Embassy Partners with Republicans Abroad and Democrats Abroad in Mock Presidential Debate

In an effort to promote awareness of the issues American feel are most important in the 2008 presidential race, the Embassy on September 30 partnered with the InfoUSA center at the University Library Bratislava, Democrats Abroad and Republicans Abroad to hold a mock debate in Bratislava. The September debate attracted an audience of over 30 Slovaks and Americans. Before the debate, Consular Officer Rachel Wolfe explained how Americans in the audience can register to vote absentee. The debate, during which the panel answered questions from both the moderator and the audience, was lively and partisan. The topics included the current economic crisis, transatlantic relations, racism, sexism and how the United States’ relationship with Europe will change with either Senator McCain or Senator Obama as the next president. Many of the Slovaks in the audience were young, politically active professionals who were eager for an in-depth exploration of each political camp’s views.