Our experience blogging for The New York Times political blog, The Caucus, is now over. However, the positive discussion and student participation that came out of it is something that we hope will have positive repercussions.
The online debate that was done for the nation’s best newspaper may be finished, but the debate here at ETSU doesn’t have to end.
Last Thursday night, a group of students gathered in the East Tennessean newsroom to watch the first and only vice presidential debate between Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin. While the group munched popcorn, discussion was initially slow – but as the debate picked up intensity, so did the remarks from the students who crammed into the newsroom.
The ET commends those who showed up to lend their opinions, and we would like to applaud those who participated in the discussion following the debate. Something surprising that came out of the focus group was discussion about how ETSU students could not relate to either candidate. A majority of the students in our discussion felt that the candidates’ discussion of the “middle class” and “average people” did not apply to them. The candidates, many students said, had made no effort to respond to those who existed outside of the upper middle class.
“Neither of them are attempting to open up the dialogue with the working class,” one student remarked.
“They are talking about upper middle class white heterosexual people,” another student said.
The equal distribution of disdain between the candidates was equally surprising, and heartening. At first, Palin was drawing the most skeptical looks and jeers – but eventually Biden received harsh remarks, as well.
This will not be an easy month. We feel that young voters hold this election in the palms of their hands. Now, more than ever, politicians are aiming for the “young vote.”
Now, more than ever, your opinion matters. As Election Day looms closer, the discussion will only intensify. With one of the most important presidential elections in the history of our nation nearly upon us, open discussion is vital. It is so important for young people to be able to step forward and explore different topics and different issues. There are those who will always say, “Debates accomplish nothing.”
There are those who will say, “Don’t listen to anyone else’s opinion. Find your own interpretation of the Constitution, find out who agrees with it and vote for them. Otherwise, shut up about it.”
The East Tennessean is not going to “shut up.”
Inspired by the Times, we will continue to bring important issues into the open. We will continue in our dedication to balance the newspaper with articles from a variety of views, beliefs and ideals. We are dedicated to lending a voice to all students – no matter what their religious beliefs, political beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, race or gender may be.
We will not silence the debate. Check out Executive Editor Eileen Rush’s comments for the Times at http://thecaucus.blog.nytimes.com/2008/10/02/debate-watch-student-view-veep-edition/. Send letters to the editor to eteditor@etsu.edu.
-ET editorial staff

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