Two political heavyweights debated in Athens Monday about the presidential race — but without the personal attacks that presidential candidates have been using.
A crowd of about 100 students and area residents gathered at The Market at State, 1002 E. State St., to listen to Richard Vedder and David Wilhelm discuss the two visions proposed for America’s future by President Barack Obama and Republican Candidate Mitt Romney.
Tom Hodson, a journalism professor and director of WOUB, moderated the hour-and-a-half long debate that covered topics ranging from healthcare to the government’s role in affecting the job market.
Hodson introduced Vedder — a distinguished professor of economics — as a “pundit extraordinaire” who would argue for Romney, and Wilhelm — OU alumnus and former chair of the Democratic National Committee — who would argue for Obama.
Engaged supporters from both sides of the aisle paid $15 to $30 to see the debate, which supported the Ohio Valley Summer Theater.
Though the debate remained civil, both Vedder and Wilhelm began the debate by stating that the opposing candidate’s plan for America is the wrong one.
“If Governor Romney is elected a week from now, America’s poor will need to watch out for a frontal attack,” Wilhelm said.
Vedder countered with the opposite argument.
“Barack Obama is the main reason our nation is in the worst shape in decades,” Vedder said.
When wading into the heavily politicized issues of healthcare and the economy, Vedder emphasized an American history of private-sector job creators and workers who benefited from low taxes and choices in all products, including healthcare plans.
“Why shouldn’t we have choice in healthcare?” Vedder said. “Informed decisions by consumers are how we became great.”
Wilhelm argued in support of Obama’s work towards providing healthcare coverage for all and maintaining the federal government’s hand in job creation and economic growth for the middle class.
“We are on the verge of a stronger, more inclusive economy that builds on innovation of all Americans, not just a few,” Wilhelm said.
Hodson praised the open discussion of ideas during the night’s debate that have long been part of America’s history.
After the debate, Vedder and Wilhelm both explained how the candidates they argued for would represent the interests of college students by reducing the debt they will inherit as taxpayers, as well as increasing the number of middle-income jobs for students as they graduate.
Jackie and Camden Collins, of Logan County, said they preferred the less scripted discussion between Vedder and Wilhelm to the televised presidential debates.
“This is really from our peers,” Jackie said.
bm471311@ohiou.edu
