College Republicans and Democrats Debate on Immigration, Healthcare at Hinckley Institute
TL/DR –
Over 50 students gathered at the Hinckley Institute to watch a debate between College Republicans and College Democrats on topics such as immigration policy, healthcare and foreign intervention. The Republicans argued for enforcing immigration law, bootstrap healthcare reforms and US foreign intervention, while the Democrats pushed for comprehensive immigration reform, state-created healthcare programs, and against intervention solely for oil control. The event organizer noted the importance of the dialogue between both sides, despite no winners being announced.
Student Debaters Discuss Immigration, Healthcare and Tax Policy
The Hinckley Institute hosted a political debate featuring over 50 students from the College Republicans and College Democrats. The debate covered three main topics and ended with a Q&A session. Each team presented opening statements, rebuttals and closing statements. Debaters for the Democrats were Ian Jacobson and Tyson Guymon, and the Republicans were represented by Daylan Alzamora and Carsen Cooper. The full debate is available online.
Immigration Policy
The Republicans defended the Trump administration’s approach to Immigration policy and enforcement. Alzamora, a sophomore studying political science and economics, emphasized the importance of enforcing immigration law and securing the border. He argued that illegal immigration costs are paid by taxpayers.
The Democrats highlighted the historical and cultural impact of immigrants and argued for comprehensive immigration reform. They condemned the current administration’s immigration enforcement tactics. Jacobson criticized ICE for ignoring immigrants’ rights to due process and accountability.
Common Ground
Both parties agreed on the necessity of tough border security and that undocumented immigrants should not be able to use social welfare benefits.
Democrats on Healthcare
Democrats argued for state-created opt-in healthcare programs to deal with losses in federal funding. Guymon stated the government should negotiate with health insurance companies to avoid inflated prices.
Republicans on Healthcare
Republican Carsen Cooper suggested the existing healthcare system, a mixed public and private system, was problematic. His proposals included health savings accounts and expanding telehealth services. He argued that primary health care could be an employee benefit. Both sides agreed that the current healthcare system is corrupt and that healthcare costs are too high.
Q & A
Debaters addressed questions centered around tax policy, affordability, and US foreign intervention.
Tax Policy and Affordability
Republicans argued that overspending on social services is making life unaffordable for Utahns. On the other hand, Democrats argued for continued social services and state education funding, and more housing. They claimed Republicans were responsible for state tax policy due to their supermajority in the state for the past three decades.
Foreign Intervention
Republicans maintained that US intervention in foreign countries was justifiable. Democrats, however, argued against interventions driven by oil control.
Outcomes and Viewer Feedback
No winners were announced. Samantha Reagan, a junior sociology and psychology student, suggested grassroots organizations for students interested in activism. She criticized the debate for not adequately addressing issues related to ICE operations and affordability.
Event organizer Nick Cockrell praised the event for facilitating a conversation between both sides. The Hinckley Institute plans on hosting a similar event next year.
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