The University of Alabama Student Government Association came together with the UA chapter of the NAACP, the Black Student Union and Rock The Vote Tuesday night to take one final opportunity to host a mock debate for students.
Along with the College Democrats and Republicans, the debate involved a moderator to keep time and an audience who was able to submit questions to both sides of the debate. Each party had a panel of representatives to speak on their behalf.
“No matter what happens a week from today, tonight is exciting for the College Democrats and the College Republicans because we get to debate as students,” Jeff Elrod, a senior and political science major, said before the debate.
Elrod argued on behalf of the College Republicans, which he has been a part of since his freshman year at the University and is currently a chapter leader. The debate began with the introduction of the moderator, Jarrett Tyus, a graduate of the University’s law school and an attorney at law in Tuscaloosa.
The College Republicans started with their opening presentation, which focused on Romney’s five point plan. Regan Williams broke down Romney’s plan, from dependence on foreign oil to middle class and small business taxes. The Republicans also spoke on Romney’s plans to place a large importance on lowering the costs of higher education for every American in order to broaden the job market for all.
The College Democrats defended the president’s Affordable Care Act and promoted the job growth in America under Obama.
The Democrats then refuted the Republicans’ stance on the importance of education in America based on Obama’s plan for opportunities and brought up the need for available contraception for all women.
The Democrats stood up for Obama’s clear message in support of gay marriage and its importance to the current generation.
The debate part of the presentation, which was structured with time limits for both sides to argue and refute the other’s points, began with a question on jobs and the unemployment rate, specifically in the state of Alabama.
The Republicans answered first with an emphasis on Romney’s five point plan, specifically the provision lowering taxes for small businesses.
This lead the Democrats to describe Obama’s support for health care employees through programs like Medicaid.
Education and military involvement overseas were topics that followed.
“We can justify military spending as one of the few responsibilities of the federal government, which is outlined in the Constitution,” Elrod argued. “Our service men and women need to be able to order the resources they need.”
The Democrats were quick to refute that point.
“We need to cut military spending to reinvest in education, services for those in need, and we need to create social empowerment and build up our country at home,” Robert Christl, the president of the College Democrats, said.
Strengthening the middle class was a topic question for both parties, but the conversation quickly turned into a debate on Obama’s stimulus package.
“We are moving from an industrial economy to an information economy,” Crystl said. “The way to build the middle class is to continue investing in education.”
The organizers then read Twitter questions that had been asked by the audience during the event.
The debate ended with hand shakes and smiles between both sides representatives, and an enthusiastic audience left with a little more information on the ideas of both presidential candidates.
