Debate produces little movement at AARP gathering at SFCC

Friday’s presidential debate may have been entertaining, but it didn’t change many minds – at least for a group of seniors who gathered to watch the debate at Spokane Falls Community College.

After an hour and a half of ideas, barbs and banter, only one of more than 60 people assembled by the AARP said the contest had made her decide how to cast her ballot.

Then again, fewer than 10 of them went into the debate undecided. And those who are decided didn’t seem likely to change their minds before Nov. 2.

In a discussion following the debate, Spokanite Barbara Rockwood told the assemblage that problems in Iraq won’t magically be solved by a John Kerry presidency.

“For America to think this is going to be taken care of with an election is ridiculous,” Rockwood said. “It’s a very important time to stay our course and vote for President Bush.”

Mallur Nandagopal, an AARP member from Spokane, said he felt that Kerry has a much better understanding of the issues. He added that the president mishandled the war in Iraq and allowed the nation’s budget deficit to grow too quickly.

“I feel that Senator Kerry is much more substantial,” Nandagopal said.

The crowd listened quietly except for occasional laughs, such as when Kerry placed moderator Charlie Gibson with him and Bush as three people in the room who would pay higher taxes under his plan.

The AARP doesn’t endorse candidates, but it does take stands on issues such as Social Security and the cost of prescription drugs, said AARP spokesman Jason Erskine.

“We don’t tell people who to vote for, we just try to make sure they have all the information they need,” Erskine said.

Afterward, John Lothspeich, a member of AARP’s state executive council, asked the crowd how they felt about the debate. Only 10 people raised their hands when asked if they felt there was a clear winner.

Nancy and Lloyd White said afterward that they were still undecided. But Nancy White said the debate made her lean more toward Kerry, in part for his environmental positions.

“Bush was definitely uncomfortable, so he wasn’t as effective,” she said.

Bruce and JoAnn Farrish, of Spokane Valley, said they, too, remain undecided. But they added that they don’t believe the nation will be bad off with either candidate.

“I’m just going to keep thinking about it,” JoAnn Farrish said.