New Hampshire: Sanders and Clinton Butt Heads

By Samantha Alsina on February 7, 2016

In case you’ve been too busy with midterms, I’ve managed to cut a some highlights to the recent New Hampshire Democratic debate, the first one on one candidate debate between the two democrats: Bernie Sanders and Hilary Clinton.  

O’Malley quickly resigned from the presidential campaign following the Iowa caucus. The close gridlock between Sanders and Clinton ended with Clinton winning by a mere 5%. The close race definitely can be said to have had contributed to the intensity of the debate tonight.

Here are some of the most divisive and notable issues of tonight’s debate:

Wall Street and Big Banks

This was a big hot topic that sparked debate between Sanders and Clinton.

Sanders first notes the deregulation of Wall Street is likely a result of monetary donations through the 1990’s and evidence of how political institutions are working for the 1%. He then explains how lobbying and private donations are “undermining American democracy” and not helping working families.

Clinton responds by emphasizing the importance of being politically responsible while noting that she herself has been the target of campaign ads. She then critiques Bernie Sander’s policy vote in 2000 on deregulating a Wall Street group which in turn, enflames Bernie Sanders to encourage the public to look up his track record in leading attempts towards de-regulation.

Later on in the debate, the topic resurfaces with the same intensity.

When questioned on why he was not using the public financing system already in place, Bernie responds to moderators by explaining how antiquated the system is and basically, insufficient. He supports public funding in elections and notes how his campaign is for the people by the people (citing his 3 ½ million individual contributions as evidence of success).

Then, the moderators ask: Is Hilary Clinton too close to Wall Street? She dismisses the question again, exclaiming that she has persistently stood firm against those opposing her and then vows to not let Wall Street lead the county back into economic ruin.

Healthcare

Although both candidates both are in a sense, “pro healthcare”, they both differ on how to make healthcare accessible. While Sanders makes the somewhat radical argument for universal healthcare, Clinton criticizes Sanders’ ideas and policies as being unachievable.

Clinton wants to take Obamacare and make it “work.” She claims that the best way to move forward is to continue building policy on top of the already existing Obamacare.

Sanders rebuttals saying that he does not accept the belief that America can’t provide universal healthcare, using other countries policies as evidence.

College Debt

Where do the candidates stand on this? Well it is Bernie who is consistently arguing for a free college tuition stressing the necessity for having an educated workforce.

Clinton, at one point, speculates how it would be too costly and too demanding to make Sander’s idea a reality. She then goes on to say that she supports making college accessible especially for the diminishing middle class.

In Bernie’s closing statements, he expressed again the need to address healthcare and college tuition.

Foreign Policy

Another divisive issue was of foreign policy. Clinton’s experience, as Secretary of State, does put her at an advantage.  She did well on the topic of foreign policy.

When moderators asked Sanders of his approach to foreign policy, Sanders replies that that U.S can’t be the “policeman of the world” and then stresses for more coalition building between countries.

In regard to Clinton’s extensive experience, Sanders argues that foreign policy is also a question of judgement.

It seemed interesting to see how they expressed issues of diplomacy. Sanders supported a goal of talking to opposing countries to reach an eventual agreement, making an analogy to the peace of intentions between the U.S and Cuba.

Clinton stressed that a key to diplomacy was to compromise.

Both candidates butted heads tonight on issues of priority. Sander emphasized Korea’s nuclear threat to the US. Clinton also noted on Russia’s and Iran’s foreign aggression abroad.

Trade & the Environment

Both candidates expressed outrage when asked about the water contamination in Flint, Michigan where long term health consequences have still gone unchecked. Clinton agreed she would use federal intervention if ever a similar situation would reoccur. She argues that the states need to be held accountable.

Sanders similarly told of his demanding of the resignation of those responsible and also criticized the lack of urgent response to the Flint community.

On the conversation of trade, Bernie opposed the current trade agreements emphasizing that the current trade agreements benefit the corporate world and not of the working class. He stressed his support for fair trade. He noted his past opposition to NAFTA trade agreement as evidence of his sound judgement.

Clinton stressed the need of government to be proactive and expressed the need to work on issues like establishing clean energy, improving the Affordable Care Act, and initiating comprehensive immigration reform.

In Clinton’s closing statements, she gave thanks to the people of New Hampshire and advised the voting public to vote with both your heart and mind. She then addressed issues of inequality and discrimination that minorities experience.

So, readers, who do you think won tonight’s debate?

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