Students gathered at De Anza College and discussed the presidential debate regarding foreign policy between President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney.
The African American Studies Department and the Office of Equity of De Anza College, hostred a viewing on Oct. 22, followed by a brief discussion.
When asked which candidate had a better vision of foreign policy, the department chair of African American Studies, Julie Lewis said, “The last debate was more of the same, two individuals with completely opposite ideas wanting to run a country that needs to move forward.
“I think deciding who had the better vision is such a personal matter. While both candidates, as well as the others running for the position, may very well be capable of running the country, I believe that deciding whom that individual will be, comes from a very personal place.”
Ramsey Ghamrawi, a 19-year-old political science student and DASB senator said he believes Obama has a better foreign policy agenda than Romney.
“I believe Romney is more of a hawk and we will probably go to war with Iran with him as president,” he said.
“I don’t want that happening because we are already running two wars.”
Ghamrawi said he believes Obama is more capable of maintaining relationships in the Middle East.
“I would vote for Obama because I’m a Democrat, and most of my views are the same as his,” Ghamrawi said.
Student Shriya Sharma, an 18-year-old biology major, had a completely different opinion about the recent debate.
She said she felt the candidates didn’t answer the question directly.
“They just go off topic and try to mention points that would help them, but at same time, they don’t answer the question,” she explains.
Although Sharma is an undecided voter, she said she would vote for Obama, because she believes he stands up for the middle class more than Romney.
Lewis advised the public to make rational decisions when voting.
“I would hope everyone who is registered and voting in this election chooses the person that best aligns with his or her personal needs, values, and expectations of a political candidate,” she said.
“If that is done, I have no doubt the person who is the next President of the United States will represent this nation well.”