the Informer

Two Democrats with varying opinions contested a wide range of issues the United States is facing.

Merrick Alpert, a self-proclaimed “underdog” proved a viable candidate through the eyes of students who followed the debate.

Freshman Manthan Bhatt said, “Who won the debate? I supported Blumenthal before the debate, NOW I support Alpert, its pretty obvious who won.”

Richard Blumenthal, Attorney General of the state of Connecticut sparred with Alpert over health care, the War on Terror and the economy.

On the issues facing the economy and regulating the banks, Blumenthal said “Washington is saying Washington is broken and corrupt.”

Alpert charged forward with criticizing “incrementalism” as a policy for dealing with health care, the fight in Afghanistan and even Cuban relations.

Blumenthal argued that “Incrementalism is not a dirty word.”

While Blumenthal approved strengthening relations with Cuba over a few years, Alpert cited it as “the danger of incrementalism.”

“I would vote for it tonight,” he said.

The two Democrats had differing opinions on Afghanistan. Blumenthal supported President Barack Obama’s 18-month plan for raising troop levels and then drawing down after that span.

Alpert disagreed and said that troops should be removed immediately and covert teams should remain.

The Hartford Courant and FOX CT hosted the debate along with the University of Hartford. The Republican debate will take place tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater. Join the Informer for live coverage of that debate, with coverage beginning at 6:45 p.m.

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Here is the transcript of the live blog from Monday night’s debate.