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The Presidential Debate Patsy Keever Visits Brevard
By Will Lutz By Adam Beeson
The first Presidential debate, between George W. Bush and
the Democratic contender, John Kerry, was held at the
University of Miami, Florida with the main topic being
Foreign Policy.
The candidates argued about the post 9-11 military policy in
Iraq and Afghanistan. Kerry argued that the war in Iraq is
falling apart and that he offers a winning solution;
meanwhile, Bush tried to state the good part that has
happened so far under his watch.
Many news anchors commented that Kerry looked very
Presidential and the early reports said that John Kerry won
the first debate by an overwhelming margin. Some reporters
said that President Bush ran out of steam two-thirds of the
way through the debate. This triumph for John Kerry
bounced his numbers in the polls and the candidates are now
tied at 49% even considering Ralph Nader. This is bad news
for the Bush Administration. Even though the polls are tied
at 49%, the Electoral College is favoring President Bush 264
votes to John Kerry’s 253 votes. To win the White House the
candidates need to reach 270 Electoral College points.
Town Hall Debate
By Will Lutz
President Bush and Senator Kerry went head-to-head in the
second Presidential Debate on Friday, October 8, 2004, at
Washington University in St. Louis, MO. The debate was in
the “Town Hall” format; where undecided voters were able
direct their own specific questions at either candidate.
The candidates shared the same stage with a small audience
looking on. One interesting encounter occurred when John
Kerry blasted Bush for counting his own company, with
subsidiaries in timber yards, as a small business. Bush
laughed and reassured the voters that his business policies
are realistic, but not before a clever jab, “I own a timber
company? That’s news to me...”
The results about who won are irrelevant; this debate proved
that a true tie can happen, both candidates did very well.
Among the Kerry supporters Kerry won, and among the
Bush supporters Bush won. Some journalists even speculated
that George W. Bush was wearing a wire.
Brevard College's chapter of the Young Politicians of
America and the Brevard College Debate Society hosted
congressional candidate Patsy Keever at the Porter Center
for Performing Arts on October 2.
Mrs. Keever spoke for approximately fifteen minutes on
issues concerning education, jobs, the economy, and
healthcare in westem North Carolina. Afterwards, Keever
answered questions from Brevard College students as well
as members of the Brevard community.
“It is time for a change,” said Keever about the current
conditions in westem North Carolina. Keever said that she
wants to make
college more
affordable and create
more jobs in the 11th
District, which she
said has lost 5,000
jobs in the past year.
“Washington
politicians are out of
touch with westem .
North Carolina,” ^ . I
Keever added, “it is critical to get involved in this
election.”
Keever is the first candidate to speak at Brevard College
this year. Vincent Wong, president of Brevard College’s
YPA chapter, has invited all the candidates. Republicans
and Democrats, to speak on campus in hopes to raise
political awareness to the Brevard community, in
particular the students on campus.
“Events like this are excellent opportunities for students to
leam more about the candidates and their views on the
issues, and to leam more about the issues facing westem
North Carolina,” said Wong. Most importantly, Wong
said he wants people to register and exercise their right to
vote. “Too often we feel it is unimportant and that we
can’t make a difference by one vote,” said Wong. “I
would argue that being educated, sharing your knowledge,
and making sure your voice is heard is what voting is all
about.”
“As we receive confirmation that candidates are able to
visit our campus, we will make events like this available
to the campus community and the Brevard community,”
http://www.brevard.edu/clarion/news.html
6/13/2005