Centre community members weigh in on the debates

RELEASED: October 9, 2008

DANVILLE, KY—Centre College, of course, has a place in the history books as host site for the 2000 vice presidential debate. With the 2008 presidential election less than four weeks away, are Centre community members following the general election debates this time around? This is the question Laura Pasley '10, student writer in the communications office, recently asked members of the Centre Community.  

“I'm definitely watching and keeping up with the general election debates. As a voter, I feel like I have the responsibility to know as much about the candidates as I can in order to make a wise and informed decision in November.”
Sam Bottom ’09, Secretary of Centre College Republicans

“I've been watching the debates for the sake of curiosity more than anything. I keep hoping that the candidates will finally articulate their respective agendas. (I'm not unaware of what their agendas generally are; I'd just like to hear them coherently state them.) Other than this, it's interesting to see how candidates answer sticky questions like their stances on gay marriage, abortion and the make up of the Supreme Court. I think it says more about how they view the voting populace than how they view the issues.“
Dr. W. David Hall, Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy and Centre Scholar

“I really feel like this election is extremely significant in determining America's future, especially with the current state of the economy. On a less serious note, I enjoy playing 'Sarah Palin bingo' (look it up online) every time she speaks.”
Laura Beth Griffin ‘10

“I watch the Presidential debates with some interest. Being interested in politics and a government major, my interest in the debates is a natural extension. I think it's crucial to understand the positions and attitudes of both candidates, as this election will set the attitude of American policy for generations to come. It's comparable to the elections of 1860, 1932—especially in our current economic state—and 1980. It's essential America understands the direction in which either candidate plans to lead America.”
Greg Brooks ‘11 

“I'm all about watching the debates and the election in general. I'm a politics whore, so this is prime time. For the first time in a while, our generation finally cares about our political future, and it's incredibly motivating to see that lazy kid sitting next to you in class finally supporting something. Plus, I'm happy that SNL has some great material to work with again.“
Rachael Dahlman  ’09, Secretary of Centre College Democrats

“I'm a political junkie. Of course I'm keeping up with the debates. Nothing is more entertaining than watching Sarah Palin crash and burn on the national stage. Plus, Barack Obama is my favorite human being ever.”
Emily Gallt ’09

“Of course, coming from a city heavily dependent on federal dollars, especially with NASA and Obama's platform to give NASA a $1 billion budget increase has kept me watching closely to see who seems to stay true to their platform.”
Austin Schrimsher ‘11

"Even though I've made my decision on who I will vote for (Obama-Biden) I'm closely watching the Presidential debates. I want to be absolutely certain that both campaigns are proposing solutions, not just dancing around issues. I'm especially waiting to hear how our next President will help 'bail out' students like me with mounting tuition debt, difficulty finding new college loans, and looking into an increasingly grim economic future. I want a job after I graduate, and so do all students. Our next president should be prepared to help us find them."
Arshiya Saiyed ’10, Treasurer of Centre College Democrats and Chair of College Democrats of Kentucky

“I'm definitely keeping up with the election just like every year since I can remember. I guess I'm kind of a political nerd because I check the headlines and polls like three times a day. But since I'm taking an elections class and am the president of the College Republicans I can at least use those as an excuse.”
Meg Thompson ’09, President of Centre College Republicans

“I've been watching the debates every week because I think they're an important aspect of the electoral process. They help to educate voters on the candidates' platforms and provide a great opportunity to observe how candidates react while under stress. An important feature of a leader is to remain calm and still react intelligently and coherently even when under attack. Debates test the candidates ability to do both while they stand in front of millions Americans and defend their policy positions. They are extremely important because candidates are given a first chance to appear presidential in front of the entire nation.”
Erica Arave ’09, President of Centre College Democrats

“Yes, I'm watching the debates. Following them is simply a part of becoming an educated and informed voter. You have to watch with some skepticism, though, and understand that both candidates come with talking points and facts to tout. People shouldn't be surprised when candidates don't answer every question the moderator asks. I like watching the candidates' body language and reactions to each other—to me, these reveal a lot. Plus, watching the debates makes their Saturday Night Live reproductions even funnier.”
Shaina Peterson ’09, Vice President of Public Relations of Centre College Republicans

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Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Consumers Digest ranks Centre No. 1 in educational value among all U.S. liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/

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