DebateWatch 2008 at Washburn University

Washburn University issued a press release that sounds interesting. On several nights over the upcoming weeks they will be hosting 'DebateWatch 2008' events at the University inviting people to watch and discuss the presidential and vice presidential debates. In addition to watching, there will be a speaker each night prior to the debate. It sounds like something I'll try to attend at least once (maybe more).

Here are the details from the relase:

Be a better informed voter in November. The public is invited to join with others to watch presidential and vice presidential televised debates at DebateWatch 2008 events Sept. 26 to Oct. 15 at the Mabee Library on the Washburn University campus.
Each DebateWatch event begins at 7 p.m. with the serving of food and beverage, courtesy of KTWU. At 7:30 p.m., a member of the Washburn faculty will provide context to highlight the debate, which begins at 8 p.m. Attendees may also participate in an instant polling project using the university’s clicker system, coordinated by the department of mass media. At the conclusion of the televised debate, attendees have the opportunity to participate in an intimate town hall style discussion.

Debates are Friday, Sept. 26, presidential;
Thursday, Oct. 2, vice presidential;
Tuesday, Oct. 7, presidential;
Wednesday, Oct. 15, presidential.

Due to the university being on fall break Oct. 2-3, the Oct. 2 debate will be replayed on Thursday, Oct. 9.

Faculty speakers and the focus of their comments will be:
Sept. 26, Barb DeSanto, mass media, “The Media’s Influence of the Political Process”;
Oct. 2, Eugene Williams, KTWU, “The Role of Media in Public Discourse”;
Oct. 7, Rachel Goossen, history, “Looking Back: Famous U.S. Presidential Debates”;
Oct. 9, (replay of Oct. 2 debate), Leslie Reynard, communication, “Presidential Elections as Ritual and Rhetoric”;
Oct. 15, Bob Beatty, political science, “Great Moments in Presidential Debates.”

Participants may also bring canned goods to donate to the Can Emporia food drive, coordinated by Washburn Student Government Association.

Sponsored by Mabee Library, KTWU, Friends of Mabee Library, Student Friends of Mabee Library, KTWU, University Honors Program, Washburn Student Government Association and the departments of communication, mass media, history and political science.