CDs, CRs Host Dean & Gingrich Debate

GW’s College Democrats and Republicans jointly hosted a debate between two prominent partisans last night, former Republican Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, and Democratic Chairman and Vermont Governor, Howard Dean, in front of a sold out Lisner Auditorium.

The event, moderated by Professor Derek Malone-France, covered a range of topics currently circulating through the media. Unlike many politicos, however, both debaters were civil and respectful.

“Newt and I like each other,” Dean pointed out before the debate, adding, “this is a transition point for the country.” Gingrich responded politely, praising President Obama’s campaign as “brilliant,” describing the candidate as “remarkable,” before stating the country, however, needs a “fundamental change.”

Sparring over the health care reform package, Dean explained that though he has reservations and complaints, such as a lack of cost controls, the bill still allows for individual choices.

Gingrich objected, stating that the growth in the federal bureaucracy, in addition to the currently bloated private bureaucracy, will interrupt health care and hurt individuals.

Both struck similar notes on the economy, calling for job growth and deficit reductions. Dean explained that the newly elected Tea Party members to congress “aren’t deficit hawks; they’re spending hawks,” and they need to focus on more than just spending. Gingrich explained that he’d be willing to cut defense funding, where possible, stating, “I’m a hawk, but a cheap hawk,” but “you want to be smart, not cheap.”

Addressing national security, Gingrich told the audience “we’re slowly losing the war” against radical Islamists and that the current struggle would be “at least as long as the cold war.” Dean objected to his opponent’s phrasing, stating, “radical anything is what’s bad. Radicals polarize people to get this reaction… Intolerance breeds intolerance and we can’t fight intolerance with intolerance.”

We need “the guts to tell the truth,” Gingrich responded. “Madrassas are the centers of teaching hatred on the planet,” referring to Muslim schools, adding that he does have respect for “Muslims who want to be loyal American citizens.”

Both debaters agreed on the basic plan for comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to legality, deportation of felons and gang members, border control, and learning English. Dean did criticize Republicans for their failure to support the DREAM Act, a bill designed to grant citizenship to those who came here as children.

The bill was “hypocritical by Sen. Reid,” Gingrich responded, stating that it was designed to fail and stir up race problems. His main objection is granting citizenship to those who came here illegally, instead of residency, stating, “people shouldn’t jump the line by breaking the rules.”

Describing both candidates as “two successful activists,” Josh Altman, President of the College Democrats, described the event as “tremendous” and “extra ordinarily valuable for the student body.”

Praising the “intellectual sense” of the debate, Jake Wolf, Chairman of the College Republicans, explained that both debaters found a lot in common and can help both parties lead to “changes with our own party.”