University of Wisconsin students of all political backgrounds came together last night in Sellery residence hall to eat cookies, sip lemonade and debate some of today’s most pertinent issues.

The Wisconsin Student Public Interest Research Group hosted the College Democrats, Republicans, Greens and Students for Nader for a casual debate aimed to provide students with an unfiltered glimpse into each party’s positions.

Nearly 50 students gathered while members from each political organization answered questions from both WISPIRG and the audience.

After a short discussion on state issues such as gay marriage, tuition and the No Child Left Behind Act, the debate focused on the headlining issue of Iraq.

Frank Harris, the former chair of the College Republicans, defended the war stating, “We didn’t go into Iraq to conquer but to liberate, we brought democracy to people who have never had it and are giving them the same liberties that we have [in America].”

While admitting the United Nations has a role to play in Iraq, Harris said, “We don’t need the U.N. to give us a slip to go to war.”

College Democrat Chair Liz Sanger cited U.N. support as the solution to the conflict.

“We need to form an international alliance with all of our traditional allies. We don’t just rush into something without consulting other nations,” Sanger said. “The [U.N.] is a wonderful organization and a great forum for all countries to come together and make decisions.”

She added John Kerry “trusts” the United Nations and hopes to rebuild international alliances.

Harris defended President Bush’s lack of international involvement, claiming that major allies such as Russia and France have isolated themselves from the conflict due to oil contracts they hold with Iraq.

“War sucks, but it’s a reality,” Harris added.

College Greens and Students for Nader disagreed with both parties’ war agendas. Representatives from both parties said that Green party candidate David Cobb and Independent Ralph Nader have plans to remove all troops from Iraq within the next six months.

After a short break for more cookies, the debaters touched on topics like gay marriage, education and health care.

While most students came with a predetermined party affiliation, some, like UW sophomore Michelle Jordan, came to get an idea of what this year’s election is all about.

“This election is my first time voting and I feel very uninformed. I came to get a better idea of what each party is about,” she said.

Jordan left the debate feeling optimistic and better informed.

“I think a structured debate is good to represent people’s opinions,” she said.

UW student Tim Van Doren said he would study each candidate more before the election.

“There are not enough facts, all I hear are plans,” he said. “It is motivating me to look into each candidate more.”