By Zak Zeinert, Chief Photographer
More than 100 students gathered in Hart Auditorium Wednesday to watch as Republicans and Democrats debated amongst themselves over the political candidates.
The Students’ Association and the JMC Network sponsored the event, titled “We the People,” to help better inform students on where each candidate stands on key issues. Panelists were asked questions from a moderator and also took questions from the audience.
Neal Coates, professor of political science and a panelist on the Republican side, said he thought the debate was a great success.
“The whole experience was very pleasant. Daniel [Johnson-Kim] did a great job moderating, and the panelists were very civil towards each other,” Coates said.
Six panelists participated, three for each political party. Dr. Kevin Christian, director of Strategic Partnerships; Jordan Hancock, junior political science major from Abilene; and Dr. Neal Coates, professor of political science, represented the Republicans. Dr. Kristina Campos, professor of communication; Daniel Paul Watkins, senior political science major from Fredericksburg, Va., and Students’ Association president and Dr. Steven Moore, professor of English, represented the Democrats’ side.
Daniel Johnson-Kim, senior journalism major from Abilene, moderated the event.
Topics ranged from key issues such as abortion, the economy and foreign policy to Sarah Palin’s appearance on Saturday Night Live.
Spencer Hemphill, senior accounting major from Longview and Students’ Association treasurer, said he felt it was important to sponsor events like this.
“It’s a good way to help stimulate students’ brains by having them raise questions and to also help recap the key issues,” Hemphill said. “It was also nice to hear both sides together so that you get a really fair presentation of the issues.”
Hemphill said he helped select panelists for the event.
The event lasted a little more than an hour – and with the exception of a slight microphone malfunction near the end – went
without any problems.
“It was a lot of fun. I’m glad I got asked,” Coates said. “I look forward to seeing whoever is elected working hard for our country.
