Online Feature: Students debate current political views

JMU member of Democrats

JMU member of Republicans

Representatives from the College Republicans and the College Democrats entered into heated debate Monday night.

Ten members of various student organizations posed questions to the Republicans and the Democrats in alternating order.

"In the event [the teams] ignore the buzzer and continue debate, I brought duct tape," said Michael Smilowitz, professor of communication studies and event moderator. Smilowitz never had to use the tape.

Senior Adam Powell of the Black Student Alliance asked, "How can President Bush continue the war on terror on multiple fronts without instituting a draft?"

Senior Jerry Harris of the Republicans said, "President Bush and will continue to protect American … without a draft." Harris said Bush would use "better technology, not manpower" to continue the war on terror.

Sophomore Jacob Thielen of the Democrats said that John Kerry will involve other nations in Iraq and "pull a significant amount of our troops out of Iraq."

For the vast majority of the debate, the two groups, who received copies of the questions in advance, touted party lines. Junior Michael Keating of the Democrats said that John Kerry "bring troops home in 6 months" by "involving other nations" in the Iraqi nation-building program.

"John Kerry’s service [in Vietnam] taught him nothing … the problem in Iraq needs time," said freshman Keith Speers of the Republicans. Speers said the end of the war in Iraq will have "fair and just democratic rule.

"It will not be another Vietnam. President Bush will not allow it to be," he said.

The team questioned first had two minutes to respond. A one-and-a-half-minute rebuttal then was given by the opposing team. Debate could be extended for an additional 30 seconds at the moderator’s discretion.

Panelists from organizations such as Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, Brothers of a New Direction, the Christian Student Union and The Breeze asked questions until the debate was open to public questions. The open forum became contentious and rowdy, with some audience members heckling the panel and punctuating the panelists’ comments with remarks.

"Both sides came well-prepared," Speers said. "It was encouraging to see how engaged the audience got during the debate."

Thielen said, "Those who attended hears two very different views these candidates and parties have … I encourage everyone to do their research and to make an informed vote in the most important election of our lifetime."