NPR puts Fort Collins in the presidential debate spotlight

Colorado was already getting plenty of spotlight time from national political reporters even before presidential debate week at DU -- but there's even more attention now. Example: An extended piece on National Public Radio's Morning Edition focusing on Colorado's undecided voters -- and specifically on Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado...

By Michael Roberts

October 2, 2012

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Colorado was already getting plenty of spotlight time from national political reporters even before presidential debate week at DU -- but there's even more attention now. Example: An extended piece on National Public Radio's Morning Edition focusing on Colorado's undecided voters -- and specifically on Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado State University and CSU professor John Straayer, a past Westword profile subject.

In conversation with NPR's Laura Krantz, Straayer talks about areas of strength for the Romney and Obama campaigns, and speculates that turnout among the growing Latino population in the state could decide the entire election.

He also notes what he characterizes as an enthusiasm gap for Obama in 2012, likening the effect to movie-watching: The excitement the first time through tends to be greater than seeing the show a second time.

But while Straayer identifies himself as a Republican, he concludes with a criticism of the party for letting its no-new-taxes zeal undermine the country's infrastructure, as well as funding for institutions like CSU.

Listen to the entire segment here:

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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