The youth debate was the day before the Presidential candidates took the podium in Miami. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was also in attendance along with his wife Linda and WWE stars Christopher Nowinski and Mark Henry. Stephanie McMahon opened and closed the proceedings.
''You had some very honest and passionate individuals,'' said Vince McMahon. ``Unlike what you'll have [Thursday] night, this was a real debate with real people, as opposed to the political party system that we have now.''
The Smackdown Your Vote! Youth Debate not only featured WWE champ and financial author Layfield, WWE star and New York Times best-selling author Foley but also Florida State Senator Dave Aronberg, Florida State Representative David Rivera and University of Miami students Alex Acosta and Tiffany Yelder.
''We have [George W.] Bush and [John] Kerry. I'm sure they are both honorable individuals.,'' Vince McMahon said. ``It's unfortunate we only have those two to choose from. If we had Bradshaw and Foley to choose from as well, America would be a better place.
''From my standpoint, I'm an independent. I vote for the best man or women -- should there ever be one on the ballot which I'd like to see one day. Whoever is the best person gets my vote. Sometimes it's the lesser of two evils, but I exercise my vote. That's why were here more than anything else. To get 18-30-year-olds to exercise their vote.'' Panelists discussed responses from President George W. Bush, Senator John Kerry, Ralph Nader and Libertarian candidate Mike Badnarik to a national voter issues paper (The 18-30 VIP) issued by WWE and its Smackdown Your Vote! partners earlier this year.
ABC News Correspondent Jake Tapper was the debate moderator, and it was broadcast on ABC News Now, a 24/7 news service available via digital television, digital cable, broadband, and wireless.
The panel discussed stances on the war on terror, the economy and education. Tapper fielded questions and gave a time interval for responses. The final portion consisted of participants answering questions from some of the students in the 500-seat audience.
Acosta, 22, who debated in high school at Gulliver Prep in Pinecrest and a year in college, appreciated the open forum. He also serves as political director for Jimmy Morales' bid for Miami-Dade mayor.
''It was a unique environment,'' said Acosta, ``more so because the people in the room. Usually they are forgotten and not given any attention to. We were all able to get together. I know most people in the room on account of the audience's reactions had different political views than I did, but at the same time the fact that we were all able to get together gives hope that unity can come.
``We may not be able to agree on the issues, but if we can organize ourselves we can truly make ourselves people that have to be corded in the upcoming following elections.''
Foley and Bradshaw expressed their arguments with conviction and made their points in an entertaining, yet educational manner. Wrestling terms were cut to a minimum with the exception of the occasional 'Whoo!' or when Foley referred to Bush's current run as, the 'Suck it' presidency.
Henry, who attended the Republican National Convention, enjoyed the honesty of the panelists.
''I think it was the best debate I have ever seen,'' said Henry. ``I won't be hoping too much to see the same thing tomorrow because its going to be scripted. They're going to hold their punches. Nobody is going to be real.
``I've had the opportunity to meet then Governor George W. Bush. I know he has a lot of personality, so I would like to see some of that tomorrow and hope Mr. Kerry can do the same.''
Henry is a proud voter and feels the youth debate is a great way to use the WWE brand to get the message across.
''Voting is a right,'' said Henry, ``and something I should do being I have that right because there are a lot of people that don't. I'm just hoping that some of what we do as far as relating to people and getting them to go out and vote has an effect on our society.''
Linda McMahon continues to be heavily involved in the Smackdown Your Vote! program since its inception in 2000.
''I thought tonight was awesome,'' said McMahon. ``I wish the debates between the candidates were as open, spirited and heart-felt as [Wednesday's] debate was. Mick Foley, John Bradshaw, along with Tiffany and Alex, and everyone were awesome in giving their comments. I'm just happy WWE and Smackdown Your Vote! were able to be involved.
``Hopefully this was an influential debate in getting people to vote. That's our goal. Our goal is to have 2-million more in 2004, and if we do, it will be a 10 percent increase of what we had in 2000.
Following the debate, audience members were able to interact with the panel members in person at a reception. The WWE personalities were very personable signing autographs and discussing the issues.
As the nations eyes are locked on the first of three Presidential debates on Thursday, Sept. 30, WWE stars will be hosting a Presidential Debate Watch party for students at the University of Miami.
Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL) couldn't attend the event in order to help coordinate Senator Kerry's arrival in town. Information on the candidate responses to the 18-30 VIP can be found at www.smackdownyourvote.com.
credit: http://www.miami.com.
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