Profs prep for post election discussion

The upcoming Nov. 6 election has already stirred up controversial conversation on campus, as politicians make campaign stops, students watch the debates and groups try to get their platforms heard in anticipation of what is expected to be a close race between President Barack Obama and former governor Mitt Romney.


However, one more conversation will take place after all the polls are closed and the final tally has been made. “What Happened? A Post-Election Discussion with Dante Scala and Andy Smith,” will take place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8 in the Strafford Room in the MUB.


As noted in the discussion name, Dante Scala and Andy Smith, both political scientists at UNH, will be present at this discussion to talk about what happened at the election, as well as answering questions from the audience. Tom Haines, assistant professor of English, will be moderating this discussion.


“I think I was asked to lead the discussion because I have a background as a journalist,” Haines said. “I just see myself as the guys in the middle …  helping things move along."


Haines said he hopes to not only see UNH students at the discussion, but faculty and the broader community. Haines is also planning to ask Scala and Smith, who know a lot of detailed data, about the polling data. The importance of the election for the nation, as well as the district, will be greatly considered during this discussion.


“After all the sound and fury of this election season, it’s important to take a deep breath, step back and think about whether and how our politics and government will change as a result of what just happened,” Scala said.