Student Government Association slates, Vote Bare and U.N.I.T.E.D. Initiative, squared off Wednesday in the public debate before elections. During the debate, each slate fielded moderated questions about their initiatives and tried to show why they were the best for the job.
The slates were given time to answer the same questions, covering everything from student safety to cooperation between Ball State University and the Muncie Community. Both slates gave textbook responses according to their initiatives and platform, and they didn't go much further than that.
A plethora of grandiose ideas were brought up throughout the debate, but the how and the why for each issue were missing. Great ideas are the base of any platform, but without reasons for why they are important or how they could be accomplished, concepts aren't complete.
Buzz words were more frequent than explanations and definite plans. Diversity was a major topic, but diversity was never defined. Passion was brought up, but no one discussed why passion was so important to accomplish any goals. Cooperation between Muncie and Ball State was an issue, but not how to cooperate or why.
Throughout the debate, ideas were overflowing, but explanations were lacking. It's understandable both slates would want to tell their constituents the important issues they care about, but they stopped far short in explanations. It's as if both slates were relying on their ideas to gain support, instead of giving exposition and "here's how."
Wednesday's debate was the last time for each slates to inform voters about important issues, why they were important and how they would be handled. Voters heard all about important issues, but might have left with more questions than answers, and that isn't going to help anyone make the right choice.
The debate was only a shadow of what it could have been. Great issues need to be backed up by solid justifications and detailed explanations.
Vote Bare and U.N.I.T.E.D. Initiative left their plans behind in Wednesday's debate. Hopefully, voters won't abandon their plans to vote - otherwise, in true political fashion, those who simply have the best buzz words and issues might win the day.
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