The CNN Democratic presidential debate took place on Sunday, March 6, at the University of Michigan, Flint Cultural Center inside Whiting Auditorium.
The debate was very heated as democratic presidential hopefuls former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont squared off on topics ranging from the Flint water crisis, to guns, trade and the auto bailout. Both candidates showed strong resolve in answering tough questions from co-moderators Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon.
The debate was presented before a standing room only audience of politicians, dignitaries and Flint residents. In light of Nancy Reagan’s passing earlier that day, Cooper asked the audience to honor her memory with a moment of silence. The Flint City Wide Choir then welcomed everyone to the debate with a soulful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, conducted by Darnell Ishmel.
Flint, Michigan, was the setting for the debate mainly because the city is in the middle of a crisis with their lead-poisoned water. The government failed the city residents in a futile attempt to save money when they switched Flint’s water source from Lake Huron to a seemingly cheaper, but riskier alternative, the Flint River. Both Democratic candidates weighed in on what they would do for Flint in response to the first question of the debate. Sanders spoke of his compassion and being shattered beyond belief that in 2016, the children of Flint were being poisoned. He emphatically declared that “That is clearly not what this country should be about.” Sanders went on to say that “… there’s a lot of blame to go around … I believe the governor of this state should understand that his dereliction of duty was irresponsible. He should resign.”
When Clinton gave her answer, her sentiments were similar, “Well, I’ll start by saying amen to that,” she said. Clinton went on to say that she’s grateful that her request to debate in Flint continues to shine a spotlight on what has happened in the city.
“I know the state of Michigan has a rainy day fund for emergencies, what is more important than the health and well-being of the people, particularly children? It is raining lead in Flint, and the state is derelict in not coming forward with the money that is required,” Clinton continued.
Both opening statements were succinct, powerful and impactful. Their respective statements set the tone for the rest of the debate, which at times got intense.
