West End Watch

Gabriela Centurion

Notorious for his spirited elocution, Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark (D-Fremont) enthralled students of Encinal High School with his witty criticisms of President George W. Bush while addressing their more serious political concerns. The Friday question-and-answer session was organized by government and economics teacher Kevin Gorham.

File Photo Pete Stark

Arriving 15 minutes late to a group of restless students, Stark immediately engaged his audience by peppering students with wardrobe and music questions relating to Saturday's prom at Encinal.

Stark, who will be among the superdelegates at the Democratic Party's national convention in August, shifted from prom to the current political atmosphere, quizzing students on their preference among the presidential candidates this November.

Sen. Barrack Obama (D-Ill.) undeniably received the most enthusiastic response, robust applause from students drowning out support for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), or Sen. Hilary Rodham Clinton (D-NY). However, the comment arousing the most support from the evidently liberal crowd was when Stark called Bush "absolutely the worst president we've ever had."

The lively atmosphere didn't detract from the pointed questions asked by students. Michael Waller, a senior, asked Stark his personal opinion of the Electoral College. The congressman called it "a joke originally created to dilute the black vote." Questions from students ranged from the current Florida and Michigan delegate dilemma to gay marriage and the decriminalization of medicinal marijuana.

Gorham arranged for Stark to meet with students on a current swing through the Bay Area. Gorham has a long relationship with Stark, thanks to frequent trips to the U.S. Capitol with students.

Stark continued his rounds in West Alameda at the Webster Pharmacy, revealing his expectations of a quick end to the dustup between senators Clinton and Obama. "As soon as the primaries are over, we should decide," Stark said. He said he threw his weight behind Obama after the Indiana and North Carolina primaries May 6. "I think we'll know soon. I think there are some concerns about whoever comes in second and letting them leave the stage with dignity."

As to the upcoming general election, it's the Democrats' to lose, Stark said, mainly because of the issues. "The Democrats today would win in a walk, but we have an uncanny ability to screw this up. Let's hope we don't," he said. Stark mentioned the economy, the Iraq War and health-care issues and the general perception of the Bush presidency's failures as tipping the race to the Democrats.

Stark expects Democrats will gain seats in both houses, but doubted if his party could capture a filibuster-proof majority of 60 seats. He also warned voters that change after the election will take time. "Anyone who thinks we are going to walk in there, wave a magic wand and solve everything in six months (is) going to have to be patient. These things take time."

Stark said he's read reviews and press coverage about the controversy surrounding the new book by Bush's former press secretary Scott McClellan, What Happened, and quipped, "He's finally telling the truth."