College Republicans, Democrats collide

After gathering to watch Friends, the College Democrats and Republicans diplomatically exchanged verbal jabs at a debate last week in the Ben Franklin Room of Houston Hall. College Democrats President Eric Roberson and College Republicans Chairperson Dan Debicella jointly planned the debate, which centered around a variety of political issues. The political groups have worked together in the past, as they co-hosted a 1995 Philadelphia mayoral debate and gathered to watch the State of the Union Address last month. "We're fostering discussion on campus to debate eight issues in an intellectual and friendly atmosphere," said Debicella, a Wharton senior. Thursday's debate was more relaxed and interactive than debates that the groups have held in past years, according to Roberson, a College senior. "The groups have traditionally debated," Roberson said. "But not in this format or with as much participation." Roberson and Debicella moderated the debate. A member of each group gave a two-minute speech on each of the topics -- which included tax reform, balancing the budget, affirmative action, gun control, education reform, immigration, minimum wage and the environment. The speakers each accepted one question from the audience after their speeches. The floor then opened for free discussion. The audience consisted of 35 members of the two political groups. While the debaters behaved politely, affirmative action, education reform and immigration were hot issues. "I can't be right unless someone else is wrong," Debicella quipped. College junior Christina Finello, a member of College Democrats, said the debate provided a forum for intellectual discussion. "It was great that both groups were able to get together," she said."They were able to vent opinions and say what they wanted to say." The debaters, who said they prepared anywhere from two weeks to two minutes in advance, seemed to enjoy themselves. "Tonight was a lot of fun," said Wharton freshman Jason Auerbach, a member of College Republicans. "It's the first time I've heard a full variety of opinions on many issues. "I'm glad to see debates because they're a great way to express yourself," he added. Debicella and Roberson said they were pleased with the debate's quality, especially since it lasted longer than anticipated.