Chase the Race Student Reporters See Diverse Voices at GOP Debate

Yesterday in Houston, Chase the Race Reporters Fiona Ross and Sean O’Connor interviewed a wide group of voices at the GOP Debates.  From political voices and journalists to students and professors, diverse opinions were expressed about how the Republican process is unfolding.

One of the most interesting conversations occurred between University of Houston Politics Professor Richard Murray and Fiona Ross. Dr. Murray explained the many new and unique forces impacting this year’s historic Primary process.  Economics, social media, and non-traditional outsider voices are dramatically impacting the way candidates are selected by the electorate.

Of course, there were the candidates themselves. The campus was abuzz as candidates and pundits visited the CNN stage. The Chase the Race team interviewed several people on campus, including CNN Correspondent Scott McLean. Shawn O’Conner spoke with McLean about the dynamics of the Republican race, as well as how youth are impacting the election process.<

Later, the candidates convened on stage. Our Chase the Race team went to the student center were two very large watch parties were hosted.  There they interviewed students and Telemundo team members, who were covering the GOP Debate throughout the day from the Hispanic perspective.

Our student reporter team heard from several opposition voices, too. The team visited the Bernie Sanders Campaign office and saw a very busy canvassing operation preparing for Super Tuesday.  University of Houston College Democrats President Brandon Wilke. Discussed how he and his peers felt about the school hosting the GOP Debate. Finally, sporadic protests were on campus, and our team watched one that occurred at 5 pm.

The day was an incredible example of Democracy unfolding live.  Our student’s coverage of the event is live on the Chase the Race 2016 site. Don’t miss it. And don’t forget to follow us on Super Tuesday, when we will cover the day’s events live from Washington, DC and Virginia.