Democratic Presidential Debate: Gun Control and Higher Education Top Issues

Strategic Insights -

Supporters of the five Democratic presidential candidates gathered at a watch party in Scholz Garten, where they cheered and booed as the candidates sparred over issues like gun control and higher education affordability. The debate comes two weeks after the fatal shootings of nine students at an Oregon community college, which has brought gun control back into the national spotlight. Candidates criticized Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for his votes against gun control bills, while Sanders argued that his votes reflected the rural state voters he represents.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hillary Clinton criticized Bernie Sanders for his votes against gun control bills, stating that he is not tough enough on guns and that the country needs to stand up against the NRA.
  • Clinton said that 90 people die per day from gun violence, and that this issue has gone on for too long.
  • Sanders explained that his votes reflected the rural state voters he represents, and that he needs to balance his desire for gun control with the views of his constituents.
  • Clinton suggested that students should work part-time to help alleviate costs and make college more affordable.
  • Sanders proposed taxing Wall Street to lower interest rates and make college tuition-free.
  • A recent FOX News poll shows a tight race between Clinton and Sanders, with Clinton receiving 45% support to Sanders' 25% among Democrats nationally.
  • University Democrats President Kiefer Odell said that gun control is an issue that Clinton could use to garner support from the left, and that it could make the difference in some UT students' support.
  • Jessica Giles, a communication sciences and disorders studies freshman, said that she thought Sanders received a lot of heat from the other candidates because of a misrepresentation of his gun control stance.
  • Doug Snyder, a business and government freshman and member of University Democrats, said that he hopes the candidates will address the issues that are important to everyday Americans, rather than dodging direct questions.

Statistics:

  • 90: The number of people who die per day from gun violence, according to Clinton.
  • 45%: The percentage of support Clinton receives from Democrats nationally, according to a FOX News poll.
  • 25%: The percentage of support Sanders receives from Democrats nationally, according to a FOX News poll.
  • 15%: The percentage of support Vice President Joe Biden receives from Democrats nationally, according to a FOX News poll.

Sources:

  • FOX News, recent polling data
  • The Daily Texan, "Democratic Presidential Debate: Gun Control and Higher Education Top Issues"
  • CBS News, debate schedule