Hudson Valley Debate Union
The McCain Debate, 20 October 2008
The exciting Oxford debate format continued to impress as the second HVDU debate of the inaugural season was held at Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library on Monday 20 October.
Returning as McCain supporters were Jim Coleman, Westchester coordinator of the McCain/Pailn campaign, and local attorney Duncan Lee. However, leading for the proponents this night was a colleague of McCain on Capitol Hill, former Member of Congress Joe DioGuardi of Ossining.
Leading for the opposition were Steve Green, grassroots Obama organizer, and two new Principal Speakers, Professor Cathy Schneider of American University in Washington DC (substituting at the last minute for the originally scheduled Prof. Gregory Julian), and Brian Cocolicchio, a young member of the Town of Clarkstown Democratic Committee.
Both Principal Speakers and Voting Guests took to the Oxford format with passion, and Points of Information were sharp and heated. Yet when the last bell rang, both sides were able to shake hands and congratulate each other on a good debate.
When the question for the evening, This House has confidence in the leadership of Senator John McCain, and recommends his election to the Presidency of the United States, was called, it showed that more McCain people came out than Obama supporters, as the motion passed, 23 votes to 10.
Some images from The McCain Debate, 20 October 2008
Former Congressman Joe DioGuardi makes a point during his leadoff speech at the McCain Debate. HVDU founder Patrick McGrath in the presider's chair to his left.
Professor Cathy Schneider of American University makes a point in her speech, as Mr. DioGuardi attempts a Point of Information, and motion opponent Brian Cocolicchio (r) smiles at a remark from a Voting Guest.
Motion opponent Steve Green has the floor, and motion proponent Jim Coleman makes a Point of Information from his chair, as motion proponent Duncan Lee (l) looks on.
Motion opponent Cathy Schneider takes her case to the Voting Guests.