Centre
College Debate News
Fact Sheet #10: Vice Presidential Web Poll
Centre College has launched a Vice Presidential Web Poll, inviting American voters to choose the V.P.'s most likely to swing their votes. The poll was launched Tuesday, June 20, and within five days was named "Hot Site of the Week" by PoliticsOnline.com.
PoliticsOnline.com
The Web Poll
On-line visitors can register their choice of vice presidential candidates
from a list prepared by Clarence Wyatt, Pottinger Associate Professor
of History at Centre and an expert on recent American history. After voting,
the selection is tabulated. Participants can immediately view a summary
of the votes, broken down by gender, race and age.
Choices on the ballot
Wyatt's lists may raise a few eyebrows, but the Centre professor says
he set out to create a ballot that was short, manageable and provocative.
"The fun, at this point, is the speculation. Later, the fun is the surprise,"
says Wyatt. He chose a collection of seven Democrats including U.S. senators
John Kerry of Massachusetts and Dianne Feinstein of California. His slightly
longer list of nine Republicans covers Gen. Colin Powell and Elizabeth
Dole, along with former presidential contender John McCain. On a note
of whimsy, he offers the Florida governor Jeb Bush for the possibility
of first 'sibling ticket.'
Voter participation
The Centre on-line poll aims to promote voter participation and interaction
in the upcoming election. The college also hopes to heighten interest
in the upcoming VP debate, which Wyatt says will be an important factor
in the election process. "The presidential candidates hold few surprises
at this point," Wyatt says, "so the image and perceived abilities of their
running mates take on an added level of importance."
Vice Presidential debate
Centre College will host the only Vice Presidential debate this year.
That debate is set for Thursday, Oct. 5, in the college's Norton Center
for the Arts.
Contacts
Clarence Wyatt •
Phone 859-238-5243 • wyattc@centre.edu
Centre news service • Phone 859-238-5719 • trllngrp@centre.edu
Last updated: June 28, 2000
