Spring Break
Five candidates drop in on Mandell Watch Party
Nancy Lan, Caitlin Grey, Aditi Dubey
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: News
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Each Democratic Presidential candidate received a standing ovation during their visit to the debate's viewing party in Mandell Theatre Oct. 30, and candidates who came to the viewing party following the live debate made all the difference, according to Tim Urian, a senior majoring in digital media.
The theater was occupied by students, volunteers, members of student life, residential living staff and public safety officers. The event was started by members of the DAC Pack, and Pennsylvania 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 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.
The theater was occupied by students, volunteers, members of student life, residential living staff and public safety officers. The event was started by members of the DAC Pack, and Pennsylvania 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 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.
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