Updates: Thursday, September 29, 2016
Updates: Thursday, September 29, 2016
Good afternoon!
Last night was the second debate of the week, as the College Democrats and College Republicans debated in the HUB’s Flex Theater as part of PSU Votes Week. It focused on Obamacare, and comes a day after a feisty debate between Students for Hillary and We Are for Trump. The Penn State Speech and Debate Society moderated the debate.
The Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) was the main topic of the night, with College Republicans president Michael Straw ripping apart the key legislative achievement of the Obama administration. Straw often dismissed the College Democrat’s arguments as a cheap defense of a horrible program simply to preserve Obama’s legacy. At one point, when Straw engaged in a back-and-forth with Ricardo Rojas, one of the two debaters from the College Democrats, regarding the distribution of funds. When Straw said that the Democrats are the party that give money to corporations and kept repeating the same words, Rojas pushed back by saying, “sass can only get you so far.” Few We Are for Trump members showed up to the debate.
UPUA Chair Shawn Bengali revealed to the debate audience that over 340 people have registered to vote at Penn State since the start of the week, which he called “phenomenal.”
Tonight, the last event as part of PSU Votes Week will take hold, as a Legislator Panel will engage with students at 5:30 p.m. at 134 HUB. The panel will include State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham, Centre County Head Elections Commissioner Michael Pipe and Matt Wise, Chief of Staff to State Senator Jake Corman.
Several political groups will continue tabling today at the HUB.
Stay on the train!