2008 Woodie Awards
Presidential candidates debate at Belmont
Marsel Gray
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: Online Headlines
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Belmont
Belmont University was selected for the second debate. At the event, the campus was littered with protestors, supporters, journalists and police. Despite limited access to the debate site and gloomy, wet weather, many people huddled around the campus to feel the excitement.
The debate attracted people from all walks of life including teachers, firefighters, steel workers and veterans. While cheering and chanting, each person attended in support of his or her respective candidate. Nevin Trammel, a Nashville resident, supports the Obama campaign. "[I like Obama's] stamp on issues and his electricity. You need have that spark [to be president]," Trammel said.
Lucus Leverett, coordinator of the Obama campaign for Nashville, was pleased with the turnout. "I've been shocked at how easy it was to find support. The middle [class] is definitely here. This is one of the largest crowds," Leverett said.
While "Obama fever" was heavily felt in the crowd, many gathered to show support for the McCain campaign. Michael Sawyer, a Knoxville resident, originally supported Hillary Clinton but began supporting McCain after being attacked by Obama supporters.
Others in the crowd supported neither candidate. "[McCain and Obama] are the same. They represent the same issues," said Nashville resident Mike LaBo.
The debate
The debate was structured in a town hall format, and Tom Brokaw, former NBC Nightly News anchor, moderated the debate. Both candidates answered the questions asked by the audience and some submitted from the Internet.
With the recent events of a possible stock market crash, the economy was the most heavily weighed issued during the debate. "[This is the] worst financial crisis," Obama said. He further discussed the need to reform the economy and make it "work properly." Obama mentioned tax cuts for the middle class and proposed help for state and local governments. "We are mortgaging our children's future," Obama said. Obama then explained his proposed budget cuts, and he addressed how the budget would be spent.
McCain weighed in on the economic issue, too, saying: "[This fear] goes into the heart of American worries." McCain addressed the need to keep taxes low and stop the government-spending spree. "[This] problem has become so severe." In addition, McCain plans to order the secretary of treasury to buy up foreclosed homes. "Until we stabilize homes values we won't fix our economy," said McCain.
Transitioning the debate, Brokaw asked how each candidate would prioritize issues of energy, health care and entitlement programs like retirement packages and benefits. Obama stated that energy was his number one. While Obama has been known to promote green energy, in this debate he said, "[We need to] explore new ways to get more oil." Health care is Obama's second priority, and education is his third. McCain claimed he would work on all three issues at the same time, but health care is his greatest concern. "[I want] affordable health care to every American citizen," McCain said.
The last major concern was America's standing on foreign affairs. Sept. 11th, Iraq, Afghanistan and other issues were discussed. "I don't understand how we invaded as country that had nothing to do with 9/11," said Obama. He further discussed the strain on troops and strain on the nation budget. McCain gave a history briefing claiming that history shows nations with the strong military have to have a strong economy. He also stated, "America is the greatest force of good in the world." Being a veteran, McCain spoke of military forces as being his first priority: "Times are tough, my country is first."
Excitement will continue to mount as Election Day steadily approaches. With both Obama and McCain neck and neck in the polls, this election is nowhere near over.
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