Two partisan UF student groups on campus are teaming up to inform voters of their chosen candidate's policies by hosting a series of debates sponsored by various student organizations until the early voting period begins on Oct. 20.
Gators for McCain and Gators for Obama have been approached by multiple student groups wanting to sponsor a debate, but because of the tight timeline, they have had to turn some away, said Joshua Simmons, chairman of Gators for McCain.
Simmons said he was surprised at the amount of requests, a feeling that Eric Conrad, co-chapter coordinator of Students for Obama, shared.
Both said it was natural for students to be invested in the issues given the state of the U.S. and the high-profile election.
Despite differing political paradigms, the leaders of the two groups are on "decent terms," Conrad said, adding this aided in organizing a schedule.
Both groups, which table across from each other on the Plaza of the Americas walkway, decided debates would be an effective way to inform students of each candidate's ideals, Simmons said.
While both will participate in about five debates, sponsors have the task of advertising and choosing the debate's format, such as an informational forum or similar to a presidential debate, such as the event on Oct. 16 hosted by Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, Simmons said.
"Some organizations are more in the mood for a more educational and non-confrontational (debate)," Conrad said.
Gators for Israel, the sponsor of Monday's debate, allowed for a prepared speech and responses by representatives who presented each candidate's viewpoint on aid for Israel. Questions were later taken from the 20 people in attendance.
Naomi Fireman, a UF sophmore, said she was already leaning toward Obama but would take into account the ideals discussed.
"It's great that on a college campus there can be two mature speakers," she said.
"Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East, and it is the United States' ally there," said Ilanit Sisso, president of the group.
The U.S. has backed Israel with financial support and, given the nuclear threat Iran poses, choosing the right candidate is important, she said.
Sisso hoped attendees would get a clear understanding of each candidate's stance on Israel.
A schedule of upcoming debates can be found online at Alligator.org.
