Civic events precede presidential debates at FAU

By Dale M. King
CITY EDITOR

Florida Atlantic University is gearing up to host two nationally televised presidential candidate debates later this month – the Republican go-round Jan. 24, the Democratic gathering Jan. 27, both at 9 a.m.

To muster spirit both on campus and in the community, said FAU spokeswoman Kristine McGrath, the university will host “Join It!” -- a series of civic engagement events to coincide with the presidential primary debates.

The events will take place Monday, Jan. 14 through Friday, Jan. 18.

She said “Join It!” seeks to involve students and members of the community in the political process; facilitate and encourage voter registration; enhance student and community understanding of key issues related to the 2008 election and nurture an appreciation of the broader electoral process.

Civic engagement week is a volunteer effort involving FAU students, faculty and staff from various university campus locations.

Key topics of discussion include education, women and politics, making democracy work, the economy, healthcare, business and social security, climate change, energy policy, and the Iraq War.

Some of the highlighted civic engagement events include: Comedy Central’s “Indecision 2008,” featuring Greg Giraldo and other guest comedians. It will be held Monday at 7 p.m. in the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium on FAU’s Boca Raton campus.

Greg Giraldo and some of Comedy Central’s leading comedians are starring in this special election-year evening of political satire and stand-up comedy. The show will also include special guest James Adomian, George W. Bush impersonator from the “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.”

This is a ticketed event. Free tickets are currently available to FAU students, faculty and staff with an Owl Card. Free tickets will be available to the general public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Two tickets per person will be distributed at the FAU Boca Raton Student Union Box Office.

Legislative Issues

Another event is “Hot Button Issues for Floridians: A Panel Discussion with Florida Legislators” Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Student Union Senate Chambers on FAU’s Boca Raton campus. It is free and open to the public.

The discussion will be moderated by FAU political science assistant professor Kevin Wagner. State Representatives Shelley Vana, Mary Brandenburg, Susan Bucher and Carl J. Domino will field questions about these hot button issues for Floridians.

In addition, a Student Government mock debate will be held Thursday, Jan. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the University Theater on the Boca Raton campus. It also is free and open to the public.

The FAU Student Government Association will host this presidential mock debate moderated by State Rep. Maria Sachs. Six students will represent the presidential candidates – three Democrats, three Republicans – and will debate the issues now on the presidential election agenda.

FAU President Frank T. Brogan will open the floor after the debate for a question-and-answer session with other Florida-elected officials, including Boca Raton Mayor Steven Abrams, State Sen. Jeff Atwater, State Rep. Susan Bucher and State Rep. Ari Porth.

For a complete list of “Join It!” events and workshops, visit www.fau.edu/debates. For more information, contact Kenneth Osgood at 561-297-2816 or kosgood@fau.edu.

Dale M. King can be reached at 561-549-0832 or at dking@bocanews.com.