Want to be informed? Interested in learning more about the upcoming election? Now is the perfect opportunity to do so. This week marks the beginning of the presidential debates between Democratic candidate, Vice-President Al Gore, and Republican candidate, Governor George W. Bush. These debates give voters the opportunity to see the nominees discuss issues, platforms and goals that are of interest to voters.
Steven Puro, professor of Political Science and Public Policy, encourages students to watch these debates. “Most students on campus can vote, whether at home or by absentee ballot,” Puro said. “These issues being debated are ones that relate to the future generations such as healthcare and taxes. For many, these debates will be the first time they hear the individual’s stances on issues.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 3, Gore and Bush met for the first time at the University of Massachusetts in Boston to discuss issues ranging from Medicare to campaign finance to education. Each candidate stressed his qualifications for the job of presidency, while often resorting to criticism of the other’s stands. Some of the major points of dispute included tax-cut proposals and the future of Social Security.
The pre-election polls show Gore and Bush extremely close. Often there is only a point or two that separates them. These numbers are subject to change after the debates are completed.
“More people watched these debates than in 1996, because the candidates are so close in the polls,” Puro said.
What makes these debates even more interesting is the location of the final showdown between Gore and Bush.
Washington University has been selected as the venue for the completion of the presidential debates on Oct. 17. Both candidates will be traveling to St. Louis to face each other one final time before elections in November.
According to Jonathon Waldron, a junior majoring in Political Science, “It makes the debates even more interesting. It also says a lot for St. Louis.”
Puro added, “Having the debate here in St. Louis adds a local flavor. The debate will attract national attention to the city.”
The next debate is scheduled for Oct. 11 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
