Colorado State University and the Associated Students of CSU hosted A Conversation with No Labels with Holly Page, a leading advocate for centrist politics in the United States Sept. 10.
Page was joined on stage by Ava Wilkins, director of governmental affairs for ASCSU, and Hunter McAviney, president of the Residence Hall Association.
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Page is the co-founder and national spokesperson of No Labels, an organization dedicated to addressing the polarization in the current American political climate. No Labels wants to promote a new era of problem-solving strategies that form a coalition between Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike. Keeping this in mind, Page said No Labels’ true target audience is the common sense majority and those who don’t identify with a distinct political party.
“We don’t ask people to change their values or their principles and have everybody agree to some mushy middle,” Page said. “It’s the exact opposite. We believe groupthink is un-American. The entire country was founded by people who did not agree with each other except for the principle of liberty. They understood that to have liberty, they needed to accept their differences and find common ground.”
“College is supposed to be where you’re exposed to ideas that are different than maybe the ones that you hold. I think understanding that is part of the adventure. To come into contact with thoughts, ideas, people who are different from you — that is the magic of college.” – Holly Page, No Labels co-founder.
With the upcoming presidential election in mind, this conversation comes at a time when it feels difficult for college students to engage in healthy and effective political dialogue. By inviting speakers like Page, as part of its thematic Year of Democracy, CSU seeks to expose students to different perspectives and promote positive means of participation in politics. Likewise, Wilkins expressed the desire of ASCSU to ensure students are given opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations.
“Currently, a lot of students at CSU and across the country feel disillusioned with our current national politics and presidential candidates,” Wilkins said. “I hope through events like these, we can have purposeful conversations that help students engage in politics and truly make their voice heard.”
When asked by McAviney how college campuses have historically been an example of bipartisanship and civic engagement, Page emphasized the opportunity students are given being surrounded by people from so many distinct backgrounds.
“College is supposed to be where you’re exposed to ideas that are different than maybe the ones that you hold,” Page said. “I think understanding that is part of the adventure. To come into contact with thoughts, ideas, people who are different from you — that is the magic of college.”
Page said she believes the American people can come to a common ground on even the toughest issues.
“I don’t believe we are as divided as we’re being told that we are,” Page said. “I think that, especially when we get to know each other, (we) can see the commonality much more than the difference.”
When asked what advice she would give to a CSU student about how to take advantage of the circulation of ideas they are exposed to on a college campus, Page said the first step is making the decision to be a part of the conversation.
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“It’s first of all being aware that the opportunity exists and what is so amazing about it and what’s to be gained by talking to or hearing from people who don’t agree with you,” Page said. “If you’re aware of that, then you’re 90% of the way home.”
Those in attendance stayed for a presidential debate watch party between candidates Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump over issues like their relative economic plans, immigration and border security, abortion, international conflict, the peaceful transfer of power and more.
When asked about his thoughts after the debate in relation to the conversation with Holly Page and No Labels, ASCSU Vice President Braxton Dietz said his hope is for students to keep engaging with local and domestic politics and to not be afraid to take part in difficult conversations.
“In my conversations with folks after the debate, the frustration continues with two parties that not necessarily everyone aligns with,” Dietz said. “To students, I would encourage them to do their civic duty no matter what, even if they’re frustrated with the dichotomy, and I would encourage political discourse in a civil manner on campus.”
Reach Claire VanDeventer at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @CSUCollegian.
