FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2000 Beacon and Behrend Honors Programs to hold simulated presidential debate by Jason Snyder editor-in-chief Due to the lack of voter turnout among college students in the Erie area, many Behrend clubs and organizations have taken on the task of raising awareness about the political issues brought forth in this year's presidential election. On October 18, the Behrend Beacon and the Behrend Honors Programs will co-sponsor an event entitled "A Look at the Issues: A Simulated Presidential Debate." The event is open to the entire community with hopes of further educating voters on the issues. Dr. John Gamble, Honors Coordinator and political science professor at Behrend, is conducting a search to find the two most suitable students to represent candidates George W. Bush and Al Gore. The students will be chosen from Behrend's newly formed rival organizations of the College VS. College Democrats "The most realistic presidential debate in Pennsylvania" Republicans and College statements that will brief the reformandpresidential leadership. Democrats. audience on their platforms. Questions will be answered in a Once selected, the debaters will The debaters will then take formatofatwo-minuteanswerand be joined by students who will questions from a panel of four one minute rebuttal. "The most realistic presidential debate research the issues to gain a better understanding of where the candidates stand. The debate format will be a mix of the real presidential debates currently being held between Bush and Gore. The Behrend debaters will each begin with opening A Simulated Presidential Debate hosted by the Behrend Beacon and the Behrend Honors Programs Closeyour eyes, and you will think you are listening to Vice President Gore and Governor Bush. Come listen to this lively debate between the College Democrats and the College Republicans as they discuss the issues important to thisyear's election. Inform yourself about where the candidates stand on the issues before voting. in Pennsylvania." faculty members. The questions will stem from a list of eight categories involving foreign and military policy, economic and budget policy, social welfare policy, environment and energy policy, civil liberties and civil rights, education, government A Look at the Issues: October 18, 2000 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Reed Commons NE WS Dr. John Gamble, Coordinator of Behrend Honors Programs After the panel question segment, the debate will be opened up for audience questions. This will be followed by closing statements from both candidates. Managing Editor of the Beacon Mike Frawley will be the moderator of the debate. College Republicans Frawley's job will include introducing the panelists and taking the questions from the audience, making sure that the questions aren't statements made by audience members. "I am very happy to be participating in an event that will expand the community's knowledge on the issues of this election," said Frawley. Beacon advisor and political science professor Dr. Robert Speel commented on the importance of the event saying, "This is an opportunity for students, many of whom will be voting for the first time, to listen to other students present candidate positions on the issues. Students will also have the ability to ask questions from the students representing presidential candidates to find out more about issues of particular interest." Dr. Sped will also be on the panel of faculty asking the questions. Local politicians running for office this fall have been invited to watch the debate. At press time, State Senator Jane Earll had confirmed that she would be attending the debate. Dr. Gamble called the event, "the most realistic presidential debate in Pennsylvania." Awareness of the 2000 Election has already been expanded with many campus organizations making a push to get Behrend students registered. Over the past few weeks, the College Republicans and College Democrats, have each registered many students. In the Beacon's one-day push, 100 more students filled out the form enabling them to vote in this year's election. The boost in registered voters on campus further shows the importance of the simulated presidential debate on the 18th. The debate will begin at 7:30 p.m. and run until 9:00 p.m. in the Reed Commons.
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