The Times-Dispatch worked together to present two presidential forums last month at Cosby High School in Chesterfield County. The goal was to educate students about the two presidential tickets -- and excite them about the privileges and responsibilities of becoming lifelong voters. The early returns are in.)

At Cosby High School, the month of September saw the entire senior class engaged in intensive study of the presidential campaign in preparation for high-level visitors representing the candidates. Former Virginia Gov. and U.S. Sen. George Allen served as a surrogate from the McCain/Palin campaign, and former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe stood in for the Obama/Biden ticket. Both speakers "taught" government class that day, answering pre-selected student questions before an audience of more than 400 students from Cosby and other Chesterfield high schools. Allen and McAuliffe were engaging and informative, the students were attentive and focused, and a lot of learning about issues and platforms took place.

In an attempt to get some of the students to engage with the issues in a more informal setting, the Advanced Placement Government students stayed after school following both sessions for debriefing sessions led by staff from UVa's Center for Politics. For an hour, these students debated the issues shaping this campaign, with a special focus on the perspective of the young voter. They grappled with topics from immigration, the Iraq war, and tax policy to health care, and then went home with the assignment to write a short response about what they learned from the forum process. The pieces you see here are a sampling of their viewpoints.

-- Renee Serrao, government teacher, Cosby High School.

. . .

What I learned in the McCain forum will lead me to support John McCain for president due to his views on the issues of the war in Iraq and his solutions for energy sources. On the war in Iraq, Sen. George Allen stated that John McCain is for staying in the war and ensuring a definite victory. He answered a question directed toward the definition of victory in Iraq by saying that our victory will be when the people of Iraq have a stable government and military force that can ensure the freedom and protection of the people in Iraq. Allen suggested that a withdrawal from the war would leave all the soldiers who died for freedom in vain, and all the progress we made would be lost.

On the issue of finding alternative energy sources due to the crisis we are in now, he said that McCain is for drilling offshore on the continental shelf while new alternative biofuel sources are being researched. This will provide some relief from high gas prices while alternative methods are being found. I am pleased with the answers I heard from Allen and I'm very confident on voting for McCain.

-- Alex Paulini

. . .

The John McCain forum reaffirmed my desire to vote for Barack Obama on Nov. 4. Sen. Allen's response to nearly every question went something like, "John McCain will cut your taxes and save you the money you need to (1) pay for college; (2) pay for gas; (3) fight credit-card debt; and (4) keep businesses in America." However, after studying the McCain platform, I concluded these highly touted tax cuts will only amount to around $700 for the average middle-class family (not much considering the government already mails out $600 checks whenever the economy looks sluggish).

I asked Mr. Allen what John McCain would do to help students afford college. He danced around my question and began his answer by telling me that under no circumstances would I want the federal government to "micromanage" college finances (but I can personally tell you, I sure wouldn't mind some aid). He then proceeded to espouse the "cut taxes" mantra, stressing that lower income taxes would allow parents to save more for college, and reduced corporate-gains taxes on college endowments would enable schools to have more money on hand for financial aid. The problem is, the average family is not going to make $80,000 -- the cost of an in-state education -- in tax cuts (even if that $700 is earned for 18 straight years), and college endowments, as nonprofit institutions, are already tax-exempt. The Republican Party needs some new ideas.

The Republican and Democratic forums these past two weeks did not influence my vote as much as they gave me hope for the future of American politics. Too often in America political discussion becomes centered on derisive personal attacks on the candidates or those people who would support a different candidate than oneself. The issues are often neglected, and people become so steadfast in the views that have been instilled in them since childhood that they prove wholly unreceptive to new perspectives and ideas, or at least the idea that liberals and conservatives do actually share some common ground.

However, the recent forums surprised me, not in what the surrogates said, but in how people were able to sit down afterwards in a classroom and have a civilized discussion about political issues.

It is the common threads that come out of these discussions that give me hope that Americans can overcome partisan strife and learn to tolerate each other's beliefs -- for the United States government was not meant to be defined by two factions scornfully attacking one another's character or motives; it was meant to be defined instead by serious discussion and deliberation about issues, a caucus in which discordant viewpoints, no matter how strong they might be, are used not to divide people, but to bring people together in a common discussion and a common cause -- the creation of a stronger America. It is only through this cultured discussion that America will ever be able to progress functionally towards the future.

-- David Casalaspi

. . .

What I learned in the McCain forum will lead me to support Obama for president because I disagree with many of McCain's platforms, whereas I agree with Obama's corresponding platforms.

When asked about today's declining economy, George Allen did not offer any insight as to how McCain might handle the situation if elected president. Perhaps Allen couldn't answer because McCain has no plan. This (non)response discouraged me; I want a candidate with stronger resolutions for today's crises.

