The NPR Debate
Democrats Face Off in Radio Broadcast in Iowa

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NPR's Mara Liasson Reports on the Debate

Commentator John Ridley's Take on the Debate

From left, Richard Gephardt, Dennis Kucinich, John Kerry, NPR's Neal Conan, Joe Lieberman, Carol Moseley Braun and Howard Dean pose for pictures at the NPR debate in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo: John Keator, NPR News

The Candidates' Closing Statements Howard Dean Richard Gephardt John Kerry Dennis Kucinich Joe Lieberman Carol Moseley Braun

Jan. 6, 2004 -- An exit strategy for Iraq. Tax policy for the middle class. Campaign finance reform. Spirituality and faith in public service. Gay marriage. Obesity in America. Snowmobiles.

Those were among the issues confronted -- and in some cases deflected -- by six Democratic candidates for president, who gathered Tuesday in Des Moines, Iowa, for a radio-only debate moderated by NPR's Neal Conan.

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois took part. Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina and the Rev. Al Sharpton of New York chose not to participate.

Following are some highlights of the two-hour session:

Foreign Policy

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The candidates sparred on how -- and when -- to leave Iraq, and engaged in a spirited discussion about the dangers of Islamic fundamentalism with a focus on the volatile situation in Pakistan.

Taxes

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An e-mail from a listener of Manchester, N.H., prompted a vigorous examination of tax strategies and the impact of President Bush's tax break on the American middle class.

Gay Marriage

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Neal Conan's yes or no question -- do you think marriage is only between a man and a woman? -- opened a fuller exploration of the issue of gay unions, civil and states' rights and the law.

Immigration

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Several of the candidates weighed in on how to protect America's borders while recognizing the contribution of immigrants to American society.


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