IUPUC to Co-Host Three Presidential "Debate Watch" Events with PIE

by Adam Frazier
September 26, 2012
Presidential followers, would-be political pundits, high school students, and interested local citizens are invited to attend a three-part October presidential “debate watch” series hosted by Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) and the Mill Race Center’s Partners in Education (PIE) program.

Attendees can watch the debates as a group and then discuss the strengths, challenges and performances of President Obama and contender Mitt Romney.

The event, which will be held in the Lecture Hall & Auditorium of the Columbus Learning Center, will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on:
  • Wednesday, October 3
  • Tuesday, October 16
  • Monday, October 22
The discussion will be led by Dr. Ryan Neville-Shepard, an assistant professor, debate coach, and political communication expert at IUPUC, and Bob Pitman, executive director of the Mill Race Center in Columbus.

“Presidential debate watches will be held all over the U.S. in October to promote civic engagement. In a campaign year when the race is so close, voters will learn much from seeing and hearing candidates discuss their agendas and the major political issues of the day. Participants can critique and evaluate candidate messages then share their viewpoints with other participants after the rhetoric ends,” explained Neville-Shepard.

Pitman said the event is a great fit for the PIE program because it will bring local citizens and adults of all ages and backgrounds together with high school and college students, some of whom will be voting for the first time. “Attendees will not only have a chance to weigh in on which candidate they believe delivers the best performance, but whether the debate changed their points of view.”

The event is free for all Columbus students with a valid student ID; the cost for non-students, adults, and other community members is $10. Those who are not students are asked to register for the event by calling the Mill Race Center at 812.376.9241, ext. 205 or registering at the center in person between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.