With additional reporting by Erin Harkless and Mary Bruce
Despite the lack of official confirmation on the status of the debate, students are optimistic as the Bush and Kerry campaigns tentatively agree to a full schedule of three debates. The outcome of the debate to be held at Washington University hinges on negotiations over the town-hall format.
The Bush campaign was initially hesitant of the town-hall forum because it didn’t trust the process of identifying uncommitted voters, fearing heavily partisan questions.
“It’s appalling that the president wouldn’t agree to meet with a pre-screened audience,” said Peter Jones, senior and Webmaster of the October 8th Coalition, which will organize protests for the day of the debate. “It shows the sad state of our democratic process if Bush potentially negotiates his way out of a dialogue, especially under the pretense that he feared the make-up of the audience.”
Despite ongoing negotiations campus organizations have continued preparations throughout this period of doubt.
“We thought about contingencies if Bush cancelled, but either way it doesn’t change our focus,” said Jones.
When first contacted, Jones added that he had just come out of a meeting in which members of the October 8th Coalition had been discussing alternate plans in the event of a cancellation.
Political associations aside, both Nicole Soussan of the College Democrats and Jackie Graves of the College Republicans are happy to see that their efforts surrounding the debates likely won’t be in vain.
“The College Republicans have remained optimistic throughout this speculation that the debate would be held here at the University on Oct. 8,” said Graves. “We look forward to being part of this exciting opportunity to support President Bush.”
“Even during the weeks that we questioned whether or not it would happen, College Democrats went ahead with our plans for the week of the debate,” said Soussan. “We are thrilled the candidates have confirmed that they will debate here; it’s an incredible opportunity for us as a community and for America’s voters to hear the candidates discuss the issues at stake.
Even students without a part in debate planning are pleased with the latest development.
“I’m really surprised because I thought that it would be the same situation that happened in 1996. He’s in the same situation that Clinton was and Clinton withdrew, so I thought Bush would do the same thing. I didn’t think he would come because the debate style is town hall and he is ahead in Missouri,” said sophomore Alexa Nathanson. “I’m glad the debate is coming here because the school has already spent so much time and money planning.”
Other students are concerned about the potential effects of this decision on the candidate’s image with perspective voters.
“It makes sense that Bush didn’t confirm the town hall format. I think Bush will very vehemently oppose the town hall. I think it’s still important and I think that people will still benefit from seeing the debate, but I think it reflects a bit poorly on Bush,” said sophomore Nivedita Kulkarni.