Mason Democrats and College Republicans Participate in Debate

By: Rithvik Hari, Mason Votes Contributor

With the November election right around the corner, the Mason Democrats and College Republicans at George Mason University participated in an Election Forum Debate held Oct. 28. Organized by Student Government and moderated by Bridge at Mason, the debate began at 7:30 p.m. and lasted one hour. It included a 30-minute session of predetermined questions followed by a 30-minute session of audience submitted questions. The topics ranged from current federal investigations involving Mason to political violence.

In their opening statement, the Republicans noted that they were representing students who do not identify with the Democrats, while the Democrats noted that they were there for all students regardless of political affiliation. Representing the Democrats were Vice President Keely Calloway and Pranav Choudhary, while President Blake Reed and Ali Motamedi represented the Republicans.

The first topic addressed was the ongoing federal investigations into George Mason. The Democrats, who were asked to respond first, noted that the investigations were “political witch hunts.” On the other hand, the Republicans said the investigations were “completely justified.”

The debate then moved to topics including the regulation of higher education from the federal government and the current state of the economy. Discussion grew more heated during the segment on political violence. The Democrats emphasized that political violence needs to be addressed by the president. Calloway referenced the recent video President Donald Trump had posted on his social media accounts during the No Kings Protests, as well as reports of leaked messages from group chats involving young Republicans across the country. In response, Reed said that continuing civil discourse in the wake of political violence is what this country needs. Alternatively, Motamedi said, “The Democrats shoot people. The Democrats try to kill their president.” The comment drew a strong reaction from the opposing party and audience.

The predetermined question session concluded with conversations about immigration and voting. During this, both sides shared varying opinions. The Republicans said, “International students shouldn’t necessarily come to Mason.” Adding that the taxpayer money that funds Mason should prioritize U.S. citizens. On the other hand, the Democrats welcomed all international students stating, “International students have the same right to come to Mason as any other student.”

On voting, Motamedi said that he believes Americans have the right not to vote and that abstaining can still convey a political statement. He also expressed his disappointment with state and federal funding being spent on Mason Votes, stating that he believed the Mason Votes organization should not receive funding. The Democrats offered an alternative perspective stating, “Everyone eligible should vote”. In response to Motamedi, Calloway said, “Mason Votes is a wonderful program. They’re a nonpartisan program. Their goal is to ensure students [have] proper access to vote and ensure that they continue to vote. They’re a non-political organization, ensuring student access to voting.”

Following a brief intermission, the participants answered submitted questions from the audience.

During this session, both parties agreed on the importance of having elected officials who are accountable to the people rather than long-term bureaucrats. The Democrats also highlighted supporting educators and first responders so they are able to afford to live where they work. Similarly, the Republicans stressed that the welfare of American citizens needs to be the primary focus of the government. However, both parties disagreed on the topic of mid-cycle redistricting. The Democrats said, “It’s really dangerous to only support one side gerrymandering.” While the Republicans said, “Republicans are in a much better place to gerrymander.”

As the debate concluded, each party invited attendees to their regular meetings:

• The Republicans meet in the Johnson Center, Meeting Room B, on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m.
• The Democrats meet in Horizon Hall, Room 3008, on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

The event concluded with the moderators reminding attendees of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

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Photo by: Rithvik Hari