Mock Debate for the US Presidential Elections at University of Belgrano

October 20, 2008

The US Embassy and the University of Belgrano organized on October 20th a Mock debate for the US Presidential Elections.

The US Embassy and the University of Belgrano organized on October 20th a Mock debate for the US Presidential Elections.

Thirty students participated in the event. The graduate-level class spent over a month preparing for the debate. The two candidates, representing both the Democrat and Republican parties, ran for and were chosen by their fellow students.  The sharply-dressed candidates followed the US election debate format, with each candidate responding for two minutes to questions asked both by the moderator and the public.  Each also were offered an opportunity for rebuttal.  Both the Democrat and Republican candidates (each representing the views of Senators Obama and McCain) were extremely well-prepared and discussed a variety of platform issues ranging from the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, social security, abortion, and educational reform.  Both candidates were coached by their fellow students during breaks.  The final vote was 51% to 49% in favor of the “candidate” Obama.

The Mock Debate was huge success, and participant students reported that they had a much better understanding of the issues considered during the event and the US electoral process.