In a lecture hall that seats up to 500, majority of the seats were full. Students from the University of Oregon came to rate the 2008 presidential debate! While Senators Barack Obama and John McCain fielded questions and stood their ground, both striving to prove to every American that he is the better candidate choice, the future of America looked on- actively listening to the rivals.
Photograph by Sarah Miller
After the debate, came what we were waiting for: the student polling on the debate. Silently and vocally students gave feedback and contributed their thoughts on tonight’s action. A proffessor, after more quantitative questions (example: “The candidate who “won” the debate is:”), asked if some students would be willing to vocalize why they chose a certain candidate. Students backed their votes for John McCain, and Barack Obama alike. As you will see from the polls, which are listed below, majority of the group favors Barack Obama. However, one student really brought to our attention how much personal bias can come into play- illustrating how much you don’t hear when you already know what you want to hear. A Barack Obama supporter (featured in the photograph below) vocalized his reasons for selecting John McCain as the “winner” of the debate, due to the ways in which McCain stood his ground, communicating to the viewers his point of view clear and concisely. While still in support of Barack Obama the student was determined to watch the debate with as little bias as possible. The scoffing and laughter, which demonstrated the crowds activity level in the debates, was good to hear in some aspects in others it reflected their biased and arguable ignorance. The lack of recognition to both senators being faulty was clear, when some students spoke out. One claimed McCain did a poor job of answering every quesiton, and that Barack did; however, when asked by a person who lived through the great depression what the people of the United States will have to sacrifice in light of our current economic state, McCain answered the question with certain government funded projects, and Obama went directly back to his points on energy solutions. When the opportunities presented themselves to also, laugh or scoff at Barack Obama the crowd fell silent.
Some say “the more we hear the less we know “, I feel the saying is reflected in many ways, and especially in bias clouding judgement. This also made me wonder, how many people who vote or even voice opinions for that matter know anything other than what people have said to them? How many opinions do not come straight from a persons environment? What is choice when in certain areas most people will form to the opinions of their surroundings? How many voters have actually looked into the candidates policies not just into their words, since those seem to fluctuate? Although, I may disagree with the methods in how some voters go about their decision making, in end people thinking, getting involved, and voting are important steps in a good direction.
Barack Obama advocate, supporting a victory of John McCain in the debate.
Photograph by Sarah Miller
Here are the student polling results!
I watched the first presidential debate:
Yes- 50%
No-50%
The candidate who “won” the debate is:
John McCain- 12%
Barack Obama- 62%
Both performed equally well- 10%
Undecided 12%
When decided who “won” the debate, I based my answer on:
Style- 7%
Issues-27%
Both- 65%
Which candidate had the best style?:
John McCain- 14%
Barack Obama- 71%
Undecided 14%
Which candidate had the best substance?:
Barack Obama- 59%
John McCain- 27%
Undecided- 18%
Based on your viewing which candidate ran more negative ads?:
Barack Obama- 7%
John McCain- 54%
Both were equal- 14%
Undecided- 25%
The debate helped me decide whom to vote for:
Strongly agree- 15%
Agree- 36%
Unsure- 14%
Disagree- 24%
Strongly disagree- 11%
Hey Jessica,
My name is Jill de Leon and I, along with my group, were wondering if we could interview you on the “Rate the Debate 2008,” which happened in early october. We are creating a news package for our J432 class and we’re hoping we could get your perspective on the debate, how technology helps with interaction and why you chose to blog about it.
We were hoping we could interview sometime today, Friday 10/17 and/or tomorrow 10/18. If you could call me at *818-624-0926 * or message me back on facebook.
thanks,
Jill