Democratic Town Hall Debate Highlights: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders Engage Voters On Abortion, Millennials, College Affordability

By Michael Oleaga Mar 08 2016, 03:36 AM EST

Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton spoke about the issues but for the first time it was broadcast on the Fox News Channel.

Hillary Clinton's Confronts...

Foreign Policy Record

Although she was the second candidate to discuss several issues with Fox News anchor Bret Baier and attendees of the Detroit town hall, Clinton received heavy focus on her record as secretary of state. Clinton said she will not call for U.S. combat troops into Libya to confront the Islamic State militant group. Clinton added her stance supports the current approach of using special U.S. forces and airstrikes to combat the Islamic State.

Abortion

In regards to abortion, Clinton was asked if she believes a child should have legal rights or protections before it's born or prohibiting any abortion restrictions regardless of its stage. Clinton said a decision to proceed with an abortion should be a personal decision by women, their family, their faith and their doctor.

"I think we have to continue to stand up for a woman's right to make these decisions, and to defend Planned Parenthood, which does an enormous amount of good work across our country," said Clinton, based on transcripts, adding she favors late pregnancy abortion if there's health concerns affecting the mother.

Emails

As expected, her email protocols were questioned. Clinton said she had no idea her email server was going to be sought as evidence by federal authorities, but noted there has been misinformation surrounding the details of her emails.

"I have said it wasn't the best choice to use a personal email. It was a mistake. However, I am not alone in that. Many people in the government, past and current, have on occasion or as a practice done the same. Nothing I sent was marked classified or that I received was marked classified. ... What we turned over were more than 30,000 emails that I assumed were already in the government system, Bret, because they were sent to state.gov addresses," Clinton said.

Bipartisan Relations

The former New York senator was asked how she will "compromise" on issues with the Republican Party. She acknowledged she has worked with GOP lawmakers during her tenure as first lady, senator and secretary of state on issues ranging from health care in the 1990s and adoption and foster care reforms. She admits it won't be easy to compromise with Republicans but there will be a process to find common ground.

Education & College Affordability

Clinton later spoke about education affordability. She noted her stance for early childhood education, universal pre-kindergarten and college affordability.

It is absolutely imperative that we make college affordable. I have a plan to do that, debt-free tuition, more help for non-tuition costs so more young people can actually start college and complete college," said Clinton, adding her plan differs from Sanders.

After a brief interruption, Clinton continued, "I call it the New College Compact because everybody is going to have to do their part. I want debt-free tuition. You will never have to borrow money to attend a public college or university. The money that you will need will be provided if you cannot afford to go to college. And, right now, given the costs, that covers most people except wealthy people. What I am saying is that we will fund debt-free tuition. You won't have to borrow money."

Clinton's college affordability plan also calls for students to refinance their student debt based on a percentage of their income. Her New College Compact plan would cost $100 billion, annually.

Healthcare

Clinton reiterated her support for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) but does want costs lowered and better competition among health insurance providers.

Lack of Millennial Support

Clinton was asked why she's not attracting the same millennial voters as Sanders. She commended Sanders for attracting large millennial voter turnout and she will continue campaigning to win them.

"I'm proud of those who are supporting me. And, I tell young people all the time, you may not be for me now, but I'm for you regardless, and I'm going to keep working to try to help young people because, after all, this election is about their future," Clinton said.

Sanders: Ally or Foe?

Despite campaigning against him, Clinton said she considers Sanders as an alley. While they may have difference, she said both are "passionate" about their platforms and differences.

"I am very proud of the campaign that Senator Sanders and I are running. And, I have said publicly, I will repeat that tonight. I hope to win the nomination. If I am so fortunate, I hope to work with him, the issues he has raised, the passion he has demonstrated, the people he has attracted, are going to be very important in the general election, but equally following the election to try to get things done. So, I certainly consider him an ally," said Clinton, but said it's too soon to consider someone for the vice president nomination.

Bernie Sanders Confronts...

Bloomberg's Presidential Run

Sanders was first asked about former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to not pursue a presidential run. Sanders said it's Bloomberg's decision, but the independent Vermont senator is concerned about Bloomberg's billionaire status.

"What does concern me, Bret, on a broader scale is Mr. Bloomberg is a billionaire. And I think it's a bad idea for American Democracy that the only people who feel in many ways that they can run for president are people who have so much money," said Sanders, who reiterated his stance opposing the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.

Being Poor in the Ghetto

Sanders clarified a statement he made during CNN's March 6 primetime debate regarding low-income white populations and ghettos. Sanders had said on Sunday's debate, "When you are white, you don't know what it's like to be poor.''

At the Monday evening town hall, Sanders defended himself as the only candidate who has spoken more about poverty and it's an issue the media has ignored.

"What I meant by that in African-American communities you have people who are living in desperation, often being abused by white police officers. That is a bad thing. And that has got to change. And that's why I'm fighting to reform a broken criminal justice system. But I know about white poverty. It exists in my state. It all over this country. ... We have too many people living in poverty. We have got to change our national priorities. We have got to deal with that issue," said Sanders.

Social Program Costs & Healthcare

The Vermont senator was questioned on his spending proposals, mainly for social programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. While Sanders' proposals will include tax increases, approximately $18 trillion is projected to be spent on these social programs. Sanders said most of the spending will go for healthcare, which, based on his "Medicare for All" plan, will see middle class families save nearly $5,000 per year on health costs.

"I happen to believe -- and I know not everybody agrees with me -- I believe that health care is a right of all people," Sanders said, telling Baier that the "right" comes from being a human being. "I believe that if she is poor and you are rich, she is entitled to the same quality health care you have, because she's a human being."

Tackling the Islamic State

Sanders was asked about his foreign policy experience and how he'll address the Islamic State. Sanders noted his opposition vote against the war in Iraq -- which Clinton voted in favor. He said many of the issues currently impacting the Middle East stems from the Iraq War vote. Sanders does not want the U.S. to confront the war alone and called for a coalition of Muslim nations to confront the militant group.

"I will do everything that I can to keep American troops out of perpetual warfare in the Middle East. But I do believe that along with a coalition of the major countries on Earth, U.K., France, Russia, I believe we should support the Muslim troops on the ground with air attacks, with military equipment, and with all of the help that we can provide. But, it should not be our troops on the ground for many, many reasons."

Economics & Trade

Similar to the CNN debate, Sanders reiterated his opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), explaining Americans should not compete against people around the world "who are making pennies an hour." If elected president, Sanders said he will change trade policies and have corporations invest in the U.S. instead of China.

Sanders also called for a minimum wage increase. He has consistently proposed raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour, while Clinton prefers $12 per hour but with states and cities having the right to increase wages further.

Abortion

Sanders said the government should not instruct women what to do with their own body. The senator defended his stance as a pro-choice candidate and believes abortion is a decision by the woman, her physician and her family.

Meeting Legislative Goals

Sanders said he will not solely rely on executive actions to accomplish his legislative agenda, stating "that's unconstitutional and it can't happen." Sanders said he has worked with Republican lawmakers and found common ground. Recognizing the large voter turnout he's received in several states, Sanders believes such turnout will shift Senate control from the Republicans to Democrats and fewer seats in the House of Representatives.