About 2,000 journalists — including dozens from other countries — converged at Washington University in recent days to cover the presidential debate Oct. 9. When it was over, they swarmed into Spin Alley to gather analysis from candidates’ surrogates and political experts to wrap up their stories by deadline.
The excitement surrounding the Oct. 9 debate at WashU was shared with the world via social media, resulting in an unprecedented level of audience engagement for the university. Twitter and Instagram users made full use of the #WashUdebate2016 hashtag.
The “Danforth Dialogues: Envisioning the Future of Religion and Politics in America” was held Saturday in Graham Chapel. The near-capacity audience slowed down to absorb two-plus hours of respectful discourse on weighty topics.
About 2,700 international students at Washington University can’t cast ballots in the presidential election because they are not U.S. citizens. Still, many such students are volunteering to help with the debate and related events to get involved and learn more about the American system.
While reporting live from a presidential debate may seem a daunting challenge for a student journalist, the students from Student Life, WUPR and WUTV seem to have it covered, bringing creative approaches, fresh angles, and a remarkable enthusiasm to their efforts.
GPC President Haley Dolosic encourages WashU graduate students to get involved in the debate frenzy — and offers three ways they can.