The next president of the United States could be an ASU graduate.
Socialist Party USA nominated Brian Moore, an anti-war activist who graduated from ASU in 1976 with a master's degree in public administration, as its presidential candidate at its national convention last weekend.
The 64-year-old Florida resident has campaigned in recent years as an independent candidate but failed to secure a seat on the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives or the Washington, D.C., city council.
Moore said he switched parties this year because he wants to be true to himself, and he thinks Americans are hungry for change.
"There was a recognition on my part that most of the positions that I've held over the years did mirror the Socialist Party," he said. "But it had this nasty image."
He thinks the party has overcome that image, he said.
"The time is getting better," he added. "The Cold War is over; people should be more receptive. Plus, I think I should be a pioneer to tell Americans not to be afraid of Socialism."
Moore said his political platform is radical and different from that of any other presidential candidate.
He is calling for a complete pullout from Iraq and Afghanistan — not only of military forces but also of American corporations.
He is also proposing to reduce the federal defense budget by 50 percent and to socialize the health care system.
Another cornerstone of Moore's campaign is to reduce or eliminate the role of U.S. corporations in society.
"Americans are capitalists, and we are kind of stingy," he said. "We're taught if you step on the backs of others, you'll be successful. We have to change the mentality of America."
Moore, who served with the Peace Corps for three years in Latin America, said he views his candidacy as an opportunity to bring overlooked issues to the political forefront.
"We're trying to look for a vehicle for me to address issues the major candidates are not addressing," he said.
Paul Gambill, president of ASU's College Republicans, agreed that the presidential primaries allow candidates to present new issues to voters.
"This is the time to get ideas out in the open," he said. "Candidates can bring new issues to the table."
But Gambill said he doesn't think there's any chance a Socialist will be elected to president unless the candidate runs as a Democrat.
"Personally, I don't think the Socialist Party is a serious party," he added.
Moore said he will spend the next 10 months trying to convince voters otherwise and to step outside their comfort zones.
"People are disposed to an alternative," he said. "They just don't know what they want."
Reach the reporter at: sarah.g.owen@asu.edu.
