Greenwood Library Archives and Special Collections
Janet D. Greenwood Library 401 Redford Street Farmville, VA 23909 Business Number: 434-395-2433 ask@longwood.libanswers.com URL: https://libguides.longwood.edu/home/asc
Amanda Topping
Repository
Greenwood Library Archives and Special Collections
On October 4th, 2016, Longwood University hosted the only Vice Presidential Debate for the 2016 general election. The Candidates
for that year were Republican Mike Pence, running mate to Donald Trump, and Democrat Tim Kaine, running mate to Hillary Clinton.
Tim Kaine was also a senator for Virginia during his campaign with Clinton. Longwood was chosen to host the debate primarily
due to Farmville's role in the Civil Rights Movement as well as the Civil War. Both the Union and Confederate armies marched
through Farmville on their way to Appomattox Court House and the students who participated in the strike at Moton high school
became plaintiffs in the case of Brown versus Board of Education. Hundreds of students volunteered to assist with the VP
debate and they gained valuable experience working with news stations, the secret service, and many other organizations.
The Vice Presidential Debate was an incredible opportunity for Longwood University to play a role in American politics and
American history.