Debate Expert Weighsin on Debates of Present and Past

With the Nov. 2008 election approaching, presidential debates play a key role in helping audiences across the country determine their favorite candidate.

Janet Brown appeared in the C-SPAN studio in Washington , D.C. with the network's political editor, Steve Scully, on Feb. 14. Brown answered questions about upcoming presidential debates and influential debates of the past with students at George Mason, Pace and Denver universities.

Brown reflected on the first televised presidential debate in 1960 between Nixon and Kennedy and its' influence on debates there-after.

“It looks very old fashioned, but it was very revolutionary,” Brown said.

The first vice presidential debate in 1984 between Sen. Quayle and Sen. Bentson marked one of the first moments in history where audiences realized the high stakes involved in debates. Sen. Quayle's assertion that he had just as much experience as Jack Kennedy sparked a fierce response by Sen. Bentson and audience members alike.

“Senator, you're not Jack Kennedy,” Bentson said.

Brown recalls that electric moment and its intensity.

“It was a remarkable opportunity to watch both men. That really caught the attention of the audience,” Brown said.

Brown continued by discussing her experience with the Commission for Presidential Debates and their goal to ensure the best possible information for viewers, including how to choose moderators.

“There are three criteria points in choosing a moderator. He or she must be following the campaign, have been on live television and must understand that their name is not on the ballot,” Brown said.

While this election debates' moderators have not been announced, Brown insisted that a single moderator was more effective than a panel of moderators. This method, Brown argues, focuses the attention on the candidates.

“Overall, the presentation that the candidate makes is the most important,” Brown said.

Written by Veronica Hohenstein on February 25, 2008

Famed Historian Weighs In On Past and Present

People say that you must learn from history in order to not repeat it. Famed historian and author, Doris Kearns Goodwin, argues that history needs a more prominent role in the classroom.

"They key is to marry biography and history,' said Goodwin.

Goodwin spoke with the C-SPAN studio in Washington , D.C. and the network's political editor, Steve Scully, on March 6. Goodwin answered questions about the role of history in today's politics with students at George Mason, Pace and Denver universities.

Goodwin reflected on some of history's most noteworthy figures, including Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson, whom she worked closely with as a White House Fellow and personal assistant in 1967.

“Lyndon Johnson was the largest figure I met. He stood so close to you that you felt violated,” said Goodwin.

George Mason, Pace and Denver university students asked Goodwin about her predicted legacy for Pres. George W. Bush and his role in Iraq .

“President Bush said his legacy would be the war on terror. Historians will have to ask whether ridding Sadaam was worth loosing our image in the world,” said Goodwin.

When asked about the 2008 presidential election candidates, Goodwin's weighed in on the three front-runners.

“They are all pretty classy people, which you can't always say. McCain has an independent streak that allows him to reach people. It's little wonder why the country is so excited about this race,” said Goodwin.

Written by Veronica Hohenstein on March 9, 2008

Leading Web Innovator Speaks With Student Journalists

For the student journalists at George Mason University , Rob Curley's message detailing the evolution of traditional media was right on point.

Curley appeared at George Mason University in Fairfax , Va. with the communication department's journalism coordinator, Steve Klein, on March 4. Curley answered questions about the future of the media with students at George Mason University .

Curley began his presentation by introducing himself as an ‘Internet nerd' from Kansas and discussed his role of vice president at Washingtonpost Newsweek Interactive.

“People go to the Internet for four reasons; passions, practical, playful and porn,” said Curley.

Curley discussed Washingtonpost.com and their success in being named one of the country's ten newspapers that have successful online news websites. Curley noted that Washingtonpost.com is the only online news website that caters to local news.

Washingtonpost.com's success lies in their realistic approach to web development and always keeping their audience in mind.

“Build a website the way a website really works, not the way you wish it would work. A news site must own breaking news related to their niche. You have one opportunity to catch a reader,” said Curley.

Curley finished his presentation by encouraging the George Mason University students to embrace platform independent delivery.

“Ultimately though, mindset is more important than skillset,” said Curley.

Written by Veronica Hohenstein on March 9, 2008

Picture by Issac Pacheco

Former Maryland Politician Comments on Presidential Race

As an African American Republican, Michael Steele has a lot of experience with challenging stereotypes and understands the role of race and gender in politics.

Steele appeared in the C-SPAN studio in Washington, D.C. with the network's political editor, Steve Scully, on Feb. 28. Steele answered questions about the upcoming presidential election and his experience running for Senator as a minority Republican with students at George Mason, Pace and Denver universities.

The former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland discussed his opinion on how to win the presidency in November.

“The candidates need to be more sophisticated and savvy in their message,” said Steele.

When asked how the Republicans can re-shape their message for minority and youth voters, Steele responded candidly.

“Everybody's looking for that secret hand-shake to attract African-American voters. It's all going to boil down to the Republicans; view on the race; it is the under-current of the campaign,” said Steele.

Written by Veronica Hohenstein on March 9, 2008