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Re: Squeeze the Jesus out of Tom
Posted by Jesus on Dope (Guest) - Thursday, November 4 2004, 4:58:05 (CET)
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Carson, Coburn clash in U.S. Senate debate
The hopefuls for U.S. Senate from Oklahoma faced off at UCO this week.

In their opening statements, both candidates drew focus to the economy in Oklahoma, as well as their visions for the future of the country.

"We can have a better Oklahoma and better country," Carson said.

Carson, a Democrat from Claremore, also mentioned the need to focus on the farm economy of Oklahoma as well as public education.

In his opening remarks, Coburn, a Republican from Muskogee, said the United States has "a deficit of moral courage."

The war in Iraq was a primary focus for debate questions.

Coburn highlighted his role as a "medical missionary" and agreed with the course President Bush has taken on the war.

"There have been mistakes in this war, and in all wars," Coburn said.

Coburn also said that if we spend the way we are spending, we won't be able to support the war. Carson underscored the need for the U.S. to support their troops.

"My support for President Bush is unwavering," Coburn said.

Carson also registered his support for President Bush.

"Winning the war in Iraq is a vital part of winning the war on terrorism," Carson said. "Iraq is a top priority."

Pointing out Coburn's previous criticism of the Patriot Act, Carson cited a quote in which Coburn said, "Our biggest threat is from the government's removal of our rights and personal freedoms."

Carson rebutted Coburn's earlier statement by saying, "Our biggest threat is from people who think we have more to fear from our government."

Coburn didn't deny making the statement but admitted to changing his mind when "convinced otherwise."

Military base closures were also a topic during the debate, as Oklahoma is home to several military installations.

Coburn said he would "oppose vigorously" any attempt to close installations in Oklahoma, but noted that the U.S. House and Senate passed legislation to begin base closures. "It will happen," Coburn said. "We will support our bases because they are the best out there. I am confident we can hold our bases and expand our mission."

Carson said bases should not be closed in a time when they are going to be needed.

"I will lay in the tracks to stop them," Carson said about base closures.

Carson mentioned a 49-47 vote by the U.S. Senate in the decision to start closing bases.

Both candidates fielded questions about social security and health care.

Coburn spoke of his support for reimportation of lower priced prescription drugs from Canada.

"Drugs cost 50 percent more here than they do anywhere else," Coburn said. "I don't want people making the decision not to take a pill because they have to eat."

Carson agrees with reimportation and spoke about his mother, who has Parkinson's disease, and her need for Medicare assistance. Carson said her monthly bills were more than a thousand dollars a month.

The debate continued with discussion on road and bridge conditions in Oklahoma, which are among the worst in the nation.

Carson said he supported a highway bill co-authored by Sen. Jim Inhoff.

Coburn agreed that roads in Oklahoma were in bad shape, and said there is a "formula for highways."

Coburn's closing statements included a bid for small businesses and a plea for voters to not mischaracterize him, and what his opponent says about him.

The debate was carried nationally on C-Span. Oklahoma News 5 news anchor Tyler Suiters moderated the debate. Questions were taken from Eyewitness News 5, their viewers and the candidates themselves.



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