Monthly Archives: February 2008

Extemp Questions for the Week of February 27th-March 4th, 2008

Posted on February 27, 2008 by Corey Alderdice

1. Is Nader a spoiler? 2. How should the upcoming Iranian parliamentary elections be viewed? 3. Is the idea of a North American Union realistic? 4. What is the legacy of Fidel Castro? 5. How should Medicaid be reformed? 6. … Continue reading →

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Topic Brief: Castro Leaves

Posted on February 22, 2008 by Logan Scisco

Overview  Viva Revolution!  It is the end of an era in Cuba. Fidel Castro has stepped down as leader of the island.  Fidel Castro had ruled the island since he led a Socialist revolution to overthrow the dictator Fulgencio Batista … Continue reading →

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Extemp Questions for the Week of February 20th-26th, 2008

Posted on February 20, 2008 by Corey Alderdice

1. Should the U.S. have recognized Kosovo’s independence? 2. Is Myanmar’s plan for constitutional reform a farce? 3. If you were Obama’s campaign manager, how do you deliver a knockout blow to the Clinton campaign? 4. Has Ukraine become the … Continue reading →

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Topic Brief: Birth of Kosovo

Posted on February 19, 2008 by Logan Scisco

Overview Happy Independence Day!  This Briefing examines the birth of the world’s newest country – Kosovo.  On Monday, February 18, 2008, Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia.  Needless to say, Serbia isn’t happy that parts of its country are … Continue reading →

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Extemp Questions for the Week of February 13th-19th, 2008

Posted on February 13, 2008 by Corey Alderdice

1. Should Mike Huckabee withdraw from the GOP race? 2. Would it be wise for Hugo Chavez to cut off oil exports to the U.S.? 3. Who is winning the culture wars? 4. How can the Netherlands better integrate its … Continue reading →

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Topic Brief: 2008 Kenyan Elections

Posted on February 12, 2008 by Logan Scisco

Overview After a few weeks mired in the mess of American politics, it’s time to return international issues and the mess of politics that is Kenya – long one of the most stable African nations.  Six weeks ago Kenya held … Continue reading →

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Extemp Questions for the Week of February 6th-12th, 2008

Posted on February 6, 2008 by Corey Alderdice

1. Who was Super Tuesday’s biggest winner? 2. Who was Super Tuesday’s biggest loser? 3. Will Burlesconi be the next Italian prime minister? 4. Should the Internet be more heavily regulated? 5. Were the conclusions of the Israeli inquiry into … Continue reading →

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Topic Brief: Super Tuesday 2008

Posted on February 5, 2008 by Logan Scisco

Overview With 24 states having some variety of primary/convention/caucus, Super Tuesday had the potential to be the deciding day of the primaries. On the Republican side, John McCain used the day to gain a decisive lead. However, the Democratic debates … Continue reading →

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Topic Brief: China-United States

Posted on February 1, 2008 by Corey Alderdice

By Michael Garson Following the Cold War, extempers were cursed: they could not find a counterpart to American power. Surely the world will be much tougher to explain when it is unipolar! “Luckily”, China has happily fulfilled the role of … Continue reading →

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Topic Brief: China-Domestic

Posted on February 1, 2008 by Corey Alderdice

By Michael Garson At present, China is a fascinating country to study. The average extemper is hard-pressed to explain how an authoritarian, “communist” country is presiding over unprecedented economic growth. How a country that was left alone for decades has … Continue reading →

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