WRGW News at 6 Tuesday Oct. 15, 2013

WRGW News at 6 Tuesday Oct. 15, 2013 by Wrgw_News on Mixcloud

WRGW News at 6 Tuesday Sept. 24 2013 inc. interview with Matt Scott

Tuesday Sept. 24 2013 by Wrgw_News on Mixcloud

Ezra Klein and Bay Buchanan Square Off

By Sam Michel


Ezra Klein, a blogger for the Washington Post, and conservative political commentator Bay Buchanan faced off in a debate sponsored by the Young America Foundation, College Democrats and the Student Association last Tuesday night.  The debate, moderated Dr. Derek Malone-France of the University Writing Program, touched on a number of key issues such as the budget deficit, immigration, gun control and Washington’s persistent gridlock. 

The debate began with a discussion on the economy, the budget deficit and entitlement reform. Buchanan, who served as Treasurer of the United States under President Ronald Reagan, criticized President Obama for failing to cut the budget deficit and address the growing entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security. Klein, who runs the Washington Post’s popular “Wonkblog,” noted that the deficit has led to interest rates being uncharacteristically low, which means the United States can borrow money at virtually no cost. Although this policy is not sustainable in the long run, Klein said it meant the United States could implement “moderate deficit reduction” while stile investing in infrastructure. 

The discussion then turned to immigration, where Buchanan criticized a Senate bipartisan proposal as amnesty. The influx of illegal immigrants, Buchanan argued, meant employers would be more inclined to pay for the cheap labor over employing unskilled American workers. Klein responded by noting the unique national identity of the United States as a country of immigrants, noting the diverse population of California, where he grew up and attended college. Both debaters agreed that employers needed a system to verify the legality of workers, but Klein disagreed with Buchanan over the benefits of the ‘e-verify’ system, which has resulted in a number of false positives.

In the final portion of the debate, Buchanan and Klein debated gun control legislation in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Buchanan stated her clear opposition to an assault weapons ban, but signaled her support for expanded background measures. Much to the surprise of the crowd, Klein stated his opposition to increased restrictions on types of weapons. Klein noted that there was little evidence to prove that more weapons meant more violence. Rather, he said that background checks needed to be applied to gun shows and online purchases.

In the Q&A section, Buchanan and Klein answered questions from the audience on a wide range of topics including energy independence, health care reform and marijuana legalization. Buchanan said that Reagan, for whom she worked both on his presidential campaigns and in the White House, would have a very difficult time raising money in the current political climate, given the loose campaign finance laws. Klein, who features many graphs and charts on his Wonkblog, said that his favorite chart was one produced by Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) that charted Congress’ approval ratings compared to other unpopular people and events. Klein said that currently Congress is less popular than “BP during the oil spill, Nixon during Watergate, Paris Hilton, the United States becoming a communist country, head lice and Nickelback.” 

SA Senate Meeting Brings Little Fanfare but Plenty of Progress

by Sam Michel

For those who thought the Student Association Senate would accomplish little now that SA election season was over, last night’s meeting would have been a surprise. In one of the final SA Senate meetings of the 2012-2013 academic year, the Senate passed a number of resolutions and made significant progress on lesser-known initiatives nonetheless considered important to the student body.

Outgoing Executive Vice President Abby Bergren presided over the meeting in which several SA Senators were not present and as such were represented by proxies. Still having enough senators present for a quorum, the Senate quickly passed a number of resolutions. One resolution, sponsored by Senator Nick Gumas, asks future GW applicants to specify on their application whether they were gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Although the question would be optional and would have no effect on an applicant’s prospects of admission, Gumas argued that if GW can gather statistics on an incoming class’ religion, geographic background or race, then sexual orientation should be included in that category. The resolution passed with unanimous support.  Gumas said he would be bringing the issue up to the incoming Director of Admissions at the earliest convenience.

Dr. Bernard Demczuk, Assistant Vice President for DC Relations, addressed the Senate to promote increased communication between the GW community and the DC city government. An Aid to former DC Mayor Marion Barry, Demczuk described his job as helping GW students get a better understanding on how the DC government works, both in the city council and the mayor’s office. 

In his update to the Senate, a proxy for Student Association President Ashwin Narla informed the body of progress that had been made to allow food trucks to begin accepting GWorld cards as a payment option. He stressed however that while the negotiations were still ongoing, there was optimism that food trucks could begin accepting GWorld cards before the end of the school year.

In recognition of April Fools Day, Bergren temporarily resigned her position and allowed Hugo Scheckter, who ran an unsuccessful satirical campaign for SA President, to preside over the conclusion of the meeting. In his remarks, temporary-EVP Scheckter, dressed in his full royal attire, complimented the Senate on passing updated bylaws to the Senate Constitution “which the GW student community was really begging for.”

CCAS Senate Election Overview

by Sam Michel 


The upcoming Student Association elections will feature several competitive races, including the Columbian College Undergraduate Senate election, which features 16 candidates running for 6 seats. Below are a list of the candidates, a brief description about them and their top priorities if elected to the SA Senate. WRGW News encourages you to visit the candidates’ websites and Facebook pages to learn more about their platforms.

