OUS to host Debate Watch

Published 12:00 am Thursday, October 14, 2004

Dr. David Lucas wants the community to grab their popcorn and head to Ohio University Southern Friday for some true reality TV - debate style.

OUS will join universities and colleges across the country to host a Debate Watch forum at 8 p.m. Friday on the big screen television in Bowman Auditorium as President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry square off at 9 p.m. for round two of their debates.

The free event is open to anyone who looking for a more interactive experience and would like to become a more informed voter when they hit the polls on Nov. 2, Lucas said.

Email newsletter signup

"This allows for more of a public forum. The way it is set up, it is not slanted at all," said Lucas, associate professor of communications studies. "It will give everyone a chance to come together as a community and watch the debates. Afterwards, we will allow people to express their views."

Lucas said this could be a great opportunity for anyone interested in politics, and that there has never been a better time than during this year's presidential election that has placed Ohio in the spotlight.

"We are not taking sides, we are taking a very objective, non-partisan approach," he said. "This is exactly what we should do, help people utilize their right to listen."

The opportunity for a friendly discussion afterwards could help people see things from all perspectives, he said.

"This takes it out of the hands of the spinmeisters and the talking heads and puts it in the hands and voices of the public," Lucas said. "The people can synthesize the information and exchange ideas."

Lucas said the idea was generated several years ago by the National Communications Association but that this is the first time that OUS has had the honor to host the event.

"We are very excited that we were chosen to host one of these events," he said. "This definitely helps to put our campus and the community on the political landscape."