign held an early vote rally at the sub shop on Boulder's University Hill, with Quinto and Cook joined by actors Ben McKenzie, Nick Zano and Bryan Greenberg, all of whom spoke on behalf of the Democrat's bid for a second term.
"It's really exciting. I'm just star-struck right now," said Nicole Cohen, a CU sophomore.
The girls at her table gushed over the celebrities and spoke about political issues.
Actor Ben McKenzie addresses attendees at an early vote rally on behalf of the Obama campaign at Half Fast Subs in Boulder on Saturday morning, October 27, 2012.. ( Jonathan Castner )
"You've got to love a town where you walk in and people are clapping for you," said actor Nick Zano, known for his role in the TV series "What I Like About You."
Early voting began Oct. 22 and the Obama campaigners are hoping CU students will vote early, then spend their time encouraging others to vote.
"There's a difference between this and having your parents tell you to vote," said Maddie Godfrey, also a CU sophomore.
The majority of students gathered at the rally were women, and their stake in this year's election was a reoccurring topic.
"It's certainly an issue," said Zano of the stances each candidate takes on women's rights.
Zano said the college women at the rally have the most to lose if Republican nominee Mitt Romney gets elected.
"My opinion is that Mitt Romney is OK with women being caretakers without taking care of themselves," Cook said.
The celebrities also talked about the issues of health insurance and student loans, but mainly stuck to the importance of getting out there and voting.
"The responsibility is yours to make your voice heard," Quinto said.
The Boulder event was the first of four Obama get-out-the-vote rallies scheduled across Colorado
Actor Nick Zano addresses the attendees at an early vote rally on behalf of the Obama campaign at Half Fast Subs in Boulder on Saturday morning, October 27, 2012.. ( Jonathan Castner )on Saturday, with actors Jon Hamm and Laurence Fishburne appearing in the Denver area.
Those gathered at the Boulder sub shop were enthusiastic about the election and getting out to vote.
"People underestimate the excitement on campus," said Corie Walsh, a CU student and Obama campaign intern.
Walsh said it's easy to work so hard on something you're so passionate about.
"We're all so pumped to be here and make a difference," she added.
"These are real issues that real people care about," said Ben McKenzie, known for his role as Ryan Atwood on the television series "The O.C."
He encouraged people to talk about their opinions and get others to vote. He said it didn't have to be a weird "cult"-like thing -- instead, just say, "This is what I believe -- what do you believe?"
The last celebrity rally for Obama in Boulder was in early October and featured the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am. The next Obama rally will be at the CU campus at noon Monday at the Dalton Trumbo Fountain and will feature Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams.
"People show up just wanting to see the celebrities and then they hear about the issues," said Shannon Teppert, also a CU student and Obama campaign intern.
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