Too often today elections become little more than glorified popularity contests, when they should be focused on the only truly important things: the issues and where a candidate stands on them.

A speech allows an audience to get far more information about where a candidate stands than a 30-second commercial or time-limited debate response. Today’s event will allow Obama to touch on real material and expand into exactly what his plans are beyond simple talking points — although they will be present — and a quick plug for a Web site. Before the age of TV and radio, campaign stops like this one formed the heart of an election. In many ways, the nation has lost something as we’ve moved more toward the quick sound bite perfect for the 6 o’clock news.

Hopefully Obama will take this opportunity to fully clarify to students what he plans on doing in regards to higher education. As MSU students watch tuition rates rise year after year, it would be beneficial to know what the government may do in the future to ease the burden.

Students can also expect to hear Obama’s thoughts on the current financial crisis. We hope that he can explain what he’ll do to ensure that the flow of student loan funds continues to be available to those who need them.

Those who oppose Obama may scoff at the idea that there is value in attending. They fail to understand there’s something to gain even for the most ardent Obama critic.

Too often both supporters and opponents of a politician are unable to give a fully coherent defense of their position without relying on cheap attacks and sound bites. Opportunities such as these allow each side to craft a better answer to that question, as well as a chance for the uniformed to rethink their decisions and either abandon Obama or take up his cause.

This editorial board is well aware that we are traditionally viewed as having a liberal bias. Let us make it clear that we’re not advocating for all students to go simply because it’s Obama who is coming. If and when John McCain were to come to campus to talk to students, we’d be making the same plea. In fact, we hope McCain comes to campus and allows MSU students the opportunity to judge the two candidates in person on their own.

This is an important time in our nation’s history. Our economy is seemingly crumbling around us even as we engage in combat on multiple fronts. Even if the crises we’re currently facing fail to convince you that we’re at a turning point, keep in mind the lesson of the past eight years — that anything can and will happen.

It’s crucial we have a leader who can step up to the challenge, and it’s up to the voters to decide who best fits that description. When a person is given the opportunity to circumvent the traditional news filter of the candidates and get the facts directly, it’s one that they cannot easily turn down.

We urge all students to seize history and take part in today’s event. It just may be a day that you’ll tell your grandchildren about.