Pres. Obama's Legacy: Success, Failure, or a Mixed Record?

Please read our attendance policy (https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Politics/messages/boards/thread/41288522) before RSVP-ing for this event. This event is co-hosted with the NYC Debate (https://www.meetup.com/debateclub-6/) meetup group.

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With the Midterm Elections looming, we're also closing in on the final two years of the Obama Administration — a twilight stage for modern two-term Presidents.

The final two years — as characterized by the punditry class as the "lame duck" period — starts the unofficial winding down of an Administration. Many Presidential historians are quickly eager to point to the successes or failures in shaping the incumbent's Presidential legacy.

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This month, we'll look back and examine the current Administration's accomplishments — or lack thereof — and debate whether the President's legacy ought to be:

• Praised as a success;

• Criticized for being marred with failures and incompetence; or

• Lukewarmly shrugged off for being mired in mediocrity.

We'll discuss and evaluate the Administration's record with respect to the following three categories:

Topic I. Handling of the economy, commerce, and budgetary matters

Topic II. Domestic policies and programs

Topic III. Foreign policy and international affairs

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Event Schedule
6:00 to 6:30 - Introductions, Meet and Greet
6:30 to 7:30 - Debate Topic I
7:30 to 8:30 - Debate Topic II
8:30 to 9:30 - Debate Topic III
9:30 to 10:00 - Post-Event Social

Debate Format

• Similar to the televised Presidential "townhall" debate format.
• Approximately six debate participants on each side; the remaining attendees will be part of the townhall audience. There's no mandatory requirement to participate or actively debate -- so attendees can sit back and observe.
• The townhall audience members can also ask questions directly to either debate groups.
• New debate participants will be selected for each of the three topics.

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VENUE INFORMATION

Here's a photo of the building entrance:

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Once you enter the building, proceed to the banquet ("Amenities") room, as shown below:

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Because the event is held at a private venue, you'll be notified one day before the event with additional information, including the building address.