Democratic Primary Debate at The Citadel, sponsored by YouTube and CNN: on Homeland Security

Barack Obama: Register women for draft, but not for combat

A: You know, a while back we had a celebration in the Capitol for the Tuskegee Airmen, and it was extraordinarily powerful because it reminded us, there was a time when African-Americans weren’t allowed to serve in combat. And yet, when they did, not only did they perform brilliantly, but what also happened is they helped to change America, and they helped to underscore that we’re equal. And I think that if women are registered for service--not necessarily in combat roles, and I don’t agree with the draft-- I think it will help to send a message to my two daughters that they’ve got obligations to this great country as well as boys do.

Chris Dodd: Opposed to draft, but advocates universal nation service

A: Well, yes, I think they should, in a sense. I’m opposed to a draft, but I think if you’re going to have registration, it ought to be across lines so you don’t just ask one gender to have the responsibility. So in my view that would be the fair thing to do. I’m an advocate of universal nation service, not by mandating it, but one of the things I’m missing in our country is the shared experience.

Chris Dodd: Served in National Guard; several family members in Navy

A: I served with the National Guard and Reserves. My brother served in the military as well. So, in my family, there have been at least two that I’m aware of. I have first cousins of mine that were submarine commanders. My uncle was a commander in World War II in the Navy. So there have been a number of people in my family.

Hillary Clinton: Opposed to draft, but register women for draft

A: I do. I don’t support a draft. I think our all- volunteer military has performed superbly. But we’ve had women die in Iraq. We’ve had combat deaths of women in Iraq and Afghanistan. And I do think that women should register. I doubt very much that we’ll ever have to go back to a draft. But I think it is fair to call upon every young American.

Hillary Clinton: Forgive student loans for universal national service

Mike Gravel: Filibustered to end the draft; but women should register

A: Well, of course I want to take credit and admit that I’m the guy that filibustered for five months, all by myself, in the Senate to end the draft in the United States of America. And I’m very proud of that because George Bush does not have the boots on the ground to invade Iran.

Q: Should women register?

A: Of course women should go into the draft if we’re going to have a draft, and should register also.