Harry Reid in National Public Radio

On Energy & Oil: BP and oil companies need regulation

Reid tried to turn Angle's disdain for government regulations against her. "My opponent favors big banks. She's against Wall Street reform. Oil companies--she said BP had too much regulation, that's what went wrong there. I have a different philosophy. I am for the middle class," he said. Source: NPR Morning Edition coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate Oct 15, 2010

On Health Care: ObamaCare improved healthcare and also improved economy

Angle said "ObamaCare" would destroy Medicare in particular and the health care system in general. "America is a country of choices--not forcing people to buy things that they don't need," Angle said.

Reid countered that the health care overhaul would not only improve health care, but improve the economy, too. "We had to do health insurance reform to remain competitive in the world economy. And it creates jobs--thousands and thousands of jobs," Reid added.

Source: NPR Morning Edition coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate Oct 15, 2010

On Principles & Values: Son of a miner; mother took in wash from brothels

Angle's rap on Reid is that he's a creature of big-government Washington, out of touch with average Nevadans.

"Senator Reid has been a politician for over 30 years," Angle began. "I live in a middle-class neighborhood in Reno, Nevada. Senator Reid live in the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C."

That might particularly rankle Nevadans who now suffer with the highest unemployment and foreclosure rates in the country.

But Reid, the son of a miner, tried to show he knew what it was like to suffer through tough times--like when he was growing up in the tiny town of Searchlight. Lean times sound different in Nevada than they do in other parts of the country, though.

"Times were tough. The mines weren't doing well at all. My mom took in wash from the brothels in Searchlight so I have some idea of what it's like to struggle," Reid said.

If you'd decided to play a drinking game and take a swig every time Reid called his opponent extreme, you'd have quite the hangover this morning.

Source: NPR Morning Edition coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate Oct 15, 2010

On Social Security: What would have happened if Trust Fund were in stock market?

During the primary, she said Social Security and Medicare should be phased out and privatized. Now she only says she wants to personalize Social Security.

But Reid wouldn't let her off the hook: "Now she talks about, and has for years talked about, getting rid of Social Security. For years. Look what would have happened had we put this money in the stock market as was suggested by President Bush. This is an extreme idea, and it will destroy Social Security."

Source: NPR Morning Edition coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate Oct 15, 2010

On War & Peace: OpEd: saying Iraq war was lost emboldened our enemies

Both candidates had to answer for controversial remarks they've made in the past. Angle was asked whether she really thinks jobless Americans have been "spoiled" by unemployment benefits. "No, I don't think that our unemployed are spoiled," she said, "and that was totally mischaracterized by my opponent," which has become Angle's standard response when questioned about past statements.

But Reid, too, is known for making strange remarks. Angle tried to score by reminding the debate audience that Reid had once said the Iraq war had been lost. "That emboldened our enemies, demoralized our troops and endangered them, and you need to apologize to them, Senator," Angle chided. Reid countered with the many things he's done for veterans and his endorsement from the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Source: NPR Morning Edition coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate Oct 15, 2010

The above quotations are from National Public Radio election coverage. Click here for other excerpts from National Public Radio election coverage. Click here for other excerpts by Harry Reid. Click here for a profile of Harry Reid.
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