The Eastern Michigan University College Democrats held a debate watch party on Thursday, Feb 11, in the Student Center.
Energies were high among the 40 students in attendance as they watched the PBS News Hour Democratic debate featuring 2016 presidential candidates Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The College Democrats work to promote the ideas of the Democratic Party and make sure that college students in support get their voices heard by Democratic elected officials in both Michigan and Washington D.C.
Marissa Tackett, senior and Vice President of EMU’s College Democrats, said that it is important for college students to watch the debate and vote in this year’s election.
“I want students to have a chance to listen to politics, get ideas about the differences between the two candidates and understand the importance of politics in daily life” she said. “I think America has become polarized in their view, both the candidates want to see that changed. This election has a chance to make a difference in the near future as far as bringing the country together.”
Jay Monga, junior and president of EMU’s College Democrats, said that the learning experience of the debate will be very beneficial to students.
“Students have the opportunity to network with community members and community leaders to grow themselves politically and professionally,” he said. “This election is critical because we have seen a divide in the country recently for every American citizen. It’s their duty to vote if they want to see the country move forward.”
Tables were set up for students to register to vote and volunteers passed out pamphlets for students to join the campaigns of both of the presidential candidates and local politicians.
In between commercial breaks, Sam Jones-Darling, political organizing director for the Michigan Federation of College Democrats, encouraged students to get involved in this election. He shared a quote first popularized by former Gov. George Romney.
“When you vote, your voice is heard, students are heard. If not us, who? If not now, when?” he said.
Joseph Peters, a senior majoring in political science, was surprised by the topics covered in the debate and also said he thinks watching helps students gain beneficial knowledge.
“When I was watching, I was surprised when Hillary was asked about poor white communities, I expected Jim Webb to talk about that, not her,” he said. “It makes you have to think about politics. Students have to educate themselves about the issues they are voting on. If you don’t educate yourself then you shouldn’t vote and vice versa.”
Imani Brooks, junior and secretary of EMU’s College Democrats, enjoyed the positive energy from the students.
“It was interesting! It was great to see everybody’s reaction and be surrounded by like minds,” she said. “There were so many Bernie Sanders supporters in one room and that made me happy. This election is important because of the focus on student loan debt, it just keeps rising. If a republican gets in office, it won’t be good because they are not focused on students.”
