MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 6)
Intro – Democrats tangled over who can bring the most change to America in their debate in Manchester on Saturday night. WATD News reporter Beth Croughan tells us how the debate went at Saint Anselm College.
Last night the Democratic presidential candidates made their cases as to why each was more qualified for the job.
The candidates briefly touched on the issues, but the ABC, Facebook and WMUR sponsored debate was strongly centered around the concept of change versus experience.
Senator Hillary Clinton said the people need to look at the changes she’s already made.
[“I’m not just running on a promise of change. I’m running on 35 years of change. I’m running on having taken on the drug companies and the health insurance companies, taking on the oil companies.” Senator Hillary Clinton, Courtesy of ABC, Facebook and WMUR]
At the ABC, Facebook, WMUR debate — John Edwards said he will make a difference because he’s invested in the issues.
[“This fight is deeply personal to me. I’ve been engaged in it my whole life – to fight for the middle class, to fight against powerful special interests. And it is a fight I will wage on behalf of the American people as president of the United States.” Former Senator John Edwards, Courtesy of ABC, Facebook and WMUR]
At the ABC, Facebook, WMUR debate, Governor Bill Richardson said the country needs a leader who’s been tested.
[“Look, what we need is change. There’s no question. But, you know, whatever happened to experience? Is experience kind of a leper? What is wrong with having been, like myself, 14 years in the Congress, two Cabinet positions?” Governor Bill Richardson, Courtesy of ABC, Facebook, WMUR]
Senator Barack Obama had successfully sold himself as the change agent to voters in Iowa. Now in the New Hampshire debate sponsored by ABC, Facebook and WMUR — he reminded voters of the power of words.
[“And, you know, so, the truth is, actually, words do inspire. Words do help people get involved. Words do help members of Congress get into power so that they can be part of a coalition to deliver health-care reform, to deliver a bold energy policy. Don’t discount that power.” Senator Barack Obama, Courtesy of ABC, Facebook, WMUR]
In less than forty-eight hours the people of New Hampshire will decide whom they believe is the candidate for change. For WATD News, this is Beth Croughan, Election 2008, Manchester, New Hampshire.
(Beth Croughan, a broadcast journalism and political science junior, is covering the New Hampshire primary for WATD Radio in Marshfield, Mass.)
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