For an entire week, the Hilltop was buzzing with major media outlets, Democratic candidates, and students who were excited about the busyness that came along with the major political events on campus.
All that Saint Anselm College students talked about last week were the events of the week including this year’s ABC News Democratic Debate that took place on Feb. 7 in the Thomas F. Sullivan Arena.
Saint Anselm students received tickets to the Democratic Debate and many attended two CNN Town Halls featuring eight candidates who answered the audience member’s questions.
“I really enjoyed the town halls because it was a big event that a lot of students could go to,” said Haley Bragdon-Clements ’21. She said that although she did not receive a ticket to the debate she was still excited to have the opportunity to see Democratic candidates on campus.
Manon Nadeu ’21 hoped to meet and get to know the candidates as well, describing their presence on campus as the perfect start to the week.
Some students were excited because they found a connection between debate week and their major. “It’s such an incredible and unique experience to be able to witness history first-hand,” said Kaitlyn Brine ’20. “Being a Peace and Justice Studies major, I believe it is essential to be an educated voter and I could not be more grateful to be a student here on the Hilltop this week.” Brine took part in both town halls and said that she was lucky to see the eight candidates on campus. The ability to find a common thread between debate week and students’ majors added another layer of value to the experience.
If the town halls and the Democratic Debate were not enough, students were interviewed by major media outlets set up around campus, and watched live broadcasts from the college quad as Alumni Hall served as a backdrop. Media crews began setting up on Feb. 3 and caught the eye of students passing by on their way to class. The excitement walking around campus was palpable.
“It is fascinating to see how the media covers events like these. You get to see the behind-the-scenes work of major news stations that are known around the nation,” said Christopher Millet ’21.