The Penn State Speech & Debate Society hosted the British national debate team on October 28, 2014 for a public debate on the topic, “Private political donations in the United States should be banned.” Melinda Formola and Jordan Todd defended the resolution. Their arguments centered on the role money plays in influencing Congressional politics and how to make politicians more accountable to their constituents. Kate Brooks and Alice Coombes-Huntley, the British team, countered Penn State and contended that private donations allow individuals to select candidates with whom they shared interests.

Following an initial round of speeches from both sides, the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions, moderated by Penn State debater, Louis Levin. A recurring theme during the audience discussion was comparing the United States political system to those around the globe and whether banning donations was the right solution. After another round of speeches from the debaters, the British team edged out Penn State in the audience vote. The event was co-sponsored by the Department of Communication Arts & Sciences at Penn State and the Committee on International Discussion and Debate, which organizes the British tour.