Photo by Carsen Maciag/The Siskiyou
Actor and political activist Sean Astin spoke to SOU students in the Commuter Resource Center about presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton Wednesday evening.

"Lord of the Rings" and Hillary Clinton fans came together Wednesday evening as actor and political activist Sean Astin ("The Lord of the Rings," "The Goonies," "Rudy" and "50 First Dates") filled the Commuter Resource Center with students for a casual conversation about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Astin, known as Sam Wyse for his role in "Lord of the Rings," was invited by the Women’s Resource Center, and he talked candidly with students about Clinton’s plan for healthcare, college loan debt and other issues important to Oregonians. Astin also praised the state of Oregon for being such an integral part of the presidential election, but emphasized a need for voter turnout.

"I’m in Oregon today for a couple of reasons," Astin said. "It isn’t over yet. Oregon, who has a moment in presidential history, has been completely shoved in the gutter by news media. I want Oregon to matter. I think Hillary’s got a pretty strong case to make May 31."

Astin met Clinton in 1992 when former President Bill Clinton was governor of Arkansas. Gov. Clinton had just been elected, and Astin was invited, along with a few others at the time, to a convention with her. Being 21 years of age, a community college student and newly married, Astin was blown away by meeting her.

"I was totally inspired of her command of data," Astin said in an interview outside the Stevenson Union. "I said to my wife, 'that lady is going to be the president of the United States.'"

Astin, who said he has accompanied Clinton’s daughter Chelsea to 15 different universities, admitted that he will support Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama if elected in the primaries. But Astin thinks Clinton would do a better job and touted her healthcare plan and the endorsements of 35 generals, among others, as some key differences between her and Obama.

"Clinton’s plan is more progressive; it covers everyone," Astin said, explaining that Clinton understands that Americans might not want to change their healthcare package for a new one. Clinton’s plan keeps ordinary citizens from being "excluded from healthcare based on pre-existing conditions," Astin said, and "opens congressional plans for all."

Several students were still undecided about who they would vote for in the primaries.

Senior Jessie Taylor, a registered voter and human communications major, was excited to hear Astin speak and thought it was "compelling" and made an "accessible face to our issues" in Oregon.

Taylor listened to Astin talk about the Oregon Compact, a voter’s guide of Oregon issues that both candidates have made. She felt that Obama sounded "like a real person," while Clinton made it sound "like a resume" and is still "kind of up in the air."

Senior English major Mari Tsukayama was impressed by Astin’s energy.

"I think he has an amazing amount of charisma," Tsukayama said, but she will remain undecided about her vote "up until the moment."

Astin, who is married and has three young daughters, graduated with a degree in history and American literature from University of California, Los Angeles. No stranger to the limelight, Astin is the son of Patti Duke and actor John Astin ("The Addams Family"). Astin’s mother is a "big Hillary supporter," he said.

The Los Angeles native enjoys Oregon and said he often drives up though Oregon to Idaho.

"When I come to Oregon, I feel like this is home," Astin said, who added he has a desire to make Oregon matter.

The night ended on a high note with student a cappella group Dulcet serenading Astin with "Love Will Save the Day." The actor signed autographs, told stories, answered questions and even gave some excerpt movie quotes from some of his past films. Astin’s next stop was Clinton’s Medford headquarters to phone bank later that night.

"That was pretty much the coolest thing Dulcet has ever done," Dulcet Business Manager Ella Green said of singing for the actor. "I’m just really excited for this upcoming election."