Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke to Politics Prof. Larry Sabato's Introduction to American Politics class yesterday, addressing issues including energy efficiency, universal health care and more affordable college tuition.
"I'm thrilled to be here at this extraordinary university," the senator from New York told Sabato's class, which gathered in the auditorium of Old Cabell Hall for a question-and-answer style discussion.
Clinton began by reminding students of the importance of politics.
"Politics is how we make decisions," Clinton said. "And as far as I'm concerned, is not a game."
Clinton then fielded questions from students regarding issues such as the war in Iraq, energy efficiency, stem cell research, tax cut plans and health care.
"I've always been committed to universal health care ... this is a value worth standing for," Clinton said.
When asked where she planned to get funds for her proposed universal health care plan, Clinton responded, "I'm thinking of ending the war in Iraq, which would save us a lot of money." She also noted that tax reform may aid such a cause.
Not all University students agree with Clinton's proposal, however. Both third-year College student John Sweeney, 'Hoos for McCain member, and fourth-year College student Adam Keith, 'Hoos for Obama president, said yesterday that Clinton's solution is not at all viable.
"She won't leave details about what she's going to do in Iraq," Keith said.
Clinton also said energy efficiency was one of her foremost concerns.
"We need to invest in these alternative forms of energy" such as ethanol and biofuels, she said, adding that the United States needs "to build a community base for energy efficiency" and approach the problem with a "concerted investment effort from both the government and private [sectors]."
Clinton also noted that there is a high and increasing need for a more affordable college tuition system in the United States.
"We're going to try to make college affordable," Clinton said. "That's one of my highest priorities."
Clinton said she wants to make more grant money available for students as well as to increase direct lending from the government, adding that she wishes to "streamline the process" of paying for college and to help students graduating with debt to their name.
"I don't want to leave people who deserve to go [to college]," Clinton said. "I want to take a harder look at this opportunity ladder."
Clinton also noted political figures who have impacted her career, naming Nelson Mandela and Theodore and Franklin Delano Roosevelt as some of the most influential.
Clinton told students she will be the better Democratic candidate when it comes to facing both the Republican nominee in the general election and fulfilling the duties of the commander-in-chief.
"I wouldn't be making this race if I didn't think that I would be the best president," Clinton said.
Both Sweeney and Keith, though, disagreed with Clinton's assessment of her own presidential qualifications.
"I think she's wrong because Hillary is a very divisive political figure," Sweeney said, adding that his preferred candidate is one who "can reach across aisles and reach compromises," unlike Clinton.
Keith also noted that in polls comparing the ability of Clinton and Obama to run against Republican John McCain -- the current presidential candidate frontrunner in his party because of his lead in delegates -- Obama has consistently been shown to be the best candidate.
At the end of the discussion, Sabato thanked Clinton and gave her a collection of Thomas Jefferson's biographies for her travels.
"We thank you more than you will ever know for being here with us today," Sabato said, before joining students, University officials and Clinton in a rendition of the "Good Ol' Song."
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