Hun School Hosts Murphy-Some Political Debate

Posted October 9, 2012

On Friday, October 5, 2012, Upper School students and faculty attended a political debate featuring two respected New Jersey lobbyists and strategists, active in their respective parties – Michael Murphy (D) and Steven Some (R). Student Government Vice-president Christopher Cardinali ’13 served as moderator.

Mr. Murphy, a registered lobbyist and partner at Impact NJ Government Affairs, is a former prosecutor of Morris who was also an early adviser to President Barack Obama’s Democratic primary bid in New Jersey. Mr. Some is a founding partner and president of Capital Public Affairs, Inc., Princeton, New Jersey and served in a variety of appointive positions under former presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

Each speaker opened with a five-minute argument. Then, Vice President Cardinali presented four questions, two geared toward the Republican strategist and two toward the Democratic one. After an answer was given, the opposing strategist was given an opportunity for a two-minute rebuttal. Vice-president Cardinali asked the Republican operative for identification of specific programs that would be cut to reduce the deficit; he was also asked a broader question on Governor Romney’s vision for America. The questions to the Democratic operative asked about President Obama’s economic record, as well as his success or failure at bipartisanship. Mr. Some’s response focused on the United States’ troubled economy and housing market; and criticized President Obama’s “lead from behind” approach to foreign policy. Mr. Murphy defended the President’s economic policies by highlighting the situation he faced upon entering office. Both speakers repeatedly reminded students that this election is important to them because it will determine the future they will inherit.

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