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May 12, 2004
Contested Speech
MTV and Republican and Democratic Parties Pick GW to
Announce Essay Contest
MTV’s “Choose or Lose” campaign picked The George
Washington University to announce a new effort, in cooperation with the
Democratic and Republican parties, to boost political participation among
young adults.
MTV News Correspondent Gideon Yago joined Republican National Committee
Chairman Ed Gillespie and Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry
McAuliffe, as well as Washington Redskins wideout Darnarian McCants and
members of the Christian rock band Third Day, to announce a pair of essay
contests for 18–24-year-olds. Essays representing the views of both
their parties and their age groups could land a speaking opportunity for
selected young adults at the presidential conventions this summer. The
44th Democratic National Convention will be held in Boston, July 26–29,
while the Republican National Convention will be held at Madison Square
Garden in New York City, Aug. 30–Sept. 2.
“Giving young adults a voice at our convention in Boston is just
another example of Democrats working to engage America’s youth in
the political process,” said McAuliffe. “Their voices should
be heard and it’s time to pump up the volume.”
“This is a new way to have a voice,” added Gillespie. He announced
that registration for the contest hosted by the Republican National Convention
and the Republican National Committee, tabbed “Stand Up and Holla,”
is available at www.2004nycgop.org. Essays no longer than 300 words must
answer the question “Why is the President’s call for community
service important and how have you demonstrated it?”
To enter the Democratic contest “Speak Out for the Future,”
interested young people should submit essays answering the question “Why
should politics be important to youth and how can youth get more involved
in the political process,” to www.DEMS2004.org.
In each contest, a selection committee will narrow the field to 10 finalists.
The Internet community will pick its favorites based on short, taped segments
of the essays posted on the respective RNC and DNC Web sites as well as
on MTV.com. Winners will be announced on MTV’s cable television show
“TRL.”
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu
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Related Link
GW's
2004 Politics and Policy Central
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