College Democrats vs. College Republicans

With the mid-term elections rapidly approaching, two political organizations on campus, the College Democrats and the College Republicans, staged a debate on Wednesday in E104 to discuss the prominent issues.

The debate began intensely with both parties throwing statements of animosity towards the other. College Democrats stated that the leadership of the Republican Party is “ridiculous and un-American,” and the only way we can keep our country safe is by “returning it to its former glory.” College Republicans struck back by mocking the Democrats, “Democrats think if we close our eyes and just believe, we can have it happen. The Democrats want to run away [from the issue of war].”

Amongst questions debated, most were on the war on terror, occupancy in Iraq, and weapons of mass destruction. Republicans argued that, “This is not a war of choice anymore.” They added, “More troops are needed in Iraq, and Iraqi militias need to be disarmed.” College Democrats gave specific solutions to improve the situation in the Middle East, “We need to tactfully improve the training of Iraqi police. Rolling in regular police and taking out regular soldiers will make sure that Iraq is ready,” ultimately removing the U.S. from the war.

Regarding North Korea, the parties were asked if they supported the administration’s approach. “North Korea can not be trusted,” stated College Republicans. The Republican’s argument was brief, and is summed up in one statement, “We are doing the best we can.” On the other hand, College Democrats criticized the lack of follow-through from the Bush administration, “We can’t just block off communication [with Asia]; we need diplomatic ties with Russia and China.”

As the debate continued, gears switched to America’s dependency on fossil fuels. Focusing on the federal government’s role in reducing the dependency, the two parties came to the only agreement of the evening. “Price gouging is going on and needs to be stopped,” remarked the Democrats. Both agreed that tax incentives to reward citizens who used alternative resources is a plan for the future, as well as funding research to find more efficient fuels.

Along with fossil fuels and environmental sciences, the parties were questioned on if there should be expansion on stem cell research. Republicans pointed out the issue of ethics on stem cells, but gave the main reason of “the federal government should stay small, and there should be no funding of stem cells.”

Disagreeing, Democrats pointed out the popularity for stem cell research in that “Sixty-eight of the senate voting in favor.” Democrats strongly indicated that, “We need to embrace scientific technology and intellectual thought.”

When the debate questions were opened to the audience, both parties were somewhat repetitious in giving answers. However, as the Republicans addressed most questioning from the audience, they seemed to struggle. One student addressed the issue of funding the sciences, “College Republicans mentioned that there does need to be funding for the research of more effective fuels. At the same time, Republicans said that the main reason behind not funding stem cells was that federal government should stay small. When should science be funded and when shouldn’t it?” The College Republicans hesitate to respond but finally gave a vague answer of “stem cell research takes a long time, while gas prices are immediate.”

Another audience member asked both parties, “What is your [stance] on the position of America as a world police force?” Republicans responded boastfully about the bully pulpit off America, “The U.S. has no problem sending 200,000 overseas while China, [who is the most powerful in regards to potential military force], gets excited when it sends 800 peacekeepers to Africa.” Conversely, Democrats said that “We shouldn’t be a world police force. We draw the line in protecting humanitarian interests versus striving for the personal.”

Again addressing the Republicans, a student commented, “Gay Republicans are running for office,” and asked the position of gay rights within the Republican Party. “We do not discriminate,” responded College Republicans, who recognized the fact of many conservative gays running for seats in the house. College Democrats acknowledged that their party “Gives no special treatment for different groups. It is ridiculous to criminalize homosexuality.” This brought uproar of laughter in the audience.

After audience questions, the debate closed with each side heralding votes for their party. “We have had success in dealing with the economy. Democrats have failed in the past and will fail in the future,” Republicans declared. “Economy hasn’t helped anyone but organizations. Heath care has gone up while wages have gone down. The out of control economy reflects out of control congressmen. Even if changes seem small, someone needs to do them,” concluded Democrats.

The debate covered a range of issues that voters are most concerned about, but even if none were swayed, all were at least entertained.