Community members discuss issues candidates should address

By Jonathan McFadden
mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

Claire VanOstenbridge - vanostenbridgec@mytjnow.comSame-sex marriage, illegal immigration and public education are just some of the pressing issues registered voters are concerned about and want answers to from the four Republicans running for president, according to an hour long conversation between a political expert, a radio talk show host and close to 100 residents, students and families on Tuesday. 

WFAE’s Mike Collins joined Scott Huffmon, professor of political science and director of the Winthrop Poll, as they sat before a nearly-packed audience in Dina’s Place and engaged in open dialogue with folks concerned about America’s political direction come November. 

One student questioned whether gay rights would be an issue the four current Republican presidential candidates would address as they advance through Florida before the Sunshine State’s primary on Jan. 31. 

Huffmon explained that, although the economy may be a more pressing issue, candidates will try to tap into voters and delegates who could help them win the general election. Therefore, they’ll focus on more independent voters who want to make same-sex unions a major talking point. 

A young man commented about the partisan strife between the Republican and Democratic parties, noting that none of the candidates really lay out a plan to restore America. Instead, they’re focused on “beating President Obama,” he said. 

And, that’s exactly how both parties plan to fix the country— by getting rid of the leader(s) they blame for the economic downfall, Huffmon implied. 

One older woman lamented over the “blatant racism” demonstrated at a recent Rick Santorum rally, in which a woman openly alleged that President Barack Obama was a devout Muslim, not born in the United States and had no right to be president. Santorum, the most conservative candidate in the race, didn’t bother to correct her. 

Another woman balked at the “uninformed electorate” who don’t know what they believe or even how the political process works. 

Terry Plumb, former editor of The Herald newspaper of Rock Hill, expressed concerns about foreign policy, noting that the only Republican candidate to make sense thus far is Ron Paul, who has called for a complete withdrawal of American troops from all foreign nations. 

Group sessions like this can be therapeutic, while also giving informed citizens a chance to share different viewpoints with “reasonable” people, said Collins, a staple in Charlotte area broadcasting and now host of Charlotte Talks. 

Charlotte Talks is a one-hour talk show produced by WFAE, a Charlotte-based National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate. 

Look for more detailed coverage in the Feb. 2 issue of The Johnsonian.