Democrat Eldridge, Libertarian Gilbert square off in U.S. Senate debate

Democrat Conner Eldridge and Libertarian Frank Gilbert see different threats as the biggest one facing the United States. For Eldridge, “radical and radicalized individuals and groups” such as radical Islamists and white supremacists. For Gilbert, it’s the fear that he said gripped the country after the Sept. 11 attacks.

“We have allowed that fear to creep into our souls and into our system, and we are afraid of each other,” he said.

The two appeared in a debate on the campus at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock Sept. 30 that was moderated by KTHV anchor Craig O’Neill. About three dozen people were in the audience. The debate was also carried live at Eldridge’s Facebook page and had about 1,400 views as of 4 p.m.

It was the second time the two debated each other, and like an earlier one in Fayetteville, an empty lectern “reserved” for their Republican opponent, U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., was placed between them. Eldridge has tried to make an issue of Boozman’s refusal to debate him more than once, an event that will be televised on AETN Oct. 12.

In a Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College poll of 831 likely voters surveyed Sept. 15-17, Boozman had 55% support, Eldridge 29% support and Gilbert 5%.

The two were asked about what they were looking for in a U.S. Supreme Court justice. Eldridge said he has no litmus test and is seeking a fair interpreter of the Constitution, and he criticized the Court’s Citizens United decision on campaign contributions. Gilbert said the Supreme Court is no longer impartial and corporations and unions are not people and should not contribute to campaigns.

Asked what the Senate can do for the economy, Gilbert said it should get the government out of the way and rein in federal regulators who are making law without congressional approval. Eldridge drew applause when he said student debt is too high.

Asked about the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, Gilbert said he supports it if it’s a clean agreement “because when money and goods are crossing borders, troops do not.” Eldridge said he believes in free trade, but it must be fair.

“I think it’s a bad deal. I’d vote against it,” he said, adding later that he would support increased trade with Cuba.

On the question of what America’s role should be in the Middle East, Eldridge said threats must be contained, but “Boots on the ground would be a last resort.” He said the United States should attempt to win armed conflicts quickly and then leave. Gilbert said he favors a more humble foreign policy and said the United States has been guilty of “imperialism.” Activities in the Middle East should be accomplished under the Red Cross or Red Crescent banner, not any violent acts.

“I look forward to a time when the United States could be what it was before the great wars: the largest neutral country in the world,” he said.

On a question about what they would do to address the national debt, Eldridge blamed both parties and said he would sit down with senators from both sides to discuss solutions. He said he favored “no budget, no pay,” where members of Congress don’t receive a salary until they pass a budget. Gilbert said both parties are incapable of doing the right thing and need the pressure of having a Libertarian in their midst.

The two gave similar answers when asked about improving the productivity of Congress. Eldridge said he would assemble a group of like-minded senators to try to create solutions. Gilbert said the junior senator from Arkansas could not succeed in that effort. Instead, what’s needed is a radical change. The only thing that would make Republicans and Democrats work together would be the presence of a Libertarian.

“I guarantee you Republicans and Democrats will come together and figure out how can we get rid of him. We cannot have this,” he said. “My presence there will be the tonic that the Senate needs.”