Chennai College Students Take On The Roles Of Obama And McCain

Winners of the debate with CAO Ragini Gupta and journalist Jodi Enda

To foster greater understanding of the U.S. election process, the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, in association with the Loyola Debates Society, hosted a U.S. style presidential debate contest for college students at Loyola College on October 16.  Dr. Rev. Fr. A. Albert Muthumalai, Principal, Loyola College welcomed the audience while Consul General Andrew Simkin inaugurated the event.  8 teams from prestigious city colleges participated in the contest.  Representing the two major political parties, Democrat and Republican, the teams debated on issues ranging from the economy, energy policy, safeguarding the environment, terrorism, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing affordable access to healthcare, and U.S. immigration policy.  Stepping into the shoes of Senators Obama and McCain, the teams communicated the candidate’s views vigorously. Lastly, each team argued which candidate they believed would best advance Indo-U.S. relations.  The judges, Ms. Jodi Enda, Program Planner, Knight Center for Specialized Journalism, University of Maryland, Ms. Ragini Gupta, Consul for Cultural Affairs, and Mr. Karti Chidambaram, Member, Indian National Congress awarded the scores based on the teams’ style of presentation, argumentation, logic, structure, clarity of speech and body language.  In a close competition, Stella Maris College bagged the first prize, Loyola College the second, and Ethiraj College for Women the third.  Ms. Enda concluded the event by speaking about the role of the media in the U.S. Presidential Elections.