Obama and McCain Supporters Gather in the City of Compton for a Real Debate at The Main Event ’08

Compton, CA, USA (SANEPR.com) October 29, 2008 -- No one can deny how exhilarating a time this is for American politics. With this November’s election set to yield either the first African-American President or the first female Vice President, voters are expected to hit the polls in record numbers. And, young adult voters (18 to 29 years old) are already making history as their overall percentages at the polls have increased in nearly every Republican and Democratic primary and caucus in 2008, according to the Rock the Vote organization. It is anticipated that over 20 million young voters nation-wide will participate in the 2008 Presidential election and one group of young adults has partnered with the community to ensure everyone has an opportunity to make an informed decision.

The EDGE, an internet-based talk show, has worked with the City of Compton to bring The Main Event ’08 to the Compton City Council Chambers on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 3pm. The Main Event will feature a lively roster of multi-generational and multi-ethnic supporters of both the McCain/Palin and the Obama/Biden tickets, who are gathering to discuss their candidates’ plans to tackle the nation’s economic woes and other issues of importance. “This is a rare and important opportunity for the community to participate face-to-face in a debate on a topic of such national magnitude. This event provides an excellent forum for voters to hear from both sides of the aisle—Democrat and Republican—and to obtain a balanced view of the issues in this historical presidential campaign. I’m grateful and proud of Andwele “AD” Williams, and the EDGE radio show for choosing Compton as the site of this very important event,” said Yvonne Arceneaux, Third District Councilperson for the City of Compton.

The Main Event ’08 will be moderated by the co-hosts of The EDGE, AD Williams, Corion Lucas and Nicole Smith. The EDGE began in 2006 as an internet-based radio talk show on a Christian station and focuses on tackling the “EDGE-y” issues young adults face, but the church considers taboo. When asked what inspired this event, Nicole began to reflect, “I am motivated in this election in ways that I have never experience before. I am talking to my cousins and friends about the candidates and keeping up with the daily election coverage. And, I know it’s not just me because the young people are in the streets with Obama t-shirts and stickers and getting text messages from the Obama campaign. When has that ever happened?” The EDGE wants The Main Event ’08 to arm young adults, and the community at large, with the details they need so that, according to Nicole, “no one goes to the polls ignorant.”

The panelist roster is set to include representatives from the local republican and democratic clubs and from the media, religious and business community. One panel member is Niele Anderson, the Religion Editor at The Sentinel. The newspaper proclaimed support for Obama early in the campaign and has been very active in voter education efforts. In fact, The Sentinel is currently encouraging early voting by offering shuttle service from their office in Los Angeles to the County Registrar’s office in Norwalk. “I am excited to be a part of The Main Event. I enjoy connecting with the young people and I am looking forward to representing as a full-fledged Obama supporter!”, exclaims Ms. Anderson.

On the other side of the aisle, Main Event ’08 attendees may be surprised to find out that EDGE co-host, AD, who was born and raised in Compton, is a McCain supporter. And, in his majority Democratic hometown his stance has truly put him on “the edge”. “Yes, I am pro-McCain and I know we are very rare in Compton. I basically take heat for it daily. But, my principals and beliefs line up more with McCain than Obama, so McCain gets my vote.” AD explains. He continues, “Many folks are excited about Obama because he is Black. But, I am just not getting any substance from his supporters.” That statement alone is enough to spark a rousing discussion and The EDGE is prepared not only to rouse, but also to “EDGE-u-cate” the community.

The Main Event ‘08 will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 3pm at the Compton City Council Chambers located at 205 South Willowbrook Avenue in the City of Compton. The event is free to the public. For more information please visit The EDGE on-line at www.myspace.com/TheRadioEdge or call 323-574-4990.

The EDGE began as an internet-based radio show in 2006. The show’s purpose is to take you to The EDGE where you are required to think deeper, challenge your beliefs and get Out of Your Comfort Zone!!! The EDGE is hosted by AD, Corion and Nicole, three Christian young adults committed to bringing real-life perspectives to the EDGE-y topics that many Christian are too afraid to talk about. When their differing backgrounds, experiences and unbridled tongues interact the results are sometimes explosive, usually EDGE-u-cational, often comical, and ALWAYS entertaining. Previous show topics have included everything from the taboo (Homosexuality & the Church, Freaky Thoughts: Exploring Porn Addiction) to the doctrinal (Are U Saved?, Women in the Pulpit ) to the lighter subjects (The EDGE-y Guide to Dating, Children of the 80s). Along with the EDGE-y discussion, the show features the best in Gospel Hip-Hop and Contemporary Gospel music. Find out more about The EDGE at www.myspace.com/TheRadioEdge.