UNLV professors discuss presidential politics

By Cydney Cappello

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008 | 4:56 p.m.

UNLV students and members of the public met on campus Monday night to discuss the 2008 presidential election with five political science professors.

Panel members discussed everything from Sen. John McCain’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate to the role the Internet has played in the election.

UNLV professor Ted Jelen said McCain likely chose Palin to wrangle press coverage from Sen. Barack Obama, who seemed to be the underlying favorite of many in attendance. As for the Internet, professor Rebecca Wood said while there is a wealth of information easily accessible, there also is a lot of disinformation -- and that's how rumors get started.

Political science student Linda Lockett said the forum gave the small group an alternative source to hear other views aired in public.

"This was a good opportunity for people to meet in the academic community and come out and share their views on what is really happening with these campaigns right now because it’s very dynamic," she said.

Not every student in attendance was studying politics, however. Some wanted to gain more insight into the heavily contested election.

"I just wanted to get a different perspective from the mainstream media," UNLV hotel administration graduate student Edward Bobbett said. "I didn’t really change my thoughts about anything -- just got more from the academic level and it just validated some of my thoughts."

Jelen said despite the small group that came out to hear the panelists, he though the discussion was a success.

“What we lack in numbers, we’re making up for in stimulation and excitement,” Jelen said as he wrapped up a question and answer session.

There will be a post-election discussion from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 10 in Majorie Barrick Auditorium.