KU News Release

University of Kansas to play host to presidential debate watches, discussions

LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas will play host to DebateWatch events for each of the presidential and vice presidential debates.

Kicking off Civic Engagement Week and Election 2008, the first DebateWatch is set for 8 p.m. tonight at the Dole Institute of Politics. Discussion groups will gather after the televised presidential debate is shown. The event will go on as long as the debate goes on, with one or both of the candidates.

Tonight’s event is coordinated by the Dole Institute, the Student Civic Engagement Council, Student Legislative Awareness Board, Student Union Activities, the Center for Community Outreach, Student Senate and the Dole Institute Student Advisory Board.

Watch events for the Thursday, Oct. 2 vice presidential debate and the Tuesday, Oct. 7 presidential debate will be at 8 p.m. in the Big 12 Room of the Kansas Union. SUA is hosting the Oct. 2 event, with the Department of Communication Studies hosting Oct. 7.

“The Final Debate: What Do the Undecideds Think?” will take place Wednesday, Oct. 15. The Dole Institute will show the televised presidential debate, and guests will signal their reactions as part of a dial group responding to the debate through electronic devices. This dial technology allows for focus-group members to instantaneously and anonymously register their responses to the candidates throughout the debate. Mary Banwart, associate professor of communication studies, then will discuss key points and reactions to debate moments with the undecided focus group.

All the DebateWatch events are free and open to the public.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.