IU applies for presidential debate

IU students are one step closer to being a part of the heat for the 2012 presidential election. The University has submitted an application to sponsor a presidential debate on campus, making it one of 12 schools to apply for the debate. If chosen, IU may be host to either a presidential or vice presidential debate in the IU Auditorium.

Officials from the Presidential Debate Student Coalition and IU Student Association, including Union Board and the Residence Halls Association, were leaders in submitting the application. Leaders said IU students will be able to learn from the debates and be a bigger part of the political process.

“Hosting a presidential debate means hosting the eyes of the entire country on Indiana University,” said Riley Voss, director of debates and issues for Union Board. “For students, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the election process in a way that stretches so much further than casting a vote at the polls ... They’ll have the opportunity to participate in academic programming initiatives leading up to the debate that will better construct the political foundations of many first-time voters.”

Voss said a mix of encouragement and passion for politics is what got him on board.
“I came to realize how monumental something like this would be to not only the students but the historical outlook of Bloomington and the University itself, and that really sparked the creativity and drive that has been carried out by the rest of the student coalition,” Voss said.

IU Auditorium Director Doug Booher said he agreed that bringing a presidential debate to Bloomington would be an incredible educational opportunity for students, faculty and the entire community.

“From internships with media, political and planning organizations to specially designed course curriculum focused on the political process, the debate experience will extend to every boundary of our University and beyond,” Booher said.

Voss said IU is the perfect location for a presidential debate.

“IU has one of the most diverse populations of students from very broad backgrounds. We’re exactly the type of community a presidential candidate is looking to reach out to,” Voss said.

Booher also said bringing the debate would be a wonderful economic opportunity.
Voss said the committee hopes to have better luck for 2012 after they submitted an application in 2008.

“It’s an opportunity that no student, faculty member or administrator will ever forget,” Voss said.

Freshman Zach Russo said having a presidential debate on campus would be an effective way to get students involved.

“Students are going to feel more connected to the candidates and be more involved if they are at the debate,” Russo said. “Students will be able to focus solely on what the candidates are saying without any distractions. It’s not very often that you have the opportunity to see a debate like that.”

The Commission on Presidential Debates will send officials to visit the sites during summer 2011. Four sites will be chosen and announced in the fall, along with two backup locations.

Students are encouraged to get involved and join the efforts in sponsoring the debate. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to email Voss at rpvoss@indiana.edu or debates@indiana.edu.