College Councils Host Watch Party At Texas Union
This story was written by Katie Flores, Daily Northwestern
A thousand students "got their horns up," and an uproar of cheer filled the Texas Union Ballroom when CNN anchor Campbell Brown thanked the University of Texas for hosting the Democratic debate.
The Senate of College Councils hosted a public watching party for the debate, handing out all of the available wristbands in 40 minutes and turning away more than 600 students.
Chelsea Clinton was expected to speak to the students in the Union but canceled at the last minute. Senate of College Councils Chair Stephen Myers said the senate gave both candidates the opportunity to come to the Union, but Sen. Barack Obama did not send anyone on his behalf.
"I think this was better than being at the actual debate because of the energy here," said Myers, who had a debate ticket but decided to attend the senate-sponsored event instead.
The line to watch the debate formed around
2 p.m., with students waiting until 5:30 p.m. when the doors opened.
"It's so exciting for students to have an opportunity that they normally wouldn't have," said LaToya Hill, program coordinator for the Office of the Dean of Students and wristband distribution helper.
Cheers followed after every mention of UT. There was no seat in plain view that was not occupied, and some students resorted to sitting on the floor. As the lights dimmed, students were enthused, some clapping and others intently focused on the big screen.
When the issue of immigration was debated by the senators, students remained intent, often breaking out with applause.
Government sophomore Keith Diaz said he likes Obama because he supports his policies on
immigration.
"Since my dad came over illegally in the '60s, I support policies that will help give children of illegal immigrants a college education," Diaz said.
As the debate reeled on, jeers could be heard when Hillary recalled Obama-supporter Texas Sen. Kirk Watson's inability to name any of Obama's accomplishments and when she insinuated he plagiarized parts of his speeches.
"I thought she was effectively aggressive and fierce," said Ryan Yezak, a radio-television-film junior. "She brought the big guns out."
© 2008 Daily Northwestern via U-WIRE