CNN contributors debate politics and the future of the U.S.

Van Jones and Kayleigh McEnany of CNN discussed current politics to a large crowd Monday night as part of Southeast Missouri State University’s Speakers Series.

The night began with a “welcome” from university President Carlos Vargas, followed by an introduction of the speakers by Student Government Treasurer Brooke Reeves. The night's speakers, Van Jones, former Obama White House adviser, and Kayleigh McEnany, former Bush White House intern, took the stage thereafter, along with the moderator, Southeast Professor, Dr. Rick Althaus.

The first question presented asked for any advice or adjustments regarding the presidential and vice presidential debate formats currently being used. Both speakers agreed that “elections are about the voters,” and that any debate should focus on that and get to the real issues at hand.

The first question set the tone for the night, with much of the focus being placed on voter impact and the potential effect the election could have on voters. Throughout the night, both speakers made claims to promote their partisan agenda, but remained respectful and calm. Upon each claim, the other speaker was allowed a rebuttal. The evening was met by many off and on applause breaks from students and community members in the audience.

The discussion continued with McEnany highlighting that American voters are “tired of career politicians,” saying that “career politicians have failed us,” thus leading to the rise of the GOP candidate. She went on to say, “If I’m going to take a chance on someone ... I’m going to take a chance on someone with a proven track record of success.”

The presentation was concluded with a point by Van Jones, highlighting that the path to success for the American people takes a balance of “Liberty and Justice for All,” as mentioned in the Pledge of Allegiance. He said that while the Republican Party typically stands for liberty, and the Democratic Party typically stands for justice, it takes a balance of the two, in order to have success.

Jones went on to say, “The current back and forth, that’s America ... that’s democracy,” and when working together we can continue to create great leaders.

To here more from Van Jones and Kayleigh McEnany, tune in weekly to CNN. To find out more about Southeast’s Speakers Series visit www.semo.edu/campuslife/speakers.