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KABC’s conservative radio personality Al Rantel hosted his talk show from Elkins on Thursday evening, sparking a display of sharp exchanges between two political student panels.
Senior Paris Dennard, freshman Tiffany Brannon and junior Matt Davis represented the College Republicans, while Joshua Banister, Gabriel Johnson and Brett Roberts represented the Young Democrats. Topics covered by the two panels included the Terri Schiavo case, same-sex marriage, moral leadership, social security and the war in Iraq.
Michael Wissot, a former adjunct professor of communication at Seaver College and vice president of Launch Research, was moderator.
Even though the Rantel is known as a conservative, both the Young Democrats and the College Republicans said the show was organized in an organized and fair manner.
“For the most part, I felt it was a balanced discussion,” Banister said. However, he commented on the lack of maturity of the crowd during the event.
“I don’t mind if they disagreed with us but to not let us finish simple sentences and then to shout insults at us went way beyond the parameters of a descent discussion,” Banister said.
Dennard said he thought it was a balanced discussion as well, but expressed a sense of the Republicans’ dominance.
“The Young Democrats represented their party well — inconsistent positions, overly emotional, negative attacks, unclear platform and poor communication and connection with their audience,” Dennard said. “The Democrats’ failure to be able to figure out the five Ws on their positions is their own fault. For all those who listened, the College Republicans panel won.”
Banister said he did not feel the need to pick a victor.
“I am not interested in towing any party line when engaging in discussions like these,” he said. “I am interested in looking for truth and discussing truth only.”
School of Law Dean Ken Starr also made an appearance for about 30 minutes. During that time, Starr shared his experience on a case he once litigated that was very similar to Terri Schiavo’s.
The event ran smoothly, according to organizers, and turnout was substantial. The show gave students, staff, and community members the opportunity to voice their opinions both in front of their peers and in front of radio listeners.
“The six students, representing both political parties, all gave outstanding opinions and offered unique philosophical viewpoints behind every response,” said junior Jared Kemper, vice president of the College Republicans and the event organizer.
Submitted 03-31-2005
MALIBU, CA
