The Battle for New York: Ryan vs. Esposito
Spectrum News hosted Democratic U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan and Republican challenger Alison Esposito at Marist College. Credit: Nelson Echeverria/Marist College
The Marist College campus buzzed with anticipation on Wednesday, Oct. 16 as Spectrum News hosted the debate for New York's 18th Congressional District. Democratic U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan and Republican challenger Alison Esposito took to the stage, guided by political anchors Errol Louis and Susan Arbetter. Each candidate strives to make their mark on the future of the district.
At 7 p.m., the debate took place in the Nelly Goletti Theatre. Everyone in the Marist community was welcome to join the live studio audience.
Ryan and Esposito concentrated on voicing their opinions on a range of issues, including public safety, abortion, the economy, border control, the policies of former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, and climate change. Each candidate had sixty seconds to answer questions. Each candidate took part in a lightning round, an opening statement, and a round of cross-examination during which they could ask each other questions.
Esposito was chosen first in a random drawing that started the argument. "We owe our people safety, security, and prosperity," she said, emphasizing her objective.
"My mission is to focus on making our community more affordable, make our community more safe, and make sure our community remains free,” Ryan stated.
While discussing border control, a heated argument began between the two. "We need a secure southern border — my opponent may disagree, we need to make sure our Americans are being cared for. We have a humanitarian crisis at our southern border," Esposito said, reflecting on Vice President Kamala Harris' border control and the absence of border control in the Hudson Valley.
"This is about putting party and politics before people," Esposito added, referring to Ryan's vote against the opportunity to secure the southern border.
"After a really concerning debate at the end of June, we need someone to put forth the best case, and we've seen that with Vice President Harris," Ryan said, praising Harris.
In response, Esposito praised Trump and highlighted Biden's flaws as president, saying, "Joe Biden had more than senior moments, he was confused ninety percent of the time. Sometimes you do misspeak, but Donald has not given us any reason to misdoubt his mental state.”
Moving beyond the topic of the presidential election, the economy and the rise in inflation are important concