Emphasizing the role students can play in Massachusetts politics, gubernatorial candidate and Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich will try to spur students to action before he addresses professor Michael Goldman's "Media after 9/11" class at 5 p.m. tonight. His presentation, to take place in Braker 001, follows his decision last week to enter the race for Massachusetts governor on the Democratic ticket.
The visit was organized by Goldman, who serves as a political consultant to the candidate. Reich, who is also an economics professor at Brandeis, will speak about the pre-Sept. 11 media to Goldman's "Media after 9/11" class after addressing the larger community at the rally. The Rhodes Scholar will draw upon his experiences in the Clinton cabinet in explaining his plans to reinvigorate Massachusetts's sagging economy.
In addition to economic recovery, Reich intends to promote his vision of ending corruption in state government. He will also outline plans to improve the state's education and healthcare systems. According to Goldman, many out-of-state college students do not realize the impact state policies have on them. Part of Reich's strategy has been to visit area universities and encourage students to register to vote in Massachusetts.
Reich will address the shortcomings of current Governor Jane Swift's administration. From the Massport scandal to poor economic performance to Mass Pike firings, there has been no shortage of controversy during her tenure. Swift served at Lieutenant Governor under Paul Cellucci, who was recently called to serve as ambassador to Canada.
Reich's entrance into what The Boston Herald called the "ultimate blood sport" has been applauded by various newspapers and public figures across the state. Even the traditionally conservative-friendly Herald said the "smart, committed, and decent" candidate would sharpen the election's focus on issues and debates and serve to improve the elections.
"He's coming to Tufts to rally support for his cause and get students behind him," Goldman said.
Reich is one of six democratic candidates vying for the democratic nomination, and his late bid has caused some to wonder if he can garner the required minimum 15 percent of the votes during the June convention. Though many, including the Globe and the Herald, have criticized such rules imposed by the Democratic party as an unfair limitation on legitimate candidates, Reich is confident that he will be able to get the support by June.
"He was one of the best and most covered cabinet secretaries during the Clinton administration," Goldman said.
Emily Chasan contributed to this article.
