October 10, 2008
Roosevelt Institution and Students in Free Enterprise sponsor debate between College Democrats and Republicans
SEARCY, Ark.—The political atmosphere at Harding University is heating up. Students on both ends of the spectrum have been working hard to promote their candidates on campus through meetings, watch parties, signs, Bison articles and blog posts. Now students will get the chance to see College Democrats and Republicans debate each other face-to-face, just two weeks before the 2008 election.On Oct. 21, Roosevelt Institution and Students in Free Enterprise will host and moderate a debate on energy and the economy. David Manes, senior political science major from Pittsburgh, Pa., will debate on behalf of College Democrats. Derek Glover, senior economics major from Searcy, Ark., will debate representing the College Republicans. The debate will begin at 8 p.m. in Cone Chapel on campus, and the event is free and open to the public.
Says Manes, "The economy is the most important issue to voters in this election, and it is vital that we move beyond ideology and discuss the policies proposed by the candidates. Obama and McCain bring different approaches to the role of the government in helping citizens who are suffering in this recession. I am very excited that the Roosevelt Institution is able to sponsor events like this that provide information to the student body and the community."
Glover also eagerly anticipates the event. He says, "I am excited to do this debate because I think this is one of the most interesting elections to occur in quite some time, and it comes at a crucial moment for our nation. I feel that it is important to discuss the views of those who will lead our country for the next four to eight years because what they do with some of these issues will directly affect my life after college."
Roosevelt Institution is a non-partisan public policy think tank. Founded in 2004, this national student organization represents progressive ideals and an attempt to think outside the box to find creative solutions to public policy problems. The Harding chapter began in Sept. 2007, and it has grown so much that members are divided into three policy centers this year: education, equal justice, and energy.
The Roosevelt Institution was interested in hosting the debate because of the election's significance. Said President Karie Cross, senior political science major of Greenbrier, Ark., "One of our main goals is to end apathy within our generation. We want to make it easier for Harding students and people from the Searcy community to get involved and cast a well-informed vote. Hopefully this debate will highlight different views on a couple of the most important issues in this election: energy and the economy."
Students in Free Enterprise, known as SIFE, is a global non-profit organization active on over 1800 college and university campuses in over 40 countries and territories. SIFE is funded by financial contributions from corporations, entrepreneurs, foundations, government agencies and individuals. Working in partnership with business and higher education, SIFE establishes student teams on university campuses. These teams, led by faculty advisors, develop community outreach projects that reach SIFE's six educational topics: market economics, success skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business ethics and environmental awareness.
Samuel Cofer, mathematics and information technology double major from Thurmont, Md., commented, "The Harding SIFE club decided that under the category of Market Economics it would be interesting to setup a presidential policy debate on campus. This was done in order to educate the community and Harding students on the benefits of the free market and to encourage voters to cast their ballot with thought to the economic policies of the two candidates. Our hope for this election is that the students of Harding would develop an awareness and appreciation for the market economy and all of the many benefits that they enjoy today because of the economic system in which we all live."
