More than 70 Holy Cross students gathered in Hogan Suite A on Wednesday evening to watch a spirited debate between the College Democrats and College Republicans — the first time this election season the opposing organizations have met in such an event.
Daniel Klinghard, assistant professor of political science, moderated two teams of four. Patrick Burns ’12, Brandon Peck ’11, Jake Smith ’12, and Joe Volpe ’11 represented the Republican perspective, while Matt Cain ’09, Alicia Molt ’09, Claire Rheaume ’09, and Chris Szkutak ’10 argued the Democratic stance.
The teams answered a series of questions based on four topics: foreign policy, the economy, education and healthcare, and energy and the environment. Each team had two minutes to respond to the initial question, and one minute for rebuttals.
The debate, sponsored by CAB Cross and Scroll, the Black Student Union, College Democrats, and College Republicans, quickly became heated. The Republicans countered Barack Obama’s calls for increased international diplomacy by emphasizing the importance of the military in foreign policy. The Democrats contended that John McCain’s healthcare plan was not viable, highlighting discrepancies between his proposed measures and actual healthcare costs.
When the floor was opened to questions, students interrogated both the Democrats and Republicans on energy proposals, particularly with regard to nuclear energy and reduction of carbon emissions.
Preparation for the debate was rigorous. College Democrat Szkutak said: “I spent a lot of time looking at all of the different takes on the issues, including third parties. I read analysis in newspapers and magazines in order to get a grasp of the implications of each candidate’s platform.”
College Republicans Burns and Smith turned to the Internet. “I prepared by taking the time to look at both the McCain and Obama Web sites in order to get a clear understanding of both sides before I went into the debate,” said Smith. Added Burns, “I made sure I knew what was being said by both candidates beforehand.”
“I’m very impressed with the level of preparation,” said moderator Klinghard. “The debaters came with the intent to participate in a discussion on policy, not just throw partisan barbs.”
Molt, of the College Democrats, summed up the overall impressions of both sides: “I applaud the efforts of both the College Democrats and Republicans in promoting political dialogue on campus. I was happy to see such a great turnout and so much interaction between the debate teams and the audience.”
Which team won? It seemed to be a draw, according to interviews with audience members.
Grace Dubuque ’11 said, “I thought the Republicans were the stronger speakers and their arguments came across with more clarity.”
Yayra Kuakumensah ’09 respectfully disagreed. “I think the Democrats were very eloquent and articulate — they presented their points clearly.”
By Kaitlin Juleus ’09
Related Information:
College Democrats and Republicans Go Head-to-Head on the Issues in Presidential Election Debate
Read Time
2 Minutes
