Faculty talks politics in Ignatian Commons
Students and faculty members congregated in the Commons of the Ignatian Residential College on Oct. 22 to discuss the impending Presidential Election.
The faculty panel consisted of Philip Lane, chair of the economics department; John Orman, chair of the politics; James Simon, chair of the English; and Jocelyn Boryczka, assistant professor of politics.’
Students had the opportunity to question the panel or a particular faculty member on all aspects of the election, from the differences in advertising tactics of each candidate to the effects of the current financial crisis on voters.
Douglas Brinkley’ in Open Visions Forum’
On Sept. 15, Douglas Brinkley, presidential historian and best-selling author kicked off this year’s Open Visions Forum season.’ In addition to discussing his new book, ‘The Great Deluge,’ chronicling the weeks following Hurricane Katrina, Brinkley also spoke on the historical significance of this year’s Presidential Election.’
‘No matter who wins we will have either a black man or a woman in the presidential or vice presidential role,’ he said.’
While Brinkley touched on the strengths and weaknesses of both candidates, he predicted that Sen. John McCain would clinch the presidency, partly due to his smart choice in vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin.’ Obama’s downfall, in Brinkley’s eyes, could come due to his decision to not select Sen. Hillary Clinton as his running mate.
Mock election and voter registration drive
During the week of Oct. 2, 2008, students were able to register to vote at the Absentee Ballot ‘amp; Voter Registration Drive held in the BCC Monday to Friday.’ Students who brought their State ID were able to register to vote in their home state by absentee ballot, or register to vote in Connecticut on November 4.’ This Tuesday, Fairfield students, staff, and faculty were encouraged to vote in the Mock Election held on October 28 in the BCC from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in order to determine Fairfield University’s choice for president. The mock election is a Fairfield tradition that dates back to Eisenhower beating Democratic challenger Adlai Stevenson in 1956.
The Great Debate:
Mika Brzezinski ‘amp; Monica Crowley’
‘We’re looking at a debate held a hair’s-breadth from the elections,’ says Eliasoph, at the October Open VISIONS Forum. ‘I don’t think they’ll be changing anyone’s minds, but it will certainly be interesting to watch.’
Brzezinski became a YouTube sensation in June 2007 after she tore up and tried to burn a story of Paris Hilton’s release from jail, proving the point that she would not lead with a story so trivial while significant news on the Iraq war was breaking.
Jim Himes / Christopher Shays’ Debate
On the evening of Oct. 16, incumbent 4th District Republican Congressman Christopher Shays of Bridgeport and the Democratic challenger Jim Himes of Cos Cob participated in a 90-minute congressional debate at Fairfield University’s Kelley Center.’
The event was hosted by CPTV and WNPR and a student panel consisting of representatives from the College Democrats, College Republicans and student media were on hand to question the candidates on three significant areas which transcend some of Fairfield University’s core values: national and domestic issues, international and foreign issues and issues of education, and faith and service.
Jeffrey Toobin in Open VISIONS Forum
A little over a week after Brinkley, on Sept. 24, Jeffrey Toobin came to Fairfield University for the Open VISIONS Forum.’ The legal analyst for CNN Worldwide, staff writer for The New Yorker, and best-selling author talked about his new book, ‘The Nine,’ and the importance of this Presidential Election in particular on the future of the judicial system.’ With fascinating insight into the secretive world of the Supreme Court, Toobin correlated the paths of former presidents’ Supreme Court appointments and the decisions on controversial cases.’ Toobin also elucidated his opinion of how the next four years would play out with either presidential candidate in office.
Contrary to Douglas Brinkley’s views, Toobin confidently asserted that the election was as good as done, predicting, ‘the race is over, Obama has won in a long shot.’
Brackeen interviews Who’s Who of politics
Darryl Brackeen Jr. has come onto the political seen as the host of ‘Finding Our Way,’ a new political news show on The HAM Channel.
The show gives a fresh perspective on politics and the new, both on and off campus.
‘This is one of the greatest elections in our lives so be sure to be an informative voter,’ said Brackeen, in one broadcast of the show.
‘ ‘Future generations are depending on it. So be sure to check out all of the great candidates big or small.’
His show has featured author Diane Wilson and third party congressional candidates:’ Richard Duffy and Michael Carrano. His show has also included the political views of other students including Gina Caldwell ’11 and Dana August ’11. Brackeen is a junior majoring in politics.
Leave a Reply