World's First Trans-Atlantic Debate, West Virginia University
Date:
1968/03
Description:
'The British and American Colonists have been at it again -- arguing and making history. West Virginia University Director of Debate William Barnett (center) and student debaters John Straub (left) and Lewis G. Brewer are shown above bidding farewell to their Bristol (England) University opponents at the conclusion of the world's first trans-Atlantic telephone debate. The hour-long experimental debate, an idea which originated with Barnett, was held Tuesday (March 12) afternoon and, although the contest wasn't judged, the issue stirred considerable enthusiasm and trans-Atlantic laughter. The idea for the debate may have been conceived by the West Virginians but the Bristol students get full credit for "Resolved: That Christopher Columbus and Ford Motor Company Should Have Stayed at Home."
