Welcome back to The Georgia Politics Podcast. In this bonus episode, we sit down with the Student Leadership North debaters after the stage lights dim to hear their reflections on how the debate went.

Fresh off their spirited exchange over whether Congress and President Gerald Ford were right to pardon Confederate General Robert E. Lee, the students sit down to reflect on the experience. How did they feel their arguments landed? Where did they struggle most? Did their perspective on the issue shift during the debate—or even after hearing their peers?

In a candid round of post-debate questions, the students open up about the difficulty of tackling a question steeped in history, values, and symbolism. They share what surprised them about researching the topic, the moments they wish they could take back, and what lessons they'll carry forward about public speaking, persuasion, and grappling with America's past.

Part 2 captures the behind-the-scenes learning curve of civic debate—revealing that just as important as making the case is reflecting on how we grow from it.

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