Democracy Comes to PVCC: Congressional Debate
Callan Shore, staff writer
On the night of Oct. 9, campaign signs of many colors lined College Dr. and led visitors through PVCC’s campus to the Dickinson building. The signs were promoting the congressional candidates for Virginia’s 5th District. Leslie Cockburn, a Democrat, and Denver Riggleman, a Republican, came to PVCC for one of three debates they will participate in before Election Day on Nov. 6.
Before beginning, the cameraman reminded the audience to stay quiet because the first half of the debate was aired live on CBS19 News. For the first hour, a panel complete with PVCC student Elena Cantwell, PVCC President Frank Friedman, and a local journalist asked questions to which the candidates had 90 seconds to reply.
The candidates were asked questions on topics ranging from climate change to the legalization of marijuana. When asked about community college, Cockburn said she wants community college to be free, whereas Riggleman said he thinks there should be better loan options for community college students.
Later when asked about healthcare, Riggleman said constitutionally, “it is not a basic human right.”
Cockburn said there should be Medicare for all. She said, “I believe health care is a basic human right.”
Despite much disagreement, the debaters had a few ideas in common. Both agreed that global warming is real. “Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, [it is undeniable] that there are climate change issues based on human activities,” said Riggleman.
They also agreed that marijuana should be taken off the Federal Controlled Substance List. On a lighter note, Cockburn said her favorite vacation spot is Ireland, and Riggleman said his was Scotland.
A group of PVCC students asked all of the questions for the second half of the debate. One student asked the candidates how they plan to decrease rape and sexual assault in the community.
Cockburn responded that there needs to be funding for rape kits and organizations that help survivors.
Riggleman responded that females need to be educated on how to avoid sexual assault and need to report sexual assault right away, to which some of the audience protested with loud groans.
Riggleman later clarified that he believes young men should also be educated further.
