Debate Article

Students get involved in political process by attending debate-watching parties
LINDSEY COOK/Staff Writer
Published: Monday, October 20, 2008
Last Wednesday, the third and final debate took place between the two candidates for president of the United States. University of Northern Iowan students gathered in two different places to view the debate.

One watching party, sponsored by the Political Science department took place in Sabin Hall. The other party took place at Becks on University Avenue as a joint venture between Northern Iowa Democrats and College Republicans.

Associate professor of political science Donna Hoffman hosted the party in Sabin Hall.

“Its something we have done since 2004, so there can be a neutral atmosphere in which Democrats and Republicans can talk on what they agree on and disagree on,” she said.

Sixty-two people attended the debate in Sabin Hall, with many coming for the extra credit that was offered by some political science professors.

Senior Bethany Schwichtenberg was among those who attended.

“I’m here to engage in thoughtful political discussion because this campaign hinges on the youth vote and our participation is essential to electing the next president,” she said.

Corey Adair also attended but for a different reason.

“I wanted to watch this one because the last debate I watched drunk and I figured I should at least watch one of them sober,” Adair said.

Before the debate started, Hoffman talked about how the United States hasn’t always had debates and how the first one televised was between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This debate is acknowledged for helping to make public image something that influenced the results of debates.

Hoffman emphasized the importance of the night’s debate, saying it was, “do or die for McCain.”

Hoffman explained that the Commission on Presidential Debates, instituted in 1984, determines debate rules. For example, the commission decides if a third-party candidate will participate. Ross Perot was the last to do so.

As for this debate, Hoffman said it would be on domestic policy with the parameters being set a month ago in a memorandum of understanding. Hoffman described this as a negotiation of things both parties will allow in the debate including things from the temperature of the room to what camera angels are allowed.

Freshman Kate Vandersee said she was hoping that the candidates would really discuss their views more in-depth.

At 8 p.m., everyone sat back quietly and watched the debate. The crowd did react when McCain told Obama that he was not President George Bush, and if he wanted to run against Bush he should have run against Bush he should have run four years ago.

Freshman Matt Wells said it was going pretty much as he expected, although it didn’t really persuade him to prefer one candidate over the other.

While the debate watch party in Sabin Hall was subdued, the same cannot be said for the event at Becks.

Freshman Matt Sexton attended the party at Becks.

“I went because I knew as the final debate the candidates would be looking for that final burst of momentum,” Sexton said. “I thought McCain edged out Obama as far as reliability like how he reached out to Joe ‘the Plumber’ (Wurzelbacher, a plumber from Ohio) and Middle America, and kept Obama on the offensive.”

Overall, Sexton said the debate-watching party was very respectful, describing the atmosphere as laidback but competitive.

“Both sides applauded when their candidates made a good comment,” he said.

Sexton did note that even though there was alcohol available, few appeared to partake.

“A strong majority were underage anyway and those that did drink didn’t drink much,” he said.

Overall, Sexton said he was very pleased with how the debate watch party at Beck’s turned out. Schwichtenberg also felt the debate itself went well.

“It was a lot more lively than the first two,” Schwichtenberg said. “McCain is trying to use the emotional appeal to his advantage. It’s exciting because we see more of their humanity and emotional nature because of the less formal format.”