IU SOUTH BEND’s AMERICAN DEMOCRACY PROJECT TO HOST DEBATE WATCH PARTIES FOR FIVE UPCOMING CANDIDATE DEBATES: VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNOR, U.S. HOUSE, and U.S. SENATE
Following a well-attended presidential debate watch party on September 10th, the American Democracy Project (ADP) at IU South Bend will host a series of debate watch parties for five upcoming debates featuring candidates on the November 2024 ballot.
“We are eager to help students learn more about the issues of the day while getting to know the candidates on their ballot,” said campus ADP director, Elizabeth Bennion. “Although we wish that all candidates on the ballot were participating in head-to-head policy debates, we are pleased to be able to introduce students to the candidates who have agreed to share their policy views and priorities on the debate stage,” Bennion continued. “We encourage students, and other community members, to watch the debates and to do their homework to learn more about all the candidates on the ballot.”
The debate watch parties will take place in the Community Building at the River Crossing Student Housing complex at 1735 Titan Drive in South Bend, which is home to 400 of IU South Bend’s roughly 4,326 enrolled students. Parties will kick off half-hour before each live televised debate. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for remarks by ADP student Democracy Fellows and to grab food and seating for the debate.
Debate Watch event dates, participating candidates, and live debate air times include:
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Oct. 1: JD Vance (R) v. Tim Walz (D), Vice President of the United States, 9PM ESTWatch on CBS, ABC, CNN, NBC, MSNBC, Fox, Univision, PBS, Fox News, The CW
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Oct. 3: Mike Braun (R) v. Jennifer McCormick (D) v. Donald Rainwater (L), Governor (IN), 6PM ESTWatch on WISH-TV (Indianapolis) or WSBT-TV (South Bend)
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Oct. 8: Lori Camp (D) v. William Henry (R), U.S. House (IN-2), 7PM EST–Incumbent Rudy Yakym (R) has opted not to participateWatch on ABC57 or WNIT, listen on WVPE 88.1 FM, Stream on ABC57.com, WNDU.com, and WSBT.com
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Oct. 24: Mike Braun (R) v. Jennifer McCormick (D) v. Donald Rainwater (L), Governor of Indiana, 7PM ESTStream at indianadebatecommission.com or watch on WNDU, WNIT, or your favorite local news outlet
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Oct. 29: Andy Horning (L) v. Valerie MCray (D), U.S. Senate (IN), 7PM EST–Rep. Jim Banks (R) has opted not to participateStream at indianadebatecommission.com, where you will also find local listings (coming soon!)
All five non-partisan, alcohol-free events are open to campus residents, non-resident students, and their family and friends. While primarily designed for a student audience, alumni and members of the broader community who support the APD’s non-partisan civic education and engagement mission are also welcome to attend.
In addition to event-specific activities, each party will feature free Papa John’s pizza (for event participants), Debate Watch Bingo, nonpartisan voter registration and/or education opportunities, and an opportunity for post-debate discussion.
Although not hosting a Debate Watch Party on October 2nd, the ADP encourages voters to watch the Indiana’s first (FOX58/CBS54) gubernatorial debate at 7PM EST on Wednesday, Oct. 2nd, airing locally on WBND (see ABC57.com for more details).
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The American Democracy Project is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to producing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and commitment required to make a positive difference in their communities and engage in meaningful actions as citizens in a democracy.
Project interns reflect diverse partisan affiliations and ideological beliefs, but all support an informed and engaged electorate and recognize the critical importance that civic education plays in creating the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.
Students are welcome to volunteer for the American Democracy Project and/or to join the American Democracy Club, which frequently co-sponsors debate watch parties and hosts other events independently, with the ADP, and/or with other registered student organizations. Members and future leaders welcome! Go to Titan Atlas to learn more.