2008 Woodie Awards
Democratic candidates square off in debate before mostly student audience
Taylor Muller
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
Another differentiating factor between the two candidates arose with questions regarding illegal immigration. Esch said that while he supported a national identification card, more should be done in enforcing laws with employers.
Carter responded, saying that he would be a defender of civil rights and would not support such a form of identification.
Universal health care has been the focus of many recent presidential debates and was also addressed by the two candidates, each taking differing sides on the issue.
Esch said he supported a universal health care plan, with the focus on streamlining and making the industry more efficient.
"We have a system that's built on not necessarily what's in the best interest of the patient or the country, but what's in the best interests of these corporations. It's no surprise that pharmaceutical companies are the largest lobbyists and one of the most powerful groups in this country. ... The system is broken. Of course there needs to be some sort of compromise," Esch said.
Carter said he believed that competition in the industry would allow for more innovation and lower prices; however, that there should be a system in place for those citizens unable to afford health care.
"There would be several thousand laid off here in Omaha in the insurance industry," Carter said. "We need competition. The system that I propose will foster creativity, will lower costs through competition, but also will retain the private sector so we have invention, but also provide for those who just can't afford it."
Addressing another economic issue on the horizon, both candidates said changes needed to be affected in regards to Social Security. Carter supported making sure money put into the system was not diverted elsewhere but said that changes to income caps would be a "re-distribution of the wealth."
Esch supported possibly raising the retirement age and eliminating income caps in order to prevent Social Security from bankrupting itself.
Nebraska's primaries will be held May 13. Whoever wins - Carter or Esch - will face Terry, a five-term incumbent, in November.
Carter responded, saying that he would be a defender of civil rights and would not support such a form of identification.
Universal health care has been the focus of many recent presidential debates and was also addressed by the two candidates, each taking differing sides on the issue.
Esch said he supported a universal health care plan, with the focus on streamlining and making the industry more efficient.
"We have a system that's built on not necessarily what's in the best interest of the patient or the country, but what's in the best interests of these corporations. It's no surprise that pharmaceutical companies are the largest lobbyists and one of the most powerful groups in this country. ... The system is broken. Of course there needs to be some sort of compromise," Esch said.
Carter said he believed that competition in the industry would allow for more innovation and lower prices; however, that there should be a system in place for those citizens unable to afford health care.
"There would be several thousand laid off here in Omaha in the insurance industry," Carter said. "We need competition. The system that I propose will foster creativity, will lower costs through competition, but also will retain the private sector so we have invention, but also provide for those who just can't afford it."
Addressing another economic issue on the horizon, both candidates said changes needed to be affected in regards to Social Security. Carter supported making sure money put into the system was not diverted elsewhere but said that changes to income caps would be a "re-distribution of the wealth."
Esch supported possibly raising the retirement age and eliminating income caps in order to prevent Social Security from bankrupting itself.
Nebraska's primaries will be held May 13. Whoever wins - Carter or Esch - will face Terry, a five-term incumbent, in November.
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