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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Palin stands firm in debate 10/3/08 • Palin, Biden don't let facts get in the way of their arguments 10/3/08 • Palin beats modest expectations 10/3/08   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Friday, October 3, 2008 Cascade High class grades the debaters By Eric Stevick, Herald Writer Cascade High School senior Carl Manhardt, who will get to vote for the first time Nov. 4, drew a quick conclusion after watching the vice presidential debate Thursday night. "I thought it was really interesting how they were really targeting the middle class," said Manhardt, 18. The debate did nothing to dissuade him from supporting the Democratic ticket of Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden, but he was glad he got to see the candidates thinking quickly on their feet. The debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., was watched closely in Snohomish County by a spectrum of groups. A "moms only" gathering in Marysville and union workers at the Labor Temple in Everett were planning parties. At Cascade High School, more than a dozen students in American government classes watched the battle of wits over pepperoni and cheese pizzas. Thursday's event is the only head-to-head debate between Republican Sarah Palin, the first-term Alaskan governor billed as an outsider to politics as usual in the nation's capital, and Biden, the 35-year senator with expertise in foreign affairs. "I was interested to see how Palin would seem next to someone who might know a little bit more than she does," Manhardt said. "It was really obvious the strategy was run away to live another day." Senior Jeff Bender, 18, who plans to vote for Sen. John McCain, was impressed with both vice presidential candidates. "I think they seemed pretty even," he said. Bender said he liked what he heard from Palin, given her short stint in the national spotlight. "I think that she did admirably," he said. "She really, really handled herself very well." Senior Whitney Taylor, 17, who has an internship working for incumbent Gov. Chris Gregoire's campaign, had a different assessment. She felt Palin avoided questions. "She was being as innocent, polite and sweet as possible when she would change the subject," she said. "She was doing it in her sweet voice, but I felt she could probably have stayed more on topic." Josh Aranda, 17, a senior, said a debate was helpful, but the real work is doing the homework afterward to find out where the candidates really stand. "I thought they both did really well," he said. "They showed their differences, and it's up to you to figure out which one you think its better." For Aranda, that choice is McCain and Palin. Aranda said he felt Palin did better in the debate than she had in recent televised appearances. "She was kind of iffy before," he said. "She's doing a lot better now." Most of the students at Cascade High School are too young to vote but are drawn to the race all the same. "This current group has been excited going on 18 months," said Melissa Webster, an American government teacher who hosted the students with fellow social studies teacher Mike Wilson. In recent weeks, their students have been paid classroom visits from 2nd District Congressman Rick Larsen, D-Everett, and his opponent, former Snohomish County Sheriff Rick Bart. Nearly a dozen candidates have talked to their social studies classes and have faced increasingly informed questions along the way, Webster said. At least 17 Cascade students will get a firsthand look at presidential politics. A group that will include Manhardt and Bender are scheduled to attend the presidential inauguration in January. Manhardt, for one, was excited he gets to help choose a president Nov. 4. "I'm just glad I can cast a vote," he said. Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or e-mail stevick@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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