Students juggle ideas in anticipation for debate

Several students gathered in the St. Clair College residence to watch the CNN debate and discuss the presidential candidates.

Being so close to the border, Windsorites have a lot to say about the election.

Brandon Tuttle, a 21-year-old business student at St. Clair College, has been following the election since its beginning when the Democratic and Republican parties were still selecting representatives. Tuttle has always been interested in politics, however, he has been more involved particularly this year with what he calls “these unusual candidates.”

Some of the issues Tuttle sees as being important based on what he hears from the candidates are health care and taxes.

“These are the two most important issues facing Americans today,” said Tuttle.

He watched the first debate in September and also watched the second debate covered from St. Louis.

“I’ve learned that these dates are so crucial for the candidates,” said Tuttle. “I wish I could be there watching in person.”

What really impressed Tuttle was Hillary Clinton’s resume of working with children.

“I really like what she had to say about her plans for the children and the disabled,” said Tuttle.  “My mother works at a childcare centre so I can relate to working with children.”

The media coverage was tremendous with polls estimating nearly 66.5 million people expected to watch the second debate and a record setting 84 million people who watched the first debate.

“I think it’s great that so many Americans are watching the debate because they can get a sense of what the candidates represent and get their ideas,” said Tuttle.

Jane Anderson is a St. Clair College student in her third year studying engineering. She did not watch the first presidential debate but did watch the second.

Anderson is a resident of Windsor and moved to the city when she was a child. Originally from Grand Rapids, MI. Anderson grew up watching politics with her family.

“Even though I live in Windsor now I still have my dad and other family in Grand Rapids, so I understand the issues that face Americans,” said Anderson. The greatest issues being taxes, minimum wage and student debt.”

Anderson travels back and forth from Grand Rapids to Windsor every holiday break.

“Even crossing the border I’m beginning to learn what Donald Trump is talking about with border security. I’m not sure if I’m voting for him, but what impresses me is that he just says what’s on his mind and is not worried about political correctness,” said Anderson. “However, he gets way too much media coverage based on the controversial things he says and the media should just focus on the issues.”

According to residence advisers, the debate has been highly talked about among the student body at St. Clair College and based on the numbers turning up to watch, the residence may also look into hosting the third presidential debate in their lobby.