Nearly 200 people joined Tipper Gore, Leonard Boswell and many other democratic candidates Monday night in the Scheman Building auditorium for an evening of politics.

For a program that kicked off with numerous renditions of the “Macarena,” Gore began her speech by joking that she would not be a presidential candidate in the year 2000. She continued to say that “our country is at a crossroads.”

She said it is important to stress the importance of voting to as many people as possible. Citizens, she said, need to reach out to anyone who can vote. Any vote could make the difference, Gore said.

She said the economy is strong and President Bill Clinton has helped maintain it at its present level. In addition, she said Clinton has worked to keep Medicare so future senior citizens will not have to worry about not having it.

Gore and Boswell joined the auditorium full of democrats around 8:30 p.m., shortly after Boswell’s city hall debate with republican candidate Mike Mahaffey. Gore was in Ames to support Boswell, who is running for the Iowa third district House of Representatives seat.

Both Gore and Boswell were welcomed by an enthusiastic group of Clinton/Gore supporters.

“It is a special time for our country,” Boswell said. “It is gratifying to be on a team who cares about education and the community.”

Boswell said he always feels energized when he comes to Ames and Iowa State University. He said he was gratified to be on a team who cares about education and the community.

Gore also made a point to share her grief with the members of the audience over the loss of former Iowa Governor Harold Hughes, who died last week. Gore, whose father served with Hughes in the U.S. Senate, knew Hughes, and shared her sadness upon learning of his death.

Before finishing her speech, Gore made one final push for the democratic party and Boswell.

“I admire Leonard Boswell,” Gore said. “And I feel he is a good voice to represent you.”