Photo // WISH-TV
Candidates for Indiana governor, Mike Braun (R), Jennifer McCormick (D) and Donald Rainwater (L), took the debate stage on Oct. 3.
By: Sam Simons
Media Writer
On Oct. 3, not only did Aaron Samuels ask Cady Heron what day it was, but the second Indiana gubernatorial debate took place. IU South Bend’s American Democracy Project hosted a watch party for the event where students and members of the community could learn more about all three candidates and where they stand. So, let’s see what happens when your resident pop-culture girl is tasked with covering a debate.
First, we have to address the origins of the word gubernatorial. Despite the goofy sound of the word, it has nothing to do with goobers, goofy goobers or overall goob-ness. Instead, the word traces to the Latin verb gubernare, or more specifically the word gubernator which means “one who governs”. “Gubernatorial” is just a fancy word for governatorial.
Back to the debate. The first gubernatorial debate was on Oct. 2, but only two candidates appeared: Republican Mike Braun and Democrat Jennifer McCormick. Thursday’s debate was the first at which all three candidates appeared together, including Libertarian Donald Rainwater.
During the Oct. 3 debate, a variety of topics were discussed, such as property taxes, immigration, abortion, education, marijuana legalization, workforce preparedness and affordable housing. There weren’t any opening statements, but there was a 90-second closing for each candidate.
Throughout the debate, the candidates used their expertise in their fields to either boost themselves up or attack their fellow candidates. Specifically, Braun is a sitting U.S. senator and has experience in the business world. McCormick is well-known in the education field, as she started off as an educator and was once the Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction. Lastly, Rainwater has experience in software engineering, and he served in the Navy.
One of the hottest topics was education – specifically, the candidates were asked if school vouchers are helping or hurting Indiana residents. This topic seemed to point toward McCormick, as she has the most experience in the education field. Braun began first on the topic of school voucher expansion, saying that “We are a state that has been on the leading edge of choice.” He made it clear that he feels that parents should be in the driver’s seat. McCormick followed that this issue isn’t about parent’s choice but rather the school’s choice.
In response to McCormick’s remarks, both Braun and Rainwater commented about her previous experience in the education system. First Braun had to say that, “If you were in charge for four years and results never got any better, I think you’ve got to be held accountable when that’s the one thing you did in state government.”
Rainwater made the argument that the standardized testing protocols set up by McCormick were a “waste of time.” Giving yet another final refute to Braun and Rainwater, McCormick said that it wasn’t her duty to change the state law, and that it instead was the responsibility of the Republicans.
Overall, this second debate provided some clarity about where each candidate stands and how their perspectives would benefit them if elected. Braun is an experienced senator and business owner and said he wants to bring the American dream of small-business success to Hoosiers. McCormick explained that she wants to bring change with “optimism and opportunity” for Indiana residents. Finally, Rainwater expressed that his experience as an average Indiana resident made him want to run for office and create governance that doesn’t take rights from Hoosiers.
The ADP has also hosted watch parties for the presidential and vice-presidential debates. At the time of publication, they were also looking forward to a watch party for the 2nd Congressional District debate on Oct. 8 and one for the final gubernatorial debate on Oct. 24. All watch parties are held at the Community Building in River Crossing Campus Housing, and information about times can be found on Titan Atlas.
Make sure to check out the American Democracy Project and keep an eye out for their events, where they often have free food, debate bingo and prizes.
