More than 50 UA students packed into the University of Arizona’s Catalyst Studio on Tuesday, Oct. 1, to watch the Vice Presidential debate between Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance.
The highly anticipated debate came only three weeks after the first and only debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The two VP contenders discussed their candidates’ positions on abortion, education and the economy, issues that resonate with young voters who many believe could determine the election outcome.
Arizona students crowded into space in the main library for the watch party, hosted by the University of Arizona School of Government and Public Policy. The school provided students with pizza, bingo sheets and information on both candidates.
Many students said their most important issues–the economy, immigration, student loan debt and U.S. standard of living—were covered.
Unlike the presidential debate, students felt much less confident about who won the VP contest. However, UA freshman Jacob Bagley was glad both candidates showed professionalism on the stage.
“I think it was a less clear cut debate than the presidential (debate). In this debate both candidates had a professional stance and both acknowledged each other many times, also debating with each other in a healthy and professional way,” said Bagley.
Bagley said the debate did not sway his vote, even though he heard good things from both sides.
Some students are still undecided, however. UA student Devin Maroney said he has never felt like picking sides and feels more neutral as he tries to see benefits from both candidates. Maroney also said he feels there are many younger voters like him who find it hard to make time to learn about the candidates and issues.
“Younger people a lot of the time have more to do so their schedules are busier, like I was just in physics (class),” Maroney said.
Jeff Winkelman, assistant director of career development and community engagement for the School of Government, said that was a big reason the school wanted to host the watch party in the library.
“It’s important to have civil engagement and discourse. We wanted to create a space where students could do that in a safe space and feel informed,” Winkelman said.
He said that recently, younger voters have been more engaged as they see how much politics affects their lives.
“If you just look at the stats it might seem like younger people don’t care, but if you look at the larger trend, I would say it’s moving in a positive direction as younger people realize it affects them and they should be involved,” he said.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
