Final Presidential Debate Watch Party Oct. 19 at UW

The University of Wyoming’s debate team concludes its presidential debate watch series Wednesday, Oct. 19, with a live stream of the final presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. The event is free and open to the public.

The watch party is at 7 p.m. in the UW College of Business auditorium, with refreshments provided 30 minutes before the televised event.

UW’s debate team is hosting watch parties for the three presidential debates between Clinton and Trump as a way to encourage UW students to become more informed about, and involved in, the 2016 presidential election.

The debate watches have been popular with students and community members, with over 250 people attending the first debate and nearly 200 attending the second, says Travis Cram, director of forensics in the UW Department of Communication and Journalism.

“I suspect part of the reason for the attraction this year is the unusual and explosive dynamics between the two candidates,” Cram says. “However, I consider it a win any time that young students are involving themselves in politics and becoming informed about their choices in the election.”

Following the presidential debate, a panel will discuss U.S. foreign policy issues at stake in the election, Cram says. The panel will feature Jean Garrison, director of the UW Center for Global Studies and professor of political science, and Thomas Seitz, UW associate professor of global and area studies.

UW’s debate team also will challenge the University of Pittsburgh squad Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. The two teams will debate national energy policy issues. The free event is in the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center, and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, email Cram at tcram@uwyo.edu.