The Debate

EYE ON STAMERICA: PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE 2008 CANDIDATES AGREE ON WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ/DIVIDE OVER REV. BILLOW COMMENTS AND UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE (By Ms. Grazette)
Presidential candidates Rusher, Campbell and Eagles went at each other in a taped debate in the American Government class yesterday. Topics covered the map from the Iraq War to attitudes on moral issues and universal health care. The candidates really showed that they are quite different on how to execute government involvement, even in areas where one might assume similar policy outlooks. Candidates want out of Iraq but are deeply divided on universal healthcare and comments on public schools made by the outspoken Rusher supporter, Rev. Will Billow. (Francis Thumpasery stood in as Rusher; Gunnar Sidak as Campbell and Graham Thompson as Eagles)

Moderators Kacey Read and Amy Collier began the debate by asking each candidate how they would manage Iraq. All candidates indicated they would want to pull out of Iraq, with Campbell making clear that his philosophy is to, "Make America great again. It will take years, even decades." Campbell advocated more of a human rights philosophy as the key strategic guide for where America should allow human rights intervention. He argued that Americans should, "Pull out of Iraq and mind our own business. Intervene only when critical." He gave the case of Darfur as an example to show that he was " big on human rights intervention," but stated unequivocally that he "saw Iraq as a mistake." The other candidates all agreed on Iraq. Rusher felt that "America has moved away from being part of the global community," and that its pursuit of "unilateral" efforts is dangerous. She advocated more "consensus" and the need to "return to the UN to work more with other countries."

The candidates were asked whether they thought America's moral values were deteriorating, and specifically, what role should a president play in establishing moral values. Rusher stated that she was "pro-choice and pro gay-rights," though she quibbled with the moderator on what was meant by a "moral issue." Rusher made clear she did not like the question and felt a more helpful question would "separate civic issues from morality." When asked directly by Read if she felt the president should use his office to improve moral values or highlight what he or she thinks are flawed moral values, Rusher answered "No," arguing further that she believes in the "separation of church and state."

Eagles responded to the question by making clear that he viewed religion as "very personal. It is different for every person." While he described himself as someone who "believes in God and Christ," he made clear that it was, "Not government's job to impose it on other people. People should be allowed to express their belief in whatever manner they want."

Campbell also argued that he was "Very pro separation of church and state History shows the blending of the two is not successful and can lead to disaster." Campbell took pains to show that he was "not anti-religion," but that in America "the fear of imposition is why we separate the two. It is perfectly fine for Eagles to hold beliefs...he has those first amendment rights...but ask him to refrain from imposing that upon America."

Rusher joined Campbell in saying that she felt religion was being overemphasized in the campaign. Rusher agreed that it had been, "seen in history...when religion takes a prominent role other people's rights are repressed...for example, women's right to choose; also the rights of homosexuals. We need to keep this in mind."

No discussion would have been complete on issues of religion and morality this week without the entrance of the controversial Rev. Billow comments. STAMERICA debate watchers were all aware that Billow had endorsed Rusher earlier this week with comments that drew a strong reaction from supporters of public schools. The Reverend Will Billow, who serves as a pastor at St. Albans, remarked in a sermon recently that he is inclined to support Sherry Rusher in her campaign for the presidency due to her "stance on public support for parochial schools." Willow went on to say that,"Rusher understands that some public funds for parochial school efforts is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I have never understood the objections. After all, parochial school supporters have never objected to their tax dollars supporting public schools even though they do not advocate religion...public schools and their participants are in effect, Godless." An uproar erupted over Willow's characterization of public schools as "Godless" with online cries for Rusher to denounce Willow's support. Public school champions argued that Willow's comments could reduce funding for public schools.

Moderator Amy Collier asked Rusher to directly address the Rev. Billow comment. Rusher tried to distance herself from Billow without renouncing his support, saying that "while we do appreciate the support of Rev. Billow---he is a long supporter and has always been helpful---we do not support his view in its entirety. Billow represented one side of his beliefs; he is very compassionate...he believes in a strong social justice system, and we feel that is very important." Rusher emphasized that there were some things Billow supported that clearly she shared: "We plan to [introduce] universal health care. Those are values we share with Billow. Those are the values we hope to emphasize and would work toward as president."

The matter seemed to have been put to rest and the debate proceeded calmly until the moderators discussed universal health care. Campbell felt that "in an ideal world, government would supply [healthcare]. I think America is idealism backed by action." But Campbell said he was,"not sure that government can provide quality. There is a difference in access versus quality." Campbell felt Canada had been successful at this, but provided health care on "a much smaller scale. We have 350 million Americans, much bigger. I like the idea in theory, but can we succeed like Canada and Sweden?" Rusher supports universal health care and believes there are many more successes than Campbell acknowledges. She argued that America is the only major country without some form of universal health care. Eagles disagreed and argued against universal health care, saying that "government has failed at providing health care." He also took sharp issue with Rusher's call in the debate to lower drug costs, arguing that a free market would better set drug prices. Heated exchanges around the health care issue lead to a sharp attack on Rusher and Eagles from Campbell: "So let me get this straight. Ted Eagles is okay with leaving countless Americans behind to die and suffer and Sherry Rusher is comfortable with flip flopping on whether she supports her pastor or not."

The moderators closed the debate by allowing each candidate to offer closing comments on why they should be elected, as well as what they thought of their opposing candidates. Campbell lead by saying that, "We have a terrible pool of candidates. Here I am not trying to be selfish, but I can only see myself as the savior because I am focused on the issues. I would be terrified if they [meaning Eagles or Rusher] were president. Eagles is a hard core capitalist who is okay with leaving behind others for his own success. He is okay with having poor people since he does not even want to give them health care. Rusher is okay with her pastor saying public schools are Godless." Campbell went on to "call them out," demanding that Rusher make clear whether she "agrees or disagrees" with Billow and if she disagrees with his endorsement, will she "cut him off from her campaign."

Eagles made clear he felt "insulted by Campbell's hideous remarks," and went on to state that he has "argued more for the poor than both candidates combined." He stated that his "tax records show he supports the poor." He felt that the other candidates, "want to take your money to government to give to the poor...I say let the private person do it." Eagles accused Rusher and Campbell of being, "all talk and no show. I care very much and would help the poor with health care." In fact, Eagles had stated several times during the debate he supported reduced drug costs for the poor. Eagles was however, skeptical of Rusher's claim on experience, adding that "heading a Language Department at a small school or being a dean at it," was not enough to qualify her for the presidency. He emphasized his real world work and board memberships. He was proud of drawing organizational support that he felt reflected his long history "at STA and hard work" for those groups. Eagles also argued for his close relationships to students at St. Albans.

Rusher reiterated her support for Billow and accused Campbell of ignoring Willow's work on important outreach issues. In the final analysis, Rusher advocated supporting her candidacy for her "experience" and "broad grass roots support." She was proud of not having any PAC money. She felt her huge Facebook support and individual giving meant she was more a candidate of the people and emphasized her Oklahoma roots.

Campbell advocated his compassion and desire to reach young people. He says he cares "much about the world," and is devoted to leaving it better for "young people." He gave that as his primary reason for entering the race.

The debate in full is posted to the American Government class Blackboard site, the desktops of the Computer lab and online at STA Election Game at Google Groups.