Do Republicans care about young voters?

By Maryann Klucevsek

ROME Oct. 4, 2008 - As you looked around at the American presidential debate viewing hosted at John Cabot University last Monday night everything appeared to be going well. But something was missing, or rather someone.

The house was packed; over American university 300 students studying in Rome this semester to JCU's Lemon Tree Courtyard. Students were scrambling for pizzas, and the presidential debate footage was right on point. And, in the back there was a little table set up by representatives of Democrats Abroad who took student questions during the night. And their political opponents? Republicans Abroad was a no-show, a source of some confusion throughout the evening.

So what happened to the Republicans?

JCU's student government twice contacted the local representatives for Republicans Abroad, and never received a response. Hearing nothing, JCU student government  took their request to the head of the organization in Washington D.C. and yet again received no response.

Many students at the event asked the student government members present why the Republicans never showed. When told the organization didn't respond, there was confusion and disappointment in the crowd.

Gianluca Pesce, a JCU student organizer of the event, said the no-show could only be read one way. “It sent me a message that they did not care," said Pesce, who adds he has not registered with either major political party.

Prof. Frederigo Argentieri, director of JCU's Gurarini Institute, also found it hard to take. “It came as a big surprise to me. I think it was a big mistake. No matter what their excuse was it reflects poorly," Argentieri said.

The website for Republicans Abroad puts strong emphasis on the fact Americans living abroad account for a larger populations than 24 of the 50 states. The site carries plenty of news about events and dinners, mainly featuring older crowds. There is nothing on the site events that speaks of the importance of the many American students studying abroad.

Frank Guarini, JCU trustee and a former Democratic member of Congress, had to say a few words about it as well. In his opinion, he said, the Democrats have traditionally been more organized abroad than the Republicans.

No matter the excuse, the absence of the Republicans last week has lost them some credibility on campus.