(Photo courtesy of CNN)
The election is just weeks away, and SAU students had the opportunity to watch the vice -presidential candidate debate held October 1, 2024. Approximately 15 students attended the event in the Rogalski ballroom organized by the SAU College Democrat and Republican clubs.
Following the debate, students expressed a mix of emotions about the candidates’ performances. “My reaction…was underwhelmed,” said SAU College Republicans Club President Mackenzie Kent.
SAU Senior Micheal Tappa, political science and international studies double major, added, “My immediate reaction was ‘wow,’ I was surprised how professional each candidate conducted themselves, as frankly I expected it to be as brutal as the presidential debate last month.”
Students picked a candidate after the debate and explained why they thought JD Vance or Tim Walz won the debate.
Grant Jacobs, political science major, senior, and SAU College Democrats Club President said, “By the end, I feel I would say Walz had won the debate. However, I’d like to note that I felt that Vance’s performance was more consistent, whereas Walz seemed weaker at the start but finished the debate much stronger. I think Walz pressuring Vance on Trump and the 2020 election was his strongest point.”
SAU Freshman Ethan Raeside, a computer science and cybersecurity major, says, “I think JD Vance won the debate because of his good speaking skills and ability to combat the opinions of Walz effectively.”
When the debate took a commercial break, students started conversations about the many different topics each candidate would discuss. Other attendees mentioned how the candidates answered the questions during the live debate. Some students say they were surprised regarding how each of the candidates spoke to their opponent. “I was impressed with the mostly cordial attitudes found on both sides,” says SAU junior Allison Harker, a political science and criminal justice major.
Another student liked how one of the candidates had great communication skills. “I was very happy because of JD Vance’s rhetoric and fantastic speaking skills on stage. I feel that it will help make people rethink who they are truly voting for,” said freshman Ethan Raeside.
After the debate ended, students concluded their thoughts on which candidate won. Overall, the students mainly chose the vice-presidential candidate based on the party they are affiliated with. The students who are a part of the College Republican Club said they believe JD Vance won the debate. The College Democrats said they that Tim Walz won the debate.
Organizers say they hope conversations with students provided an opportunity to express their opinions and thoughts on who is running for the highest offices of the United States. Polls report a close presidential election, and the debate didn’t appear to change any of the political views that they already had at the SAU watch party.
Alaina Peterkin is a staff writer for the Buzz.
