Drexel Debate

The Democratic presidential debate at Drexel University has ended, the candidates have left the Main Building but The Triangle’s Debate Team stays hard at work.

This blog needs some sleep, but our web site is just waking up. Stay tuned to www.thetriangle.org for full articles of today’s coverage.

Clinton, Obama and Matthews include some of the notables from today’s events, however the staff that made (and are making) The Triangle’s debate coverage possible deserve some press.

This team has been running around all day, getting the story, getting the photos and bringing them to our readers. The work continues and The Triangle will post debate news shortly.

The Triangle Debate Team could not have accomplished any of this without the support of Drexel’s University Relations Office led by Philip Terranova. Drexel made no distinction between the national media and The Triangle - and The Triangle gave them no reason to.

Triangle Debate Staff: Amazing job, now get back to work.

Photo credit: Kelly and Massa Photography

Moderator Brian Williams wasted no time in addressing one of the debate’s hot topics.

Within 30 seconds, Barack Obama was comparing his and Hillary Clinton’s campaigns to a battle between Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed.

So far, the focus of the debate has been Senator Clinton vs. The Others. Topics have included the continued war in Iraq and the potential war in Iran. The Others, led by Obama and former Senator John Edwards, have stressed Clinton’s changing views and her contentment with the status quo while Clinton has highlighted her moderateness.

So far, one thing is clear – most of the candidates are running on a platform that aims to put them apart from President Bush.

A large group of protesters made their way to the steps of Drexel’s Main Building at approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday carrying burning torches while chanting slogans on topics ranging from health care to ending the Iraq war.

Although some yelling matches erupted between protesters and campaign supports the event was mostly peaceful.

No arrests have been made at the debate and as many 500 people were involved in the protest, according to the Philadelphia Police Civil Affairs Unit.

As the large group moved closer, police stood guard in front of the Main Building while K9 officers, state troopers and Drexel Public Safety followed the group.

Photo Source: Tim Ehrlich, Triangle photographer

Sen. Mike Gravel will be using a TiVo to pause and comment on the Drexel Democratic debate at World Cafe Live, according to Gravel campaign sources.

Gravel has called his removal from the debate “corporate censorship” under an “Urgent Message” on his campaign web site.

Sources involved with the Drexel debate have said the Pennsylvania State Police are monitoring reports of a planned Gravel rally around Drexel; however no specific details are known.

The Gravel campaign has said they are planning events around the World Cafe Live.

DNC Chairman Howard Dean spoke to a group of college journalists in Drexel University’s Main Building at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Dean said he gave the college generation an “A” for their political involvement and pointed to the Internet as a rallying point for activism.

Dean called the right wing media, especially Fox News, “hatemongers” and said people should “vote with their feet” and switch off these programs.

While the conversation was heavy on national and foreign policy issues, Dean did link Philadelphia’s rising crime to federal cuts in local police that occurred under the Bush Administration.

Stay tuned to The Trianlge’s web site for a full report on the interview with Howard Dean and the Democratic Primary Debate.

Photo Source: Charles Rumford, Triangle photographer

Chris Matthews met with students at 11 a.m. in the Bossone building for a book signing and question-and-answer sessions. Drexel student Rachel Semigran questioned the role of the news media plays in promoting the campaigns. Matthews defended the media, saying it only reflects what Americans believe.

Mathews said “This is one of those change elections, people want to go to a different place.”

It’s a fascinating time to vote,” he added

-Janhavi Purohit, Triangle Staff Writer
-Stephanie Takach, Triangle Staff Writer
Photo Source: Ashley Peskoe, Photographer

“Does anyone have a ticket to the debate? I’ll vote for you! No, this is not a Halloween costume,” were the words on Drexel freshman Tyler Piecara’s handmade cardboard sign as he roamed the Korman Quad.

Good thing he happened to cross paths with Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.

“Just remind me that you are the guy with the sign- I’ll remember,” said Rendell.

Dean of students Dave Ruth and John Cook talked with Piecara after Rendell left. They told him they would work out how to get tickets for he and up to three of his friends.

“I guess I was just at the right place at the right time,” Piecara said.
“I’m a democrat and I just want to hear what everyone has to say about the issues. I think it’s really cool that the debates are coming to Drexel, so I figured I might as well try to get a ticket for it.”

-Caitlin Gray, Triangle Staff Writer

Get your debate related news fix:

The Caucus - New York Times Blog

First Read - MSNBC.com

The Debates - MSNBC.com

Stay tuned to The Triangle for full reports from around campus before and after the debate.

Only a few more hours until the candidates get here! Tomorrow:

• 100 Drexel students will watch the debate in the Main Auditorium at Drexel
• 350 students will be seated in Mandell Theatre
• Each of the 7 candidates has an entourage of 10-12
• The Mayor and Governor are also expected to attend

The numbers our courtesy of student body president Jeff Gardosh. Most seats went to the DNC and MSNBC.

And don’t forget…the Main Building will be close at 12 p.m. tomorrow for everyone except those with valid media and debate prep team credentials.

And keep watching this space!

-Aditi Dubey

Workers scale Disque Hall to post a Drexel University banner early Monday morning. This is one of many projects underway around campus to prepare for the Oct 30 Democratic presidential primary debate.

Photographer: Noah Cohen