Joseph Edgecomb / The Collegian
While presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain were squaring off in Mississippi Friday, spectators flocked to the Bucket on campus to see how it unfolded.
As part of its Why1509? campaign to promote political awareness and voter participation at Fresno State, ASI publicized the debate to be viewed by students still on campus in the evening.
Although there were no food or drinks being served from behind the counter, ASI provided plenty of refreshments and a quiet atmosphere to watch.
“A lot of students are here probably when the debate is going to be,â€Â said ASI Senator Sarait Martinez, who is helping coordinate the campaign. “So it’s really easier for [the students] just to go on campus and watch the debate.â€Â
Two televisions were tuned in to ABC-30 for the more than 30 students in attendance Friday night. A number of news media outlets were present to catch reactions on camera.
Throughout the debate, McCain spoke at length on the need for increasing defense resources while tightening excessive spending in Washington.
“I’ve got a pen and I’m gonna veto every spending bill that comes across my desk,â€Â McCain said.
Obama decried McCain̢۪s plans to provide tax cuts to the rich. Obama̢۪s own presidential agenda includes a 95 percent tax cut to working families and more availability of health care.
“We believe only what’s good for Wall Street but not Main Street,â€Â said Obama.
He said McCain̢۪s constituents have proven themselves ignorant of the struggling working class.
Both suggested the exploration of alternative energy sources to reduce dependence on foreign oil in order to keep U.S. dollars at home.
McCain, declaring the success of the latest troop surges that he supported, proposed a spending freeze on everything but defense and veterans̢۪ assistance.
“We are winning in Iraq and we will come home with victory and with honor,â€Â said McCain, citing the dangers of pulling out without a comprehensive plan.
Amidst instances of crosstalk between the candidates, Obama agreed with his opponent̢۪s general principle on the war, but denied that it would be effective or practical.
“That’s using a hatchet where you need a scalpel,â€Â Obama said. “No U.S. soldier ever dies in vain because they are carrying out the orders of their commander-in-chief.â€Â
Applause rang out in the room when Obama discussed the importance of affordable college education, while personal remarks were uttered from several tables in the Bucket throughout the night.
While no forum was held for post-debate dialogue, many students expressed feedback between themselves at closing.
“I feel that Obama believes in helping those who are less fortunate,â€Â said senior health science major Alita Espinoza. “Unfortunately, McCain tonight expressed that he will cut everything.â€Â
Other students were a little more gracious of McCain̢۪s performance, with considerable respect to his years of experience.
“I think as far as foreign policy goes, McCain made the strongest [impression],â€Â said political science and business major Lauren Brown. “He’s got the background; he came across so much more knowledgeable; he’s been there, he’s done that; he knows what’s going on.â€Â
Evaluations were given to everyone in attendance, allowing the audience to express concerns about the debate. ASI will use these to determine students̢۪ knowledge of the issues and overall satisfaction of the event.
ASI will hold screenings for the vice presidential debate on Oct. 2 and for the two remaining presidential debates on Oct. 7 and Oct. 15. No clear plan has yet been made as to the location or procedure of these viewings; however, both will be announced upon the analysis of student surveys.
Martinez said in the effort to foster greater political responsiveness on campus, ASI will continue to distribute information on the upcoming elections while inviting students to participate in the Why1509? campaign.
“I think if students are educated on the issues concerning the propositions, they’re gonna be more likely to register and go out and vote,â€Â Martinez said.
dhubbard • Sep 29, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I know the guy on the far right!!! haha!
dhubbard • Sep 29, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I know the guy on the far right!!! haha!
michelle dacosta • Sep 29, 2008 at 9:50 am
Open up your eyes. Look at Obama and look at McCain. Obviously, Obama will make a better president because hes caring, warm, and understanding. Dont you want a president thats been through the same thing youve been through. wouldnt you want a president that understands your ups and downs, strugglement in society, and a president who want to change for the better. No more starvation or poverty. Think about it. Obama is who we need to make America better. Please everyone vote OBAMA, please. Give this African American man a chance to make a good positive change.
michelle dacosta • Sep 29, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Open up your eyes. Look at Obama and look at McCain. Obviously, Obama will make a better president because hes caring, warm, and understanding. Dont you want a president thats been through the same thing youve been through. wouldnt you want a president that understands your ups and downs, strugglement in society, and a president who want to change for the better. No more starvation or poverty. Think about it. Obama is who we need to make America better. Please everyone vote OBAMA, please. Give this African American man a chance to make a good positive change.
michelle dacosta • Sep 29, 2008 at 9:43 am
I really thik everyone should vote for Obama. Come on give him a chance, finally an african american with good opinions in change for the better. Please vote OBAMA.
michelle dacosta • Sep 29, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I really thik everyone should vote for Obama. Come on give him a chance, finally an african american with good opinions in change for the better. Please vote OBAMA.
jacksmith • Sep 29, 2008 at 6:34 am
Bush, McCain can run. But they cant hide anymore.
What ever congress does to try and fix our stunning economic catastrophe needs to be done very carefully. Congress needs to take their time, and be sure of what they are doing. Whatever is done needs to be sharply focused at helping, and protecting the best interest of the ordinary Americans. In particular the vast American middle class. 700 billion dollars is a lot of the peoples money to spend to bail out a bunch of corrupt Bush loan sharks.
When have you ever known any government plan, or project to only cost what the government said it would. Remember the war in Iraq. Bush and his so-called advisers said it would only cost you about 80 billion dollars. But we now know that the war in Iraq will cost you, and your children, and your grand children over a trillion dollars, and still counting.
So if 80 billion can end up costing you over a trillion dollars. How much could 700 billion end up costing you. Any math wizards out there. I come up with 9 trillion…:-(
My fellow human beings, just as I warned you ahead of this catastrophic economic meltdown, I must now warn you that what is ahead has the potential to be even more catastrophic than what we are going through now. The worlds geopolitical landscape has been booby trapped by the Bush McCain administration and their republican allies in congress. These booby traps are poised to spring at any time.
Fortunately the Worlds Nations have been blessed with many excellent leaders (except the US) who have been careful, wise, strong, and self-restrained in dealing with the provocations, and antagonism’s of the Bush, McCain administration.
Barack Obama and the democrats are your best hope now. Tell your family, friends, and everyone you know to support them as best you can, and vote for them like your life, and the lives of your loved ones depends on it. Because it does. You will not survive 4 more years of Bush McCain.
JACK SMITH – WORKING CLASS…
jacksmith • Sep 29, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Bush, McCain can run. But they cant hide anymore.
What ever congress does to try and fix our stunning economic catastrophe needs to be done very carefully. Congress needs to take their time, and be sure of what they are doing. Whatever is done needs to be sharply focused at helping, and protecting the best interest of the ordinary Americans. In particular the vast American middle class. 700 billion dollars is a lot of the peoples money to spend to bail out a bunch of corrupt Bush loan sharks.
When have you ever known any government plan, or project to only cost what the government said it would. Remember the war in Iraq. Bush and his so-called advisers said it would only cost you about 80 billion dollars. But we now know that the war in Iraq will cost you, and your children, and your grand children over a trillion dollars, and still counting.
So if 80 billion can end up costing you over a trillion dollars. How much could 700 billion end up costing you. Any math wizards out there. I come up with 9 trillion…:-(
My fellow human beings, just as I warned you ahead of this catastrophic economic meltdown, I must now warn you that what is ahead has the potential to be even more catastrophic than what we are going through now. The worlds geopolitical landscape has been booby trapped by the Bush McCain administration and their republican allies in congress. These booby traps are poised to spring at any time.
Fortunately the Worlds Nations have been blessed with many excellent leaders (except the US) who have been careful, wise, strong, and self-restrained in dealing with the provocations, and antagonism’s of the Bush, McCain administration.
Barack Obama and the democrats are your best hope now. Tell your family, friends, and everyone you know to support them as best you can, and vote for them like your life, and the lives of your loved ones depends on it. Because it does. You will not survive 4 more years of Bush McCain.
JACK SMITH – WORKING CLASS…