SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Tonight, Sen. John Mannion (D) and Rep. Brandon Williams (R) will face off in their first of four congressional debates this month. In the race to represent the new 22nd district of New York, Mannion and Williams will discuss a plethora of topics submitted by readers of Syracuse.com, which will also be streaming the debate live at 7:00 pm EST.
According to moderator, Chris Baker, the questions submitted by the public largely address the economy, crime, and gun control, as well as specific inquiries regarding senior care and education. Beyond the topics covered, Baker believes the structure of the debate will also be of interest to viewers and voters. The candidates will be given 90 seconds, as opposed to a previous 60, to provide their answers, as well as a quick, one-word lightning round in an effort to “really get to know” the contenders. But what Baker is particularly intrigued by, is how Mannion and Williams will respond to being seated so closely, noting:
“We’re closer together than we usually are, usually we’re at podiums, so they’re spaced apart, we are gonna be elbow to elbow here so I think uh, I think it’s a little bit intimate and a little bit of a different setting”.
The different setting Baker speaks of is Studio B, located in the S.I. Newhouse School for Public Communications. Students will be assisting both production and journalistic efforts during the debate, an opportunity that technical director, Spencer Congel, sincerely appreciates, remarking:
“To be able to as students, especially Newhouse, but for the university as a broader perspective, to be able to see that this isn’t just happening at a national level, this is happening in your backyard at the very school you go to, and you are even able to be a part of it makes it a much more real process”.
Students are not alone in the recognition of hosting the introductory debate to such an important and competitive congressional race. Associate professor at the Maxwell school specializing in American politics, Steven White, is cognizant of both the regional and national implications of hosting this debate, saying:
“Obviously it (the debate) has a lot of national consequence but also is important locally as well, and so for a school like Syracuse University which is national and international institution that also wants to be tied to the community, a House race is the kind of thing that touches on both”.
Tune into tonight’s debate at 7:00 pm EST via Syracuse.com.
