Spring Break
Students watch Democrats face off in Mandell Theatre
Candidates, minus Clinton, Dodd, greet students following debate
Nancy Lan, Aditi Dubey, Caitlin Gray
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: Student Experience
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The theatre was occupied by students, volunteers, members of student life and residential living staff, and public safety officers. The event was kick started by members of the DAC Pack, and Pa. Governor Ed Rendell. Five of the seven candidates came to the event. Sens. Hilary Clinton, D-N.Y. and Chris Dodd D-Conn., did not attend.
"Just seeing them there felt like they were having a conversation with you … they've changed my opinion as to who I am voting for in the primary," Urian said.
Luke Giordano, a junior majoring in screenwriting, agreed and added, "If anybody saw it, I am sure opinions will be changed."
During the debate, some students were upset at the focus on the more "popular" candidates. At the debate the candidates were asked to talk about their relevant experience, but students watching the debate seemed to think that experience was of little relevance when it came to the general elections.
Following the debate, however, some students felt that the current top candidates were still the front runners.
"Well, as much as you'd like it to be someone who is as experienced as possible … it comes down to how the media portrays them, and in the general elections, a lot of the times it's about the popularity of the candidate and not just actual experience," Sonali Biligiri, a freshman majoring in biology said.
Tynishia Williams, a junior majoring in culinary science, said: "I think Clinton's like the debate celebrity for some reason, and I'm tired of hearing about her. … If I wanted to research Sen. Clinton, I'd go home and do it myself. I really want to hear about their policies and the direction they plan on taking us."
Even the candidates joked about the election in terms of popularity.
"This race should not be about … who has the biggest rock star status, although I'm working on that," Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., said with a laugh.
While Clinton was the focus of much of the debate, she was also the target of many candidates.
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