Idaho State University’s James M. & Sharon
E. Rupp Debate Squad held their first public debate of the fall season on October
24. The team argued the topic:
“Resolved: The United States should significantly increase military spending in
order to better respond to international conflicts.” The event packed in a
crowd of nearly 125 people. The function was supported by the ISU PoliSci Club
and the Veteran Student Services Center.
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| Todd Johnson moderating the debate. |
Todd Johnson, M.A., the Director of the ISU
Veteran Student Services Center was the Moderator.
Two teams debated the topic. Nick Grunig and
Cesar Suarez argued for increased military spending, while Connor Coutts and
Kaden Marchetti opposed additional spending. The teams even dove into specific
areas of spending, such as certain missile defenses used by the US, and whether
their cost is warranted by their effectiveness. Both teams did an excellent job
presenting their arguments, as well as interacting with the crowd.
Audience members voted on their positions
before and after the debate, (agree, disagree, or undecided), to gauge how many
people were swayed by the arguments. Discussions about military prowess and
potential alternatives for funding were presented during the debate, which
included an audience Q & A period.
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| Nick Grunig and Ceasar Suarez |
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| Kaden Marchetti and Connor Coutts |
In the end, more of the audience agreed with
less military spending. The total percentage of ‘undecided’ voters went down,
showcasing the debate as a tool for education. Audience members left informed,
and newly engaged with important political issues.
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| Audience poll before the debate. |
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Audience poll after the debate.
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| Table of results showing the negative team won the debate/ |
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| Assistant Director of Forensics Andrew Christensen |
The debate was broadcast on live on Facebook,
and can still be viewed from the James M. & Sharon E. Rupp Debate Society,
Idaho State University Facebook page.
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| Nick Grunig addresses the crowd. |
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| Kaden Marchetti |
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| The crowd at the debate. |
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| Connor Coutts |
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| Nick Grunig |
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| The crowd at the debate. |
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