Bush or Kerry? Wednesday two campus groups will debate which presidential candidate is best-equipped to lead America.
A panel of six students from the College Democrats and College Republicans will answer questions in the Simrall Hall auditorium at 6 p.m.
“Our main goal is to inform students so that their opinions are educated,” said Lindsey Tew, chairman of the College Republicans.
Members of the audience may ask questions directed at both parties or questions directed at an individual party.
The groups will also answer a pre-determined question from a moderator.
The entire debate will last an hour.
Kerry and Bush will debate for the final time at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Thomas Gregory, president of the Stennis-Montgomery Association, a co-sponsor for the event, said it is important for MSU students to realize how much of an impact their votes can have.
“Just look at four years ago,” Gregory said. “President Bush won by 537 votes. That’s just 14 more women than live in Rice Hall.”
Gregory said that the debate is an opportunity for students to hear from their MSU representatives voice their concerns and opinions.
“When students are apathetic, candidates are more likely to ignore the influence that students have,” he said. “But when they voice their opinions and vote, candidates are more inclined to listen and gear their platforms towards students’ needs.”
College Democrats President Brandon Bogard said the debate may be able to help those students in the middle.
“I think our campus is very reflective of America,” he said. “There are a small percentage of decided voters on both sides, but there are a large percentage of those in the middle. I think students watching and listening to other students will make a difference.”
Participating on the panel are Brandon Bogard, College Democrats president, Daniel Melder, former College Democrats president, Laura Rayburn, College Democrats vice president, T.J. Harvey, Bush campaign youth director for Mississippi and Edward Sanders and Dennis Durham, College Republicans members.
“We are expecting a lot of students to attend and I’m looking forward to seeing their excitement about the election,” Tew said.