On Monday, Oct. 26, Sacred Heart University held a debate between the SHU College Democrats and the SHU College Republicans in the Shine Auditorium.
Dr. Gary Rose, Chair of the Government Department at Sacred Heart, moderated the event. Rose kept both parties on track while answering questions based on three debate topics, which included the Affordable Care Act, President Trump’s Tax Cuts, and Defunding Police and Law Enforcement.
During the first round of the debate, College Republican junior Ryan Silverstien argued why the Affordable Care Act should be appealed.
“Insurance plans are costly to poor people,” said Silverstein. “The Affordable Care Act is too complex to understand. Therefore, we should replace it with a better plan.”
Sacred Heart Democrats thought differently on the issue.
“When we take action to improve health care, we take action in helping millions of people. No one should receive a death sentence because of their socioeconomic status, race or gender,” said College Democrat senior Alexandra Myers.
Not only was the Affordable Care Act discussed, but also opinions on whether to repeal or retain Trump’s tax cuts.
Sacred Heart Republicans argued that it would be beneficial for the economy if Trump’s tax cuts remained.
College Republicans club president Matteo Menta believes tax cuts can be used effectively.
“This plan is to focus on opportunities. This plan calls for a 20% increase of benefits for small business owners,” said Menta. “Again, this plan is not focused on cash, it is focused on opportunities so they can build their own jobs and wealth.”
College Democrats club president Kolby Driscoll disagreed.
“Donald Trump was focusing on the rich that paid for his campaign. He is for his allies and not for the average Americans,” said Driscoll.
Along with the Affordable Care Act and Trump’s tax cut, the last round of the debate brought a significant upheaval of opinions as debaters discussed the defunding of police and law enforcement.
“There is no reasonable justification for the murder of black Americans from police officers,” said Driscoll.
Driscoll concluded her argument with a call to change.
“We must implement meaningful and effective change and move past the racism in this country once and for all,” said Driscoll.
The College Republicans made the argument not to defund the police, but rather to fund it even more than it is today.
“By funding more police and hiring more, you relieve the load. When you change the role of police and society, you change how they are directed. You need people to do the job necessary,” said Menta.
In the final analysis of the debate, Sacred Heart students voiced their opinions on their preferred candidate of the 2020 presidential election.
Many students thought Trump should be reelected.
“Would you rather have a candidate who has something to say than a candidate who just puts down the other, because that’s what Joe Biden does,” said Silverstein.
However, numerous students do want to see change.
“As president, Joe Biden is the candidate of compromise. We deserve change. All Americans deserve change,” said Myers.
College Republicans and College Democrats heightened reactions and anticipation for the upcoming 2020 presidential election.
“Go out and vote,” said Rose.
