While young voters across the country lined up to elect the next president, only a few showed up for “Think Tank” radio show with host Garland Robinette. Those who did attend were able to have their voices heard over-the-air on the Oct. 30 broadcast held in the St. Charles Room.

Along with students sharing their opinions of the presidential candidates, Robinette also had three guests on his talk show: William Barnett and Daniel J. D’Amico, professors in the School of Business, and Robert Thomas, interim director of the School of Mass Communication.

“This younger generation is much more schooled in today’s issues. They’re asking questions my generation wouldn’t think to ask and are very mature. Their votes are the most important in this presidential election,” Robinette said.

Several students were first time voters and discussed several issues during the broadcast. Barnett and Robinette compared and contrasted the Great Depression to the current economic crisis Americans are facing today. Both expressed the difficulty the elected president would face in resolving this issue.

When Robinette asked what issues students had concerns with, the most popular was how the candidates plan to help students pay student loans once graduating college. Students also said how they are ready for a change in government and to listen to their voices.

During Hurricane Katrina Robinette became the “voice” of New Orleanians by interviewing Mayor Ray Nagin, asking how New Orleans would receive help during the crisis.

Robinette hosts the “Think Tank” every weekday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 105.3 WWL-FM and worldwide at WWL.com.

During his 20-year career, Robinette was an environmental reporter and television anchor on WWL, as the Archdiocese choosing him to paint the official portrait of Pope John Paul II during his visit to New Orleans in 1987.

Jess Burrola can be reached at [email protected].