Political Day spurs discussion and debates

Ashley Downton

Political Day in the Quad brought about 100 students out today for debates and information from political clubs and organizations from on and off campus.

The event, the second of two events held today organized by Associated Students, Inc., sought to foment political discussion among students.

Roberto Torres, secretary of state affairs for ASI, moderated the 50-minute debate between the College Republicans, College Democrats and Students for Social Change.

The main question up for debate was “what presidential candidate would be best suited for the presidential position and why?”

The three organizations discussed the different candidates and focused on the war in Iraq and the economy.

David Gutierrez representing Students for Social Change argued no candidate in the current system of the upper class holding the most power will support societal needs.

The College Democrats supported Gutierrez for saying the amount of funds candidates receive could prevent the candidates from supporting society.

However, Justin Denton, a member of the College Democrats said he supported Barack Obama.

John Morgan and Justin McKinley, members of the College Republicans, both supported John McCain.

The debaters challenged each other’s views during the rebuttal sessions and the College Democrats drew the loudest crowd support.

Following the debate, students asked the organizations questions ranging from what response should be taken to the war in Iraq to challenging the lack of representation of the working class in the candidate’s platforms.

Other students grabbed a free slice of pizza and drink, took a seat in the sunny quad and listened to music provided by KSSU, the student-run radio station.

Ashley Downton can be reached at [email protected].