Expectations for The Citadel

On Monday people from around the nation will be in Charleston to see the 8 democratic candidates battle it out at the southern battelground, The Citadel. I am very excited to be attending the historic debate hosted by youtube and CNN because this debate will be the first with all questions asked by voters. I am very excited about this debate because of its location (The Citadel) and the type of questions that will be asked. Although CNN and Youtube will be able to choose which questions get aired and asked, the general feel of the debate will be different because of the forum. Also, the location should play a major role in the general feel of the debate. Who would have ever imagined eight top democrats standing on the property of The Citadel. For those of you who are not familiar with The Citadel, it is the South's military academy, with a long tradition of conservatism. For example, The Citadel opened its doors to the first woman in 1995. I would say that's a little late, even for conservatives. As Democrats are preparing to have an all night session in congress to bring attention to the congressional battle over the war in Iraq, the top representatives from the Democratic Party will be standing neck deep in the tradition and "values" of the military of our country. Many people will be expecting awkward feelings as Democrats fight against the war. So what will they say?

I believe this is a very easy question to answer...

The Democrats will and should stand up for the troop withdrawal while standing in The Citadel; however, they will focus not on the policy of the war or any reason for leaving besides bringing the troops home. This should make everybody happy right? I can only hope that my personal favorite, Joe Biden, will stand up and set himself apart and attack the policy and reasons for withdrawals.

Should bringing the troops home be the reason we want to end the war? I think the reasoning behind that argument is completely naive. Servicemen and woman are doing their job, and are doing the best job they can do with the supplies and missions given to them; however, the reason we need to be leaving Iraq is not because troops need to come home. Has anyone forgotten the whole peace thing? I am against the war for the simple fact that it is a war, and yes this war is stupid and we have entered it for stupid reasons, but aren't all wars stupid? Yes! So I challenge all Democratic candidates to stand up when asked the question why should we leave Iraq: "Because we are in a war? Why else?"

A question that I hope arises at the debate is the already asked and answered question about Don't Ask Don't Tell. At The Citadel there is an underground group of students that no person in this country, except for me, likes to talk about. LGB (purposefully left out the T on this one for obvious reasons) students at The Citadel will be wanting to know which candidate will let them speak? Don't believe that there are LGB students at The Citadel, well think again. I hope that one of these candidates will stand up for these students and allow them to serve our country and be who they are at the same time.

I am very excited to see this debate unfold and hope that it will live up to my expectations. I am also in the process of making a calender of sorts for the post-debate parties by request of the most recent comment. I know the Edwards campaign party will be at the American Theater on King Street.