In the end, it wasn’t so much a debate as a televised argument over who is the most bipartisan politician. But for George Mason University students who attended Wednesday night’s Virginia senatorial debate between incumbent Tim Kaine (D) and challenger Corey Stewart (R), it was a notable opportunity to see federal-level elective politics in action.
The debate, attended by about 200 spectators the Capital One Bank headquarters in McLean, Virginia and televised throughout the Commonwealth by NBC affiliates, was sponsored by Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and the Northern Virginia Technology Council. Schar School dean Mark J. Rozell, a frequent commenter on Virginia politics, was one of the panelists on stage with moderator Chuck Todd, host of “Meet the Press.” Other panelists included NBC4 Northern Virginia bureau chief Julie Carey and NBC4 anchor Aaron Gilchrist.
Seeing Mason and Schar School branding and Rozell on stage made an impression on students in attendance.
“I’m a government major and this is an incredible opportunity for me to come here,” said Bekah Pettine during a pre-debate reception. Pettine, a Government and International Politics major, is president of the Mason student body. “It’s a great credit to our school and our program and our university. Most [students] don’t have access to events like this. As an undergraduate, to be here with working professionals and [Mason] alumni is awesome.”
Tim O’Shea, also a Government and International Politics major, came to the event to hear how the candidates answered questions about policies that concern him.“
“I pay very close attention to the issues that this campaign has been about, particularly immigration, which has been a focus of mine for the last two years,” he said. “I really want to see the direction the state goes in on that, and this forum is the best place to see that.”
Noting that he could have watched the televised broadcast, O’Shea added, “there’s something different about being in the room that makes it more impactful, a bigger experience. I could not be more grateful that we as undergrads get the opportunity to come here and see this.”