Party conventions gather bipartisan students to discuss
Even before the candidates on both the Republican and Democratic side were decided, it was a frantic primary season. Now, Nov. 4 is just around the corner, and no matter which side gets elected, it’s a history-making race. There is the first African-American candidate, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, and the first female vice presidential nominee, Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska. Young Democrats and College Republicans alike, as well as some undecided students, came together to watch the Democratic and Republican National Conventions in the lower level of the GCSU library on Sept. 4.
Dr. Gregg Kaufman, professor in the Department of Government and Sociology, arranged the viewing. It was the first time the library was used to broadcast the conventions.
“I was very pleased with the turnout; I’m sure once the candidates begin the debates, there will be more people coming to watch,” Kaufman said. “The conventions are an important part of the political process, and its importance has changed over the years and served different purposes. It is my hope that students get a better idea of the political process.”
Dr. Kaufman also hopes that the viewings will help increase voting among young people.
Students of all political views came to watch the convention.
Noah DeWalt, a senior and president of the local chapter of Students for Barack Obama attended the airing.
“I wanted to see the other side of the race for president. I’m also interested in what John McCain stands for and what he had to say at the convention, and also why someone should vote for them,” DeWalt said.
First year graduate student and Republican Daniel Simpson attended to share the event with other students and engage in debates.
Not all students, however, were polarized to one party.
“[I attended] to compare it to the Democratic Convention from last Thursday, and to see which candidate addresses the issues,” junior Beth Gaylor said. “I’m still trying to make up my mind about which candidate I’m voting for, so I wanted to know what they stood for.”
The election season is coming soon, and GCSU students are already getting ready to vote for the next president. Students are getting an idea of what kind of issues the candidates stand for. Come Nov. 4, all of America will decide who will fill the Commander-in-Chief’s seat in January 2009. It is the youth of America who will help decide.
What did you think of the Democratic and Republican Conventions? What are you anticipating in the upcoming Presidential Debates? What issues would you like to hear about the most? Voice it off at www.gcsunade.com and let your opinion stand.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Sep 12 2008. Filed under News.
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