The Final Debate by Ashley Westbrook, Francis Howell Central

For many students, listening to the gubernatorial debates was mandatory and not broadcasted over the television by the video press. Surprisingly, most YIGsters didn’t mind the extra hour of scheduled activity. They were glad to have the opportunity to listen to the candidates express their political views and their ideas for next year’s convention. Andrew Williams of the Parkway South delegation said that the debate “allowed all of us to hear [the candidates] opinions” which makes “us more informed voters.”YIGsters were also happy to have the opportunity to hear the candidates speak without the medium of a television screen for the first time. Jessy Hwang from the Columbia delegation delegation enjoyed watching the candidates “interact with the audience.”
Williams agreed that it “was better in person.”
There was some complaint about how the candidates all seemed to present the same viewpoints; however, the lack of heated arguments does not appear to have hindered the effectiveness of the debate. Jessy Hwang believes that the similar views presented by the candidates are “to be expected” because few of the questions involved heavy moral issues that the candidates disagreed upon. She asserted that since the questions had come from the YIGsters themselves the candidates did well by staying in line with what the voters wanted.
Overall, YIGsters found the debate very helpful. The way candidates responded to questions and articulated their answers at the debate is certain to sway votes. Hwang said that the debate had “narrowed [her] choices” when it came down to choosing a candidate.
If the reviews of the Youth in Government students is any indication there appears to be little doubt that this new debate format is here to stay.