The ASCC hosted a viewing of the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in part of a week-long event for student civic engagement.
The debate aired from 6 p.m. until 7:45 p.m on Sept. 26. 50 people showed up to watch the premiere meeting of the two candidates and enjoy pizza and cider supplied by the ASCC.
The atmosphere was tense as students intently listened and responded to key points in the debate, clapping and cheering when Clinton remarked that Trump lives in his own reality. The debate focused mainly on the issues of race relations, foreign policy and the economy.
Many students thought the debate had more entertainment value than political value. “I kind of hate both of them. One of the candidates or both are lying so much, like what’s the point of even listening to their opinions?” Clark student Ellie Sullivan said. “It’s shameful to see that [in] our debates, one of the most important of this election, they looked like third-graders in a petty fight over scissors.”
At the next debate on Oct. 9, student Will Mauck said he hopes to see more input on the issues of independent voters. “The lack of representation for minority groups is very disconcerting,” Mauck said.
Clark’s Civic Engagement Week continued with a lunch with Mayor Tim Leavitt on Sept. 28. ASCC will hold a viewing event for the final presidential debate on Oct. 19. Washington residents can register to vote online here. The deadline to register is Oct. 10.