Education was yet another issue that Allen failed to concretely address. Allen explained that lowering taxes (based on the amount of children in a household) will provide savings for college funds; however, this only benefits the younger generation. What changes will affect me and my peers in the immediate future? We deserve higher education regardless of income and without relying on loans.

Being told there is only hope for younger generations gives me less confidence in the McCain platform. Allen's evasive responses greatly influenced me. However, I resolve to further study all presidential platforms before making a choice this November.

-- Nenneya Shields

. . .

What I learned in the McCain forum will lead me to lean slightly more towards choosing Sen. Obama for president. This is because I felt like many of the issues that are important me were carefully evaded by Sen. Allen. Instead of giving straight answers on issues such as the environment and the war in Iraq, he chose to focus more on energy independence, bringing every single response to a question back to the topic. I am aware that Sen. Allen, being the nominee's surrogate, can not be completely sure of all of McCain's stances on the issues, but, regardless, my peers and I left the forum feeling only slightly sure of the Republican party's platform.

I do, however, believe that these forums are extremely important for young voters. The more informed we are of the political system and the candidates, the more we can make informed decisions and become a bigger part of our government. If we do not vote, our voices will not be heard, and soon politicians and citizens alike will soon believe that our opinions no longer matter. We are the future, and our decisions will shape a country.

-- Katie Fottrell

. . .

What I learned in the McCain forum will lead me to support McCain for president of the United States. I agree mostly with McCain's stance on taxes over Obama's, and consider the economy to be the most important issue, next to the war in Iraq. Following the same belief as McCain, taxes should be flat, lower, and simpler. Right now our society is facing an economic downturn and if taxes were to be raised it would only deepen our already wounded economy.

McCain will provide middle-class families with relief. An example is doubling the exemption for children from $3,500 to $7,000. Also, for families struggling with high gas prices, he has a direct plan to suspend the federal gas tax.

Through the forum, I have come to the conclusion from former Gov. Allen that Obama's tax increases have changed radically throughout the campaign with no distinct answer to our economic crisis. One idea Obama proposes is a tax increase on those who make $250,000 or more. This is a sure way to kill jobs and force American businesses overseas. McCain is fully aware that during tough economic times raising taxes is not the logical solution; therefore McCain is best suited for the role as president.

-- Emily Tibbens

. . .

What I learned in the McCain forum will lead me to support McCain for President because of his economic plans. I am not the most informed in politics and when I went into our auditorium to listen to Sen. Allen speak on the McCain platform I tried my best to go in with an open mind. Of course I knew that anything he said was going to be said in a way that would make me want to favor McCain's platform, and I took that into account as I listened to him.

He started to put the pieces of the puzzle together when he talked about opening free trade to other countries and how that would help the U.S. dollar. He said this plan along with lower taxes would combine to give families greater wealth that would help American families and solve other problems that they have such as college costs. I thought it sounded like a good plan, and although I have yet to listen to Obama's platform at our school, right now I am a definite supporter of McCain.

-- Samuel Reiman

. . .

What I learned in the forum will lead me to support Barack Obama for president because my beliefs align very strongly with Obama's, especially on the situation in Iraq. Obama has a plan to bring our troops home roughly within the next 16 months, a plan that I am completely in favor of. I believe that we have been there too long, and we should not continue to force our help upon them when not only do they not want our help, but we could use the financials that we're using on the war here at home.

A very valid question arose at the debriefing after Terry McAuliffe spoke: When do the deaths in Iraq go from being a sacrifice for the country and the cause to being a waste? When do we draw the line? I believe that the line should've been drawn long ago and Obama is going to be the person who is going to step up, put an end to the war and make things better for us here at home.

-- Amanda Latham

. . .

What I learned in the Obama forum will lead me to support Obama for president for various reasons. On a personal level, I support Obama because his plan to help fund college education would make it more possible for middle-class citizens, like me, to receive a quality education at the university level. In regards to the nation as a whole I support Obama because I think his platforms and plans for reform epitomize his slogan, "Change We Can Believe In."

With the economic stability in this country reaching a record low, the broken relationships with foreign countries, and global warming harming the planet every day, we need a president like Obama who has clarity and clear-cut plans to turn the nation around and make it thrive once again. Obama and the Obama campaign have also done a better job energizing and educating the American people about their platforms, which will ultimately give him the advantage over McCain on Election Day. When it comes down to which candidate can really get America back on her feet, it's Obama's plans which truly illustrate change we can believe in.

-- Erica Traveline

. . .

It is often said that voting is our most important responsibility as American citizens. Yet very few people understand why. Too many Americans choose not to voice their opinions at all, and those who do vote only do so to follow the herd. It's time for America to become educated. It's time for our citizens to realize that we must vote based on how we want to live our lives.

