On Friday 5 February, the Politics Society held a mock presidential candidates’ election debate in the lead up to the US Presidential elections in November this year. The event consisted of two debates between Jordan Urban (Bernie Sanders) and Matty Desmond (Hillary Clinton), the Democratic nominees, and between the Republican nominees of Zachary Lewis (Ben Carson), Dev Khemani (Jeb Bush), Ali Kemalli (Donald Trump), Boaz Halberstam (Marco Rubio), and Jacob Tucker (Ted Cruz).

A wide range of issues were discussed, including the US economy, Israel, immigration, abortion and military intervention in the Middle East, and as such, sparked intellectual and engaging arguments from all the speakers. However, in true Habs fashion, the speakers also expressed more comical observations, representing their chosen candidates truthfully and entertainingly.  

The debates occurred during lunch to a wide range of students and teachers from both the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, and the discussion of such contentious issues engaged all those present. Preselected questions allowed the representatives to voice their key policies and, being followed by questions from the audience, allowed the speakers to think on their feet as to the potential answer the nominee may have given. Such a skill is credit to their hard work in preparing for the debate.

The event was a fantastic opportunity for all students, and was a thoughtful insight into the current US elections. Hilary Clinton and Ted Cruz were voted by the audience as the winners in their respective debates. It was enjoyed by all those present, and the Politics Society would like to thank those boys who represented the Democrat and Republican nominees, and those who came to watch the debate. The Society is looking forward to hosting another mock debate later in the year between whoever America chooses as its candidates.