IU students represent political parties in debate

With less than a week left before Election Day, student political groups made their last attempts to educate people about the candidates Tuesday
evening.

Fair Vote, a non-partisan student organization, hosted a debate between Students for John McCain, Hoosiers for Nader and IU Students for Liberty representatives.

Student organizations representing the Democratic Party did not attend due to schedule conflicts, said graduate student Jeremy Young, Fair Vote member and moderator for the night.

“We were not informed about this meeting happening for a very long time,” said IU Democrats President Anna Strand.

The 11 people that attended the debate probably knew who they were going to vote for, but Fair Vote wanted to make sure they made an educated choice.

“I’m hoping people learn more about the candidates instead of just the sound bites,” Young said.

The debate focused on broad issues such as foreign policy, abortion, the war on terrorism, the United Nations and the Supreme Court.

Abortion drew a large reaction from student representatives who had conflicting thoughts than those of their candidates.

Freshman Connor Caudill, a representative for Students for John McCain, said he and his candidate are pro-life, but Caudill thought abortion could not be outlawed because it would lead to illegal abortions.

Aaron Hamlin, graduate student and member of Hoosiers for Nader, said sex education in schools could prevent abortions.

Other representatives, such as senior Andrew Sharp of IU Students for Liberty, felt strongly about the Supreme Court.

“The Supreme Court has been one of the worst things about our government,” Sharp said. “(It) ignores the fact that the Constitution was made to limit the government.”

Sharp said the Libertarian candidates think the Supreme Court defends the activity of the government.

Another topic that was highly discussed was the lack of coverage of third parties.

Connor said anyone can run for president but it is up to parties to draw people to themselves and have their voice heard.