In a sometimes-tense but productive discussion, the College Republicans and the Penn Democrats squared off on the issues for 90 minutes Tuesday night.
The debate focused on three central topics submitted by the two sides: foreign relations, immigration and ethics in politics.
The discussion on foreign relations centered on the differing policies of the Bush administration toward Iraq, Iran, North Korea and India with respect to nuclear weapons.
When asked about a pre-emptive nuclear strike on Iran, College junior Adrienne Benson, arguing for the Democrats, called the suggestion "preposterous."
On the domestic side of the debate, the focus was on immigration policy.
The College Republicans questioned the Penn Democrats' submission of the ethics topic, saying the Democrats were using the forum to smear the GOP.
Washington has been rocked recently by a money-laundering scandal surrounding former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas).
"Ethics is black and white," College senior Brandon Adams of the College Republicans said.
Adams, Wharton sophomore Michael Shiely, Wharton sophomore Jack Abraham and College sophomore Sean-Tamba Matthew represented the College Republicans, while College sophomore Nathan Hake, College junior Adrienne Benson, College freshman Nathan Davis and Gross anchored the Penn Democrats.
The atmosphere was politically charged, and the misdeeds of famous party members were not off limits.
At one point in the debate, the Penn Democrats said they did not advocate "shooting people in the face," a reference to last February's hunting accident involving Vice President Dick Cheney.
The College Republicans later responded by referencing the 1969 car accident involving Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) in which his assistant and alleged mistress drowned.
Despite some ad hominem attacks, the second debate between the two political rivals this school year was conducive to discussion.
"It gives everyone a chance to see both sides in one place. Both sides have different views but respect one another enough to come together and have a healthy political debate," said College sophomore Joseph Gross, membership director of the Penn Democrats.
