Talking Politics in New Hampshire

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a top Republican candidate for president, addresses voters at the “First-in-the-Nation Presidential Town Hall” on January 23 in Nashua, New Hampshire.

On January 23, with 17 days to go until the New Hampshire Primary, local Republicans held a “First-in-the-Nation Presidential Town Hall” in the city of Nashua. More than 700 people attended. Voters, political officials, and members of the press wanted to hear how the presidential candidates plan to address issues facing the United States. Economic uncertainty and government spending were big topics.

Having the country’s first primary means mailboxes overflowing with political flyers, phones constantly ringing with candidates’ pitches, and lawn signs on every street corner. But most people here welcome the chance to meet the candidates. “I enjoy hearing politicians speak,” said Vivian Ackley of Hampstead. “We’re so lucky to live in New Hampshire.”

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Ohio Governor John Kasich, former business executive Carly Fiorina, and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul were among the candidates who answered questions at the Nashua event. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump chose not to attend.

When Scholastic News asked Paul what the most important issue facing Americans was, he said, “The main thing we need to do is not spend your inheritance. We shouldn’t stick you with the bill of all the things we’re spending on government now.” According to the Congressional Budget Office, the federal debt could reach $30 trillion in the next decade if current laws remain unchanged.

A BETTER FUTURE

Senator Rubio said that he wanted to make the future brighter for today’s kids, explaining why he is sacrificing time at home with his own children to be on the campaign trail. “I want them to inherit a country as special as the one that was given to me,” he told this reporter. Rubio’s father immigrated to the United States from Cuba in order to make a better life for himself and his family.

All of the candidates addressed the economic uncertainty that many Americans now face. “Our young people don’t even know if the American Dream exists for them anymore,” said Fiorina, who added that she has “a blueprint” to fix the country’s problems.

Several voters attended the town hall to see their favorite candidate. Others hadn’t yet made up their mind which candidate to support. “I’m interested in hearing all of the candidates speak,” said Donald Coughlan. “I’m still trying to decide.”

Although the candidates expressed differing viewpoints, they seemed to share a commitment to public service. As Governor Kasich said, “I believe that all of us, in one way or another, are capable of changing the world.”