IU bids for 2012 presidential debate

As Hoosiers review the results of the midterm elections, IU administrators and IU Student Association members are bidding to be a site for a 2012 presidential debate.

The University has been working to secure a presidential debate since the 2008 election, IUSA Chief of Internal Affairs and sophomore Barrett Tenbarge said.
By preparing for this election cycle well in advance, IU should have a fighting chance, Tenbarge said.

“It would be really a transformational academic experience for the students,” Tenbarge said.

Tenbarge and representatives from the Office of the President and the IU Auditorium, where the event would be, laid out a rough idea of a bid proposal.

This will not be finalized until the Commission on Presidential Debates releases specific criteria for applicants Jan. 3, 2011.

After the criteria are released, IU will respond with a document specifying ways in which it will meet the demands of the event. Commissioners will tour campus, and IU will know by November 2011 whether it has been chosen as a debate site.

Since a bid was already drawn up in 2008, only minor changes will need to be made before submitting a new proposal.

IU Auditorium Director Doug Booher said the event itself will take place in the auditorium.

Media camps, meeting rooms and hotel accommodations will be set up in other locations such as the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and the Indiana Memorial Union.

“We know that pulling off a presidential debate and hosting it well takes a collective effort of the entire campus,” Booher said.

Tenbarge said he hopes the idea of building a College of Arts and Sciences themester around political action, policy and media in fall 2012 will be discussed.

“There’s literally a way for every major and every school to get involved in a really substantial way, which would be a really neat experience for students,” Tenbarge said.

Justin Kingsolver, junior, president of the IU College Republicans and Indiana Daily Student columnist, said the debate could spark students’ political interest during an election year.

After low voter turnout during the midterm election, the debate could also help students stay engaged until the presidential election.

“I can’t think of something that would get students more politically excited and engaged and activated than having candidates talk to us,” Kingsolver said.

Kingsolver also pointed out a debate would bring media outlets from around the country to Bloomington. This could bring national attention to campus and improve IU’s image.

Kingsolver said he is confident any shortfalls seen in the last proposal can be corrected in a 2012 bid.

“It’s the perfect time for IU,” he said.