On Thursday, Nov. 29, a panel comprised of six representatives of presidential hopefuls gathered to discuss the issue of diversity in politics. Matt Blocker, the Coordinator of Residential Life Diversity Programs and Belknap Hall Director, organized the event with Plymouth State’s Diversity fellows.
Moderated by Student Body President Trevor Chandler, the discussion focused on contemporary economic, social and security issues. The moderator allotted each representative five to seven minutes to present the platform of her or his presidential candidate regarding diversity. Kate Fendler, who represented Democratic candidate Barrack Obama was first to speak.
“Senator Obama’s background makes him able to uniquely put himself in other people’s shoes,” Fendler said. She explained that Senator Obama’s father is African American and his mother is a white Protestant from the Midwest before discussing the challenges he met in his past. In closing, Fendler said, “Senator Obama tries to raise up the minority population.”
Stefanie Webb, who represented Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani, focused on Giuliani’s accomplishments as the Mayor of New York City, “Rudy Giuliani restored fiscal discipline to New York,” Webb said, “He cut taxes 23 times and managed to create a surplus while balancing the city’s budget. Giuliani reduced murders by two-thirds and turned New York into the safest large city in America.”
Christian Garland, who represented Democratic candidate Senator Hillary Clinton, highlighted Clinton’s history. “[Hillary Clinton] is the only female on Wal-Mart’s board of directors. She was the first working first lady. After graduating from Yale Law, Hillary chose to work for the children’s defense fund in Cambridge, Massachusetts,” Garland said, “Hillary was one of two women on the committee to impeach Richard Nixon.” Garland added, “I know she can get it done. She has co-sponsored a number of bills with republicans. Hillary is fighting for universal healthcare. She is fighting for a restored middle class.” In his closing, Garland delivered the stalwart statement, “[Hillary Clinton] has the guts to go up against the republican attack machine.”
Ben Biery, who represented Republican candidate Senator John McCain, discussed torture, healthcare and national security. Biery said, “Senator McCain opposes water boarding. He knows what torture is like.” Biery added, “McCain will build a nation where insurance is more affordable and effective. [McCain] supports building an economic system where citizens can afford their own healthcare.” Regarding national security, Biery said, “Radical Islamic extremists are a threat to America. We need to secure our borders and everything else will flow from there.”
Anthony Gonzalez, who represented Democratic candidate Congressman Dennis Kucinich, began his statement, “This isn’t a matter of credentials.” Gonzalez then discussed Kucinich’s history, “[Dennis Kucinich] grew up in extreme poverty and was homeless at some points. He had lived in 21 places by the age of 17. Dennis certainly knows a lot about diversity.” Gonzalez said, “[Kucinich] has been discriminated against for his socio-economic status. He had to work his way through college.” Gonzalez discussed that Kucinich is in favor of ending multiple trade agreements. Kucinich feels that withdrawing the U.S. from the World Trade Organization (WTO) would jumpstart growth in the job market. Gonzalez also said that Kucinich stands up for civil rights, “Wal-Mart, the largest corporation in the world, is the largest violator of human rights in the world,” Gonzalez said.
Dustin Siggins, representing Republican candidate Tom Tancredo, discussed his candidate’s highest priority: illegal immigration, “The most important issue is illegal immigration. [Tom Tancredo] will secure borders and eliminate job opportunities for illegal immigrants. The state of California lost $800 million dollars and 84 hospitals closed as a result of illegal immigration,” Siggins said. He discussed his candidate’s view on the topic of gay marriage, “The constitution provides protection of traditional marriage. The government should define marriage as between a man and a woman.” Regarding affirmative action, Siggins said, “When you make diversity the goal of your culture, it fails. Affirmative action is racist. [Affirmative Action] brings race to mind all the time.”
After opening statements, candidates debated topics elected by the audience. Much of the discussion focused on same-sex marriage and civil unions. Discussion was heated at times and moderation was proved necessary on multiple occasions. Over the course of the discussions and debates, one could see how diversity issues in politics are important to many and personal to all. For more information on the Diversity Fellows, visit: Plymouth.edu/reslife/reslife-staff/diversity-fellow.html.