Students Demonstrate Their Debating Skills during U.S. Presidential Debate Simulation at the American Center

Deputy Chief of Mission Mary Thompson-Jones deliveres the opening remarks

April 30, 2008

The American Center hosted a mock debate on U.S. presidential elections on Tuesday, April 29. The event aimed to simulate a real U.S. Presidential election debate, enabling the public to gain insight into the process while providing talented university students with an opportunity to demonstrate their debating skills and political knowledge.  Four selected university students were prepared by the Association of International Affairs to play the role of contenders to the office of U.S. President. 

Two students represented each party and answered questions related to pertinent issues from U.S. foreign policy and national security to economy, education and health care.Members of a five-member jury consisting of representatives of organizers, academics and journalists judged speaker’s ability to present policies and argue with other candidates. At the conclusion of the debate, members of jury and by members of the audience selected a winner.

The project was organized by the Association for International Affairs in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States of America and the American Chamber of Commerce.  Deputy Chief of Mission Mary Thompson-Jones delivered the opening remarks to the students and audience and stressed that the American Presidential election process can be difficult to understand and that she  was pleased to see that so many Czech students are interested in the topic.