Statement from AFT President Randi Weingarten on Expectations for
 First Scheduled Presidential Debate

WASHINGTON – “Our country is facing serious challenges, including an ailing economy, a crippled Wall Street and increasingly complicated threats to our national security. While tonight’s debate will focus on foreign policy, it is vital that this issue not be addressed in a vacuum. Now, more than ever, our foreign policy decisions affect and are affected by the global economy and our investments in education.

“There is a straight line from the well-educated child to the well-prepared leader. During this period of international challenges and economic downturns, it is imperative that we focus on strengthening our nation’s foundations. We do this, in part, by helping our students and schools succeed, which, in turn, better positions the United States to be a strong democratic leader in a global and fast-changing economy. An educated workforce directly affects the strength of a nation. Our greatness is our people, and investing in our children is investing in our security.

“The children whom we are educating today will be most affected by the next president’s policies. And Americans’ well-being will depend on how successful we are in preparing them to be wise stewards of our future.

“When Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain are asked to address how they will ensure the security of this nation and what they will do to restore our economic stability, we hope that they address the issue of educating the next generation of Americans.” 

NOTE: President Randi Weingarten (http://www.aft.org/about/officers/index.htm) will be available for interviews before and after tonight’s presidential debate. She will be watching the debate at The Lodge at Sawmill Creek Resort, 400 Sawmill Creek Drive, in Huron, Ohio. For interviews, please contact Chuck Porcari, director of the AFT public affairs department. 

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