Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 16, 1994 TAG: 9403160166
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Knight-Ridder/Tribune
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
And instead of arguing about the best way to repair a crack in the driveway, they're going to be debating how to fix the country - maybe even the world.
Every third Wednesday, beginning tonight, C-SPAN and National Public Radio will be airing live a new type of in-depth debate on the issues of the day from the floor of the House. Starting time will be around 7 p.m., depending on when the House completes its regular business.
Modeled on the debates of the Oxford Union in England, the 90 minutes of point-counterpoint will feature opposing teams arguing a given resolution. The first topic: "Resolved, that the Clinton health-care plan best represents the elements that should be included in health-care reform."
The format calls for several question-and-answer periods. Debaters will have to think on their feet, not just read prepared statements.
The idea grew out of a conversation a few years ago between House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., and Republican Whip Newt Gingrich of Georgia. They see the debates as an antidote to dueling sound bites, an opportunity to give the public some informed perspectives on national policy.
The two will be captains of their respective teams. Democrats won a coin toss and got to pick the subject of the first debate.
Arguing for the Democrats will be Reps. Pete Stark and Henry Waxman of California and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut.
Representing the GOP will be Reps. Thomas J. Bliley of Virginia, Nancy Johnson of Connecticut and Bill Thomas of California. Thomas co-sponsored a bill by Sen. John Chafee, R-R.I., that promises universal coverage.
"Congress will be engaging in a coherent educational debate," University of Minnesota political scientist Steven Smith said. "That's an important change."
Stay tuned.
by CNB