Fulton community members are invited to join the Argumentation and Debate class of William Woods University in watching the upcoming presidential primary debates, including tonight's Democratic debate.
Afterwards, the class and their instructor, Dr. Anthony Cavaiani, will host discussion groups for those interested in participating.
"I'm really hoping this will offer everyone the opportunity to openly deliberate on what they see," said Cavaiani. "I think it'll be a safe forum for people to talk and learn whether they are politically active or not."
Tonight's Democratic debate watch will begin at 7:45 p.m. just prior to the airing, which begins at 8 p.m. The event will be held in Cutlip Auditorium of the McNutt Campus Center.
Cavaiani, who did his graduate work at Wayne State University in Detroit, assisted with similar events held by the large speech and debate organizations on that campus. He said they were always a big draw for both students and community members alike.
He is looking forward to people of all ages attending the WWU events.
"I have students who were six years old when 9/11 happened, and that really puts it in perspective," he said. "I hope that there is a real synergy between the generations where people from both sides can learn from one another."
Cavaiani doubts they will be able to watch the entire debate due to time restrictions, but he said he wants to be able to build on discussions being held this month for the debates that will happen next fall during the election cycle.
In an emailed statement, Junior Communications Major Alyssa Scheele, described what she looked to gain from the event. "I hope to further my knowledge of the Democratic candidates," she said.
She also said she "aim(s) to keep an open mind about their (positions) on several issues."
WWU will hold a similar forum when the third Republican debate airs at 7 p.m. on Oct. 28, with the event beginning at 6:45 p.m. That forum will also be held in Cutlip Auditorium of the McNutt Campus Center.