Historic debate captures Weber

Sean Wynn, a sophomore in the Political Science department at Weber State University, spent his Thursday night listening to the debate between vice president hopefuls Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden. Wynn said he went to watch history unfold. "Either way it goes you're making history," Wynn said. "You either get the first black president or the first woman vice president." WSU's American Democracy Project hosted a watching of the debate at the Wildcat Theater in the Shepherd Union Building at 7 p.m. WSU's ADP hoped that by sponsoring the event, it would bring the community together to discuss the issues and realize the importance of voting for the President of the United States. People at the event got that message. "I definitely think it is important to know the issues and where the candidates stand," Wynn said, "because that is how our system runs, how those in Washington gain their platforms. Knowing the issues is how we can make our vote count." The candidates debated over issues like the current economic crisis, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, energy plans, tax cuts and the current administration. Applause could be heard in the theater when the candidates made some strong points. There was laughter as well, as both debaters made mistakes and cracked jokes. A lot of the talk before and after the debate centered on the Republican V.P. candidate, Sarah Palin. Palin has been both praised for some of the things she has done as governor of Alaska and criticized for her lack of experience in Washington. "I think that Palin did an awesome job, she really seemed like she knew what she was talking about. She also was more informal," said WSU student Ashley Carver. Her assessment on how personable Palin was wasn't shared by all. "I was surprised, I felt that Palin was evasive with the questions she was asked," said Brianna Jordan, another WSU student attending the screening. The nomination of Palin for the Vice Presidency came out of left field for most people. Some looked at it as a ploy to get voters that were in Hilary Clinton's camp to back McCain. "It seems that the main reason for the Palin nomination is to get the women vote from Hilary Clinton," said Wynn. Regardless of the reason for the nomination, it is a sure thing that either way history will be made. Now it is up for people to decide what history they want to make. Those that watched the debate on Thursday night now have more information on the issues involved in making the decision, and also now have their first real look at the Vice Presidential candidates. "I think that they balanced the tickets really well," William Peterson, a WSU student in attendance said. "McCain's camp balanced the historical aspect for both tickets and also brought some youth and vitality to the campaign. Obama was smart in nominating Biden by bringing experience to the table."