Students weigh in first debate

American Democracy Project in coordination with the rhetoric department, hosted the presidential debate on the big screen on front campus on Sept. 26. There was much anticipation of whether the event would fall through since Sen. McCain announce a halt to his campaign due to the economic crisis. However, both candidates resumed previous plans and students and faculty were present to watch the debate via big screen.

Senators John McCain and Barack Obama took the stage, shook hands, were introduced and debated for 90 minutes. The debate, primarily about foreign policy, should have been a knockout win for McCain. But the Illinois senator held his own, and looked at ease on his less verbose subject. This is not to say McCain didn’t, but foreign policy is his biggest strength.

Students at GCSU weighed in on the candidates.

The chairman of the College Republicans, Jason White, believed the debate was a deadheat.

“The debate was a draw, but I think McCain needs to up his game in the next debates. I was also surprised by Obama’s ability to handle himself in the issues of foreign policy,” said White.

Senior Michael Collins, who is undecided, agreed with White.
“The debate left me even more undecided than before. Neither candidate showed me anything new,” White said.

With news of a bailout plan, the debate covered a significant portion of time on the economy. Both candidates planned to vote in favor of one and let their opinions be known.

McCain said he was pleased that Democrats and Republicans were working close at hand to reach a bailout compromise and predicted an agreement soon.

“We are seeing for the first time in a long time, Republicans and Democrats sitting down together,” said McCain.

On taxes, McCain spoke to Obama, and said he would raise taxes on people making as little as $42,000 per year. But Obama shot right back and claimed the accusation untrue and explained only individuals making $250,000 would see their taxes go up.

“Ninety five percent of you will get a tax cut,” Obama said.

Undecided voter Corinne Burstein said she’s counting on the candidates’ words, but only time will tell.

“Whomever I decide to vote for, I just hope their actions back up their rhetoric,” Burstein said.

Lauren Manning, a sophomore believes both candidates had a good night, but neither had a knock out punch.

“Even if you don’t agree with either candidate’s positions, they both communicate very effectively. But I also think the night ended with no clear winner,” said Manning.

On the subject of foreign policy in Iraq, the candidates bumped heads over the decision to go to war. McCain was an advocate and Obama was opposed. As well as the decisions to add more troops, McCain supported the decision and Obama opposed.
The winner of the debate is still in question, but early poll returns show Obama with a slight edge. Still, students decided and undecided alike are in agreement that with few high moments from either candidate, the debate ended with more questions than answers.

The next debate will be a Vice Presidential debate on all topics facing Washington on Oct. 7 at 9 p.m., with moderator Gwen Ifill of PBS.

At the same time, a second Presidential debate in a town hall setting will be held and moderated by NBC’s Tom Brokaw.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 3 2008. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry