Debate draws small crowd to NAU party
Originally published in the Arizona Daily Sun
Debate draws small crowd to NAU party
By SETH MULLER
Sun Staff Reporter
10/10/2003
The viewing of the Democratic presidential debate became a mostly quiet affair on the Northern Arizona University campus Thursday, as about 20 students and area residents intently watched the dialogue unfold on a large-screen television.
The Young Democrats of NAU hosted the party for the 90-minute televised debate that took place in Phoenix.
NAU freshman James Worden called the debate "informative," and he especially liked the candidates fielding questions from the audience in the last 30 minutes.
"There's no media spin," Worden said of the candidates' interaction with the public.
Worden said he's supporting Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, and he believes that Dean would have a chance against President Bush.
However, he said that Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio brings strong morals to the fold, forcing the other candidates to answer key questions.
Flagstaff area resident Freda Van Houten was less impressed with the candidates and the debate.
"I'm skeptical," Van Houten said at the debate viewing at NAU. "I've seen them roll over and play dead."
However, there was one candidate in the pack of nine that appealed to Van Houten.
"Dennis Kucinich has more right answers for me than anyone up there," she said.
While some Flagstaff residents watched the debate from viewing parties or at home, some made the drive to watch the debates in person. Former Flagstaff City Council member Joe Washington took the opportunity to catch the show live.
Washington was one of 40 state residents asked to participate in the question-and-answer session hosted by CNN after the debate. Washington, a Native American who served on the council from 1990 to 1994, drove to Phoenix on Thursday to attend the debate to help him make up his mind on who he wants to back.
"I'm not exactly sure who I want to support at this time," Washington said by phone Thursday. "I'm sure the debates will help."
Washington, however, did not get the chance to ask a question in the 30 minutes allotted for the audience.
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