Shreya Chaturvedi

Year: 2016, Psychology

Top Priorities: Safe transportation, increasing access to student health services

“My top priority in the election is bringing students’ issues to light. More than pushing personal initiatives as a Senator, I plan on representing Columbian students as best as I can.”

Campaign website: http://www.shreya4sa.sqsp.com

Jevin Hodge

Year: 2016

Top Priorities: Student space, student life, safety, academic modernization

“"GW is elevating at a rapid pace; with an environment of such great ability and even greater potential we have to galvanize campus rapport and take a step in the right direction. Work to create a streamlined and better process for communicating with the allocations and co-sponsorship so all clubs will know what is expected of them.”

Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/JevinHodgeForSenator

Nick Gumas

Top Priorities: Expanding GPAC requirements, enacting non-discrimination legislation, lowering cost of printing

“ I am the only candidate in the race with experience as a SA senator, and I hope to use that experience next year to continue bettering the lives of CCAS students through building off of these initiatives and working on new ones, such as increasing diversity in student government, promoting sexual education, improving resources for smaller student organizations."

Benjamin Pryde

Year, Major: 2016, Econoimcs/Political Science

Top Priorities: Student Safety, Sustainability, Vern Issues, Students Clubs/Organizations, GW Living

"I am running because I believe that students deserve a University where their needs academically and socially are met, and a Student Association that ensures that students' needs and aspirations are not forgotten and are made a priority.”

Campaign Website: http://www.benpryde.com

Justyna Felusiak

Year, Major: 2014, Political Science/Geography

Top Priorities: Course Scheduling, School Spirit, Student Org Funding

“I am running because being a part of the Student Association as a CCAS Senator is something I know I can do and do it well. As a third year student and experienced student leader, I can bring something new and fresh to the SA while still bringing the experience of working with GW administrators to the table.”

Campaign Website:  www.facebook.com/JustynaFelusiakCCAS

 Ahrim Nam

Year, Major: 2016, Political Science/Spanish

Top Priorities: Extending dining hours, Student Health

“One of my top priorities in the election would probably have to be improving certain aspects of student life at GW, especially student health services and its location.”

Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/NAMforCCAS

Patrick Furbush

Year, Major: 2015, Economics/Political Science

Top Priorities: Improving CCAS advising, reducing GPAC requirements, installing efficient lighting and heating, improving student space

“A top priority I have is improving the CCAS advising because it is too unorganized and GW students deserve only the best help we can get. I am running because I believe I am the best person for the job of changing our school for the better.”

Mollie Bowman

Year: 2016

Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/mollieforsenator

John Menges

Year: 2016, Political Science

Top Priorities: SA financial transparency, dining hall sustainability

“I am running to be a CCAS-U Senator because I want to work together with students, student leaders, and administrators to create a better GW for all students.”

Campaign Website: http://johnforgw.com

Casey Syron

Year: 2016, Political Science, German Language and Literature

Top Priorities: Increase amount of classes that count towards GPAC, Printers in all Academic and Residence Halls, Lower fees for lost GWorld Cards and lost room keys

Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/caseyforgw

Justin Hyde

Major: Organizational Sciences 

Top Priorities: Additional Student Space, Student representation on the Board of Trustees, Improving CCAS Advising 

Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/JustinHide?fref=ts

Marshall Cohen

Year: 2016, Political Science 

Campaign Website: www.electmarshall.com

John Weiss

Year: 2015, International Relations-Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs, Political Science, Environmental Science

Top Priorities: Campus sustainability, efficacy, student rights  

Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/JohnWeissForCcasSenate?group_id=0

*Brandon Kumar, Justin Hyde, Taylor Cole, Marshall Cohen, John Weiss and Casey Syron did not respond to our request by press time for a comment on their candidacies.

WRGW News at 6: Thursday, March 7th, 2013

WRGW News at 6: Thursday, March 7th, 2013 by Wrgw_News on Mixcloud

Candidate for SA VP Looks to Revitalize Student Space

By Sam Michel

In announcing his campaign for Student Association Executive Vice President, Mike Adam knew how much voters had been hearing about the use of student space on campus. But the sophomore, double majoring in Political Science and Music, believes his proposal on student space will bring a fresh perspective to an issue that seems to have stalled amongst University officials. 

In discussing the issue of student space with WRGW News, Adam noted that the initiative, long championed by the current SA administration, has failed to gain the recognition it properly deserves.  Adam believes his leadership experience as a greek housing manager and as a member of the Residence Hall Association has helped him build relationships with University officials that would continue if he ere elected to serve as one of the student body’s chief lobbyists to the University. Adam has also proposed creating student spaces in all residential dorms, tailored to the needs of individual resident communities.  He does recognize how ambitious his plan is. 

“I believe that by proposing a small capital investment in improved residence hall community space—rather than plans for long-term university expenditures—the administration will be more amiable to working with student leaders,” Adam said. 

Adam’s platform also focuses on traditional SA campaign policy points such as increasing the student government’s accountability and transparency, seeking alternative funding sources for the 400+ student organizations, and providing more on-campus housing options for fraternities and sororities. 

Adam did comment on the campaign by former U-at-Large Senator Hugo Scheckter, currently seeking the SA Presidency, which mocks the lack of accountability by the school administration towards the student body. 

“I do have to agree with King Hugo when he speaks about university officials being less than stellar in terms of their response to student issues,” Adam commented. 

With that in mind, Adam says he would push for greater student representation in the university by advocating that there be a student spot on the Board of Trustees. 

Adam is a sophomore from Long Island.  He is running against Will Ellingson and Kostas Skordalos for SA Executive Vice President. The Election will be held on Wednesday, March 20^th through Thursday, March 21st. 

Freshman Looks to Stand Out as Candidate for SA President

by Sam Michel 


Tywan Wade is looking to stand out in the crowded field of candidates running to be Student Association President. That shouldn’t be too difficult since he’s the youngest person running. But Wade, currently pursuing a degree in business administration, believes being a freshman allows him to bring a fresh perspective to GW’s student government   

In a statement to WRGW News, Wade countered the notion that a freshman shouldn’t run for SA President. 

“In being the youngest person to ever run, I think that it’s necessary to redefine what normal in society [is]," he said. "I think that sometimes we get brainwashed into a certain type of understanding or belief that diminishes our individualism. I can assure doubters that my running is not all for flash, but [for] substance.” 

Wade’s campaign platform features broad proposals sure to generate attention and perhaps some controversy. The platform, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/TywanWadeforSAPresident , features proposals to bring a farmer’s market to campus, providing a shuttle for students to Virginia Beach during the spring, and having the Vern Express provide a nightly detour through the shops of Georgetown. For campus dining, Wade’s platform includes providing a new dining plan for individuals and graduates in off-campus housing as well as creating a Franchise Funding Board to attract new restaurants and dining options to the GW community. 

But despite his ambitious agenda, Wade understands the challenges he would face implementing his agenda in the SA. 

“I know that the things that I want to implement at George Washington University are going to take time," he said.  "In speaking with former members of the Student Association, I have a realistic vision of how the group operates.” 

Wade wouldn’t comment on the current SA administration or detail what organizations he’s involved with on-campus. 

Rather, he hopes that, “individuals are able to see my vision as clear as day and believe that I can revolutionize GW with a dynamic but collaborative approach.”

Wade is running against three other candidates in the March 20^th-21^st election.  

Obama 2012 Campaign Manager Speaks to GW College Democrats

By Sam Michel

Jim Messina, the campaign manager for President Barack Obama’s successful 2012 re-election campaign, spoke Wednesday night to the GW College Democrats on the lessons he learned from the grueling two-year job overseeing a massive $1 billion operation and revolutionizing the modern political campaign through technological advancements. In addition, he spoke about his work in the White House during President Obama’s first term, working on domestic legislation.

Before taking the podium, Messina was introduced by GW College Democrats President Spencer Dixon, who listed Messina’s impressive résumé, which included stints as Chief of Staff to both Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) and Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), who Messina called his mentor. However, his time with Baucus was cut short when he received a call from then-Senator Barack Obama in June 2008 requesting Messina to move to Chicago the following day to become Chief of Staff to the Obama 2008 campaign. In that role, Messina was responsible for overseeing a budget of $700 million. Following Obama’s win over Senator John McCain, Messina was asked to become Deputy Chief of Staff. For the next two years he oversaw the passage of President Obama’s health care bill and the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. However, it was in December 2010 when the President approached Messina and asked him to manage his re-election campaign; thus fulfilling Messina’s childhood dream of running a presidential campaign. 

In planning the President’s re-election effort in Chicago, Messina described his desire to create a completely different campaign from the one in 2008. 

“If we ran a campaign based on moving the country forward, we knew we would win,” Messina said. 

Whereas the 2008 campaign largely relied on television ads and didn’t incorporate social media extensively, the 2012 campaign was played out almost entirely on Twitter and Facebook. Messina also spoke of the campaign’s desire to reach voters on a more local level through over 140 million door knocks and using supporters to talk to their neighbors and friends. This localized effort helped the campaign identify millions of undecided voters and work with these voters to complete early voting ballots. 

In reflecting on the campaign, Messina spoke highly of the technology department, which developed new apps for smart phones that helped the campaign track how many voters volunteers had reached out to. Messina also stressed the importance of not overly relying on polling data, which oversampled older and typically more conservative voters, thereby showing a much closer race than what the Obama campaign was seeing in its models. 

Moving forward, Messina said he is looking forward to getting involved with Organizing for Action, a new advocacy group that will help mobilize supporters to urge Congress to pass President Obama’s second term legislative agenda.  Messina concluded with a piece of advice he learned from his mentor, Senator Baucus. 

“In your life you should have gin and have tonic. You should have fun but also be serious when it’s needed.”