A hunter who is proud of his extensive gun collection should probably not side with the Democratic candidate. Conversely, a citizen who supports immediate withdrawal from Iraq should probably stand against the Republican candidate. Americans need to pay attention to the issues that they are passionate about -- everyone has an opinion on something -- and become educated about that issue.

Learn about the candidates so you know who you agree with and who you do not agree with. It's not about who has more experience, or who the bigger celebrity is; it's about working to mold the kind of country, and world, that you want to live in. Discover your passion, educate yourself on the candidates' opinions and stances, and declare yourselfvote!

-- Morgan Carr

. . .

If I could pick one thing I've learned from listening to and participating in Cosby High School's two political forums, it would be that politics is indeed important. I used to believe that politics was an ugly word, a messy concept, that corrupt old men ran the United States and that the normal population's vote, especially the vote of a teenager, didn't matter. However, since listening to the Republican and Democrat forums, I've drastically changed my view.

Politics in this country gives a chance for American citizens to voice their opinions, to fight for causes they believe in, and help others to sway the tide of this nation's policies. This election, the 2008 presidential election, is so vital to deciding the future of this great country, which has been marred by failure and disappointment, which has seeped into our homes creating disillusioned citizens who don't see a clear way out from our current economic crisis, the war in Iraq, and our dependence on foreign oil -- which has caused at home a chaotic energy problem.

These forums have inspired me to get involved by not just voting myself, but to try and get as many friends and family members I know to vote for their candidate as well. Listening to former Sen. George Allen and Mr. Terry McAuliffe not only helped me to learn about the issues that motivate and are important to me, but I've learned a tremendous amount about myself and what I believe in, and in turn, I've realized that my vote counts and that I have the power to make a difference.

-- Insiya Taj

. . .

What I learned in the McCain forum will lead me to support Sen. John McCain for president because he is experienced and understands how the economy works. McCain knows that his opponent's plans will only continue to hurt America's economy. It does not make sense to raise taxes for the people when they are already struggling.

McCain's plan to lower the taxes is beneficial for several reasons. People will be able to keep more of what they earn rather than hand it over to the government. With more money in their pockets, Americans will be more willing to spend money on goods and invest in businesses. This is a proven way to stimulate the economy in times of crisis. Also, tax cuts and other reward programs will work as incentives to keep American businesses in the United States. Many companies are moving overseas because with the cheap labor and low tax rates, it is much more profitable. The government needs to try to be more competitive with other countries and keep American businesses at home, which, in turn will supply more jobs and thus more money.

Obama's plan will do the exact opposite. He claims that only the most wealthy of the country will see tax increases but I do not think this is true. Obama wants to add government programs such as more socialized health care and education reforms. All of these programs will be paid for by the American people, and future generations. Obama's ideas will hurt the people's chances to be economically successful. He will chase companies out of the United States and leave the country with fewer jobs. This is a bad plan because the government should encourage investors not chase them away.

"The people need a government that will stand by their side and not in their way," stated John McCain. We don't need a government that will put down business or prevent growth. That is a government that does not want the economy to flourish. The people don't need government-funded programs, like a bridge to nowhere or road projects that no one will use, that is just a waste of the taxpayer's money. What America needs is a government that will help businesses and the economy grow. America needs low taxes and a good leader. America needs John McCain.

-- Charles Jones

. . .

. . .

What I learned in the McCain forum will lead me to support John McCain for president because I strongly agree with his policies to cut taxes, and I am also in support of his pro-life campaign. McCain believes that by raising taxes in our economic recession right now, people's retirement, businesses, and way-of-life would be disrupted and it would create an economic depression. Because America is facing tough times financially, McCain is making the effort to see that defense spending, as well as necessary governmental programs are costing as little as possible, and he is focused on using the money for an economic boost.

Obama's stance on raising taxes does not consider the middleto upper-class citizens who have worked hard for their earnings and rely on their income to provide for health care and retirement in the future. McCain wants to keep entrepreneurs and small business owners thriving and to do so, hopes to lower taxes so that the businesses themselves do not struggle. His tax policies consider every American and want to ensure that Americans can remain at the same jobs and have the same opportunities financially.

As for abortion, I support his position on pro-life. Coming from a Christian background, I strongly support McCain's efforts to promote life and the rights of an unborn child.

The opportunity to vote is not only a privilege, but it is a chance to mold the country into a strong, united community. The participation of the younger voters from ages 18-25 is essential in regards to the election because it is such a large demographic group and will strongly contribute to the outcome of the presidential elections. The education of young people in politics is an important influence in the future voters of America. Overall, I support McCain's policies of tax cuts and abortion and can only wait to see the end results of the election process.

-- Nicole Bauer