Election 2012: The Candidates Debate at Newman

Newman students have been following the election for the past couple of months, but on Tuesday, October 30 and Wednesday, October 31, they were able to attend live presidential and vice-presidential debates. While the real candidates were stumping in swing states, upper school students stood in as Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, and Joe Biden for three special debates. After studying the policies and even mannerisms of the candidates, the upper schoolers answered prepared and free-form questions from the audiences.

A combination of theater and debate (not unlike the actual debates) the show was insightful and enjoyable each time it was presented to lower, middle, and upper school audiences. Each of the presidential candidates’ wives introduced them, and as they entered the room, the presidential and vice presidential candidates worked the crowd, protected by Secret Service bodyguards. The show even included formal moderators, who presented the questions and kept the candidates to their allotted speaking time. Here is the full cast of characters:

 

In the Lower School, the candidates held a town hall-style debate for the students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. Daniel Silbert, who had prepared to be Mr. Obama, was ill, so junior Justin Harrell stood in as the President. Each of the candidate’s “wives” introduced them with speeches reminiscent of the televised debates. The moderators asked a series of questions that the students submitted prior to the debate. The children listened intently as the candidates delivered their responses directly to the questioners. At the end of the session, the moderators opened up the room to questions from the audience. The students seemed very keen on questioning Mr. Romney, who was expertly played by Matthew Meyer.

In the middle and upper school assemblies, the debates were in the more formal two-podium style. In these debates, the presidential and vice presidential candidates were each allowed to answer their questions, followed by a response from the opponent. As with the real debates, the repartee became heated, with each candidate refuting the claims of the other. In the heat of the moment, the candidates often went over their allotted time and had to be reined in by the moderators. The actors clearly spent a great deal of time studying the policies and styles of the candidates, as both the content of their answers and manner of delivery was convincing.

 

Over the course of two days, the debaters and their crews provided a good summary of the campaigns, policies, and views of the candidates, helping the students better understand the election and the debate process. The students who played the candidates, their wives, and support staff are to be commended for providing the School with a valuable mock debate.