2008 Presidential Election Policy Debates

Expert Opinions on Key Policy Issues this Election Season

Leading think tanks debate key policy topics of this years election. They want to hear from you so please voice your opinion through comments and suggested edits.

The views expressed by participants in the Knol Debates are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Google or its employees.

Background

As we prepare for the election, experts from leading think tanks including the Cato Institute, the Economic Policy Institute, the Heritage Foundation, and the Center for American Progress Action Fund are debating the issues you find most important.


How you can participate

You can participate via ratings, comments, edits and reviews (learn more about how).


Debates


What should be done to improve the economy now that the economic stabilization act is law?
Status: Closing arguments

The Adverse Impact of the Wall Street Bailout 
Daniel J Mitchell, Senior Fellow
The Bailout is just the Beginning
John Irons, Research and Policy Director
 
What are the main security threats faced by our nation?
Status: Closing arguments

A Stupid Question 
James Carafano, Senior Fellow

 National Security Threats
Nina Hachigian, Senior Vice President

Should there be a system of federal incentives for the implementation of renewable energy sources?
Status: Closing arguments


Is there a place for performance-based teacher compensation in our public school system?
Status: Rebuttal

Pay Teachers Based on Performance 
Dan Lips, Senior Policy Analyst

Merit pay linked to tests scores is wrong-headed
Joydeep Roy, Economist

Logistics

This debate series focuses on key issues of the 2008 presidential election.  Each debate last about two weeks and has three phases: opening arguments, rebuttal, and closing arguments.  Be sure to come back often and see how the debates progress.  If you have questions or comments about the series, please post them here.

Comments


Murry Shohat

Congratulations, Honorable Mention

Dear Knol Debates --

We are very pleased to announce that this Knol is an Honorable Mention badge winner for English Knols created in October, 2008. Congratulations. You may view your award at http://knol.google.com/k/peter-baskerville/top-pick-best-knols-of-the-month/14j3i4hyjvi88/60#.

Great work, keep it up,

Murry Shohat and Peter Baskerville

Oct 15, 2009 3:48 PM
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Anonymous

Amazing stuff

Thanks for the Knol.

Thanks!

Branden
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Mar 13, 2009 8:47 PM
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Public Information Project Management

The Book, "Homeland Melodies And Other Poems"

The book, "Homeland Melodies And Other Poems" just released on: http://www.i-proclaimbookstore.com addressed most of the socio-political and economic problems today.

Last edited Dec 3, 2008 9:55 AM
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Christopher Martin Wilson

USA Politics are in isolation and lack discussion in a global forum

Far too many posts by Americans neglect to consider that any policies have far reaching consequences all over the world. Other countries debate in an open forum yet Americans think it doesn't concern anyone else!

The hydrogen economy for example... does this mean its only important for Americans?
Actually most that I have read by an American scientist are on the never ending road to finding a solution for hydrogen storage.

Hydrogen storage, from an Englishman's point of view is both dangerous and futile:
http://knol.google.com/k/christopher-martin-wilson/hydrogen-storage-is-not-the-answer-to-a/41kg49i9tztg/4#

Do Americans consider alternative ideas?

Last edited Dec 2, 2008 5:26 PM
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KENNETH UDUT

It should prove to be an interesting term!

Barack Obama is going to be heading the USA at a very difficult time. A lot of extra pressure is on him that doesn't seem to have been put on many other presidents.

He has already been likened to JFK, FDR and many socio-political names of the past. People are expecting miracles out of his presidancy -- but, let's face it -- he's yet another president whose power is limited and many of the campaign promises are of things for which he can only make strong suggestions to Congress for, not make into law himself.

The only definitive no-questions-asked power that a President has is the power to declare an act of war. All other powers go through checks and balances. He has to convince The People (us) to convince their Congressmen/Congresswomen that a particular issue is important, in the hopes that things will go the way that he hopes it to go.

None of that has changed! The fact that he has a very unique name and has darker skin than most presidents have had shouldn't make much difference with the exception of how much influence his opinions will have over the people. It will help in some areas, perhaps less so in others.

Either way, the next four years will be very interesting.

Kenneth Udut, Naples, FL
Webmaster of http://free.naplesplus.us - Naples FL News, Jobs, For Sale, Business Directory, Videos, Social Networking

Last edited Dec 2, 2008 7:35 AM
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Chidi Anthony Opara

Re-Start A New Topic

A new topic like "Corruption Funds From Third World Countries as buoy For Economies Of Western Nations" is desirable.

Last edited Dec 1, 2008 9:36 AM
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