College Press Penetrates Debates

There has been a great deal of talk during this election cycle about the disconnect between youth and politics. College students today are more enthusiastic about volunteer work and community service; they are widely cynical about politics. Neither candidate has been able to spark excitement on campuses across the United States. In this era of peace and prosperity, the students' apathy may be understandable, but it is nonetheless an unfortunate and disturbing omen for the future.

In that light, the decision by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) to recommend that the Senate Press Gallery grant access to college newspapers for the four upcoming debates is heartening.

The Press Gallery decided that only professional news outlets could cover the events but not student journalists or freelancers. But thanks to lobbying by The Crimson, the CPD asked the Press Gallery to change its mind. Now, College reporters will be issued press credentials to the Oct. 3 debate at the University of Massachusetts at Boston and to the following three debates at Wake Forest University, Washington University and Kentucky University.

It seems fitting that student reporters have the right to attend the debates, especially considering that they are all being conducted on college campuses. In addition, we hope students will gain from local coverage a fresh and pertinent perspective on the debate and its candidates.

Far from a monumental achievement, this decision shows that the voice of students can still make a difference. Moreover, it gives a beacon of hope that the elite of the political realm genuinely regret the prevailing malaise and still value the contributions of the voting youth.