campus beauty shot with text reading: I am made of civic engagement

Election 2020: Road to the White House

The University of South Carolina is a must-stop on the campaign trail for presidential hopefuls. Keep up with who's visiting campus during the 2020 election season here.

Posted on: March 20, 2019; Updated on: March 20, 2019
By Dana Woodward, ddhaesel@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-3691

As one of the first presidential primary states in the nation — and the first in the South — the Palmetto State has historically played a pivotal role in deciding candidates’ fortunes. That’s why the University of South Carolina, the state's flagship university, is a critical stop for many presidential hopefuls. Whether on campus to give a stump speech to students or to participate in a debate or town hall, candidates from across the political spectrum have visited our university — from Donald Trump to Barack Obama.

As the 2020 presidential election draws near, we're keeping a list of who comes through this season. Check back regularly for updates.

Dec. 1, 2019: Bernie Sanders

Bernie Sanders, a senator from Vermont, spoke on Dec. 1 in the Russell House ballroom during an "eat and greet" event. The senator gave a speech and answered questions from students in the audience. At the time of the event, he was among the frontrunners in the Democratic candidate race.

Sept. 17, 2019: Pete Buttigieg

Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana, appeared on the Russell House Patio as a continuation of the College Democrats' presidential candidate town hall series. Buttigieg gave a short talk and answered questions submitted by the crowd and moderated by UofSC student Lyric Swinton.

Sept. 15, 2019: Julián Castro

Presidential candidate Julián Castro spoke to an audience in the Russell House Ballroom. Castro appeared as part of the College Democrats' presidential candidate town hall series, and was the only candidate of the three that visited campus on Sept. 15 who qualified for the televised debate on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Sept. 15, 2019: Bill DeBlasio

New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio spoke to an audience in the Russell House Ballroom as another installment in the College Democrats' presidential candidate town hall series. DeBlasio spoke and answered questions from students and members of the general public.

Sept. 15, 2019: Robby Wells

As part of the College Democrats' presidential candidate town hall series, Robby Wells hosted a roundtable event in the Russell House SEC Room. Wells, who is also a South Carolina alumnus, sat and answered questions with students.

March 22, 2019: Beto O'Rourke

During an event hosted by the UofSC College Democrats, presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke addressed a crowd of students and community members on the Russell House patio. O'Rourke first spoke to the student organization inside the Russell House, and then he moved outside to give a brief speech and answer questions from the crowd.

Take a look back at some of the past visits from presidents and presidential candidates at UofSC.

In 1909, William Howard Taft became the first sitting United States President to visit the South Carolina campus. A large crowd of faculty, students and Columbia residents gathered on the Horseshoe to hear him speak from the steps of the university’s original president’s house. Caption by Elizabeth West and photo courtesy of the University of South Carolina Archives.
In May of 1957, then-United States Senator John F. Kennedy delivered the commencement address on the Horseshoe at the University of South Carolina. Kennedy was one of many of the top men from the United States political, military, and foreign policy circles that President Donald S. Russell brought to speak at Carolina in the 1950s. Kennedy and Russell are pictured here in their commencement regalia. Caption by Elizabeth West and photo courtesy of the Donald S. Russell Papers, South Carolina Political Collections, University of South Carolina.
In February 1980, the university hosted a debate for presidential candidates in Longstreet Theatre. Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush were among the participants. Caption by Elizabeth West and photo courtesy of the University of South Carolina Archives.
In September 1983, Ronald Reagan became the first United States President to visit USC since William Howard Taft in 1909. His visit also marked the first time the university awarded an honorary degree to an incumbent chief executive. Reagan is pictured here with Reagan with Governor Richard Riley and Senator Strom Thurmond. Caption by Elizabeth West and photo courtesy of the Richard W. Riley Papers, South Carolina Political Collections, University of South Carolina.
After the commencement ceremony in 1983, President Ronald Reagan was presented with a UofSC sweatshirt and cap. Photo courtesy of the Richard W. Riley Papers, South Carolina Political Collections, University of South Carolina.
In May 1990, President George H. W. Bush delivered the commencement address. He received an honorary doctor of laws and Barbara Bush received an honorary doctor of education. Caption by Elizabeth West and photo courtesy of the Ernest F. Hollings Papers, South Carolina Political Collections, University of South Carolina.
President George H.W. Bush visited with South Carolina Governor Carroll Campbell during Bush's 1992 campaign, and they got in some running at Williams-Brice stadium. Photo courtesy of the Carroll A. Campbell, Jr Papers, South Carolina Political Collections, University of South Carolina.
On Feb. 18, 2016, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump participated in a Republican town hall event televised live on CNN from the UofSC School of Law. Two days later, Trump won the South Carolina Republican primary and would go on to win the presidency later that year. Photo by Amber Heard.
Then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton sat down with Chris Cuomo in the UofSC School of Law for CNN's live Democratic town hall event on Feb. 23, 2016. Clinton would go on to win the South Carolina Democratic primary four days later and would go on to lose the presidential election later that year. Photo by Amber Heard.

Share this Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about

Topics: Speakers, Signature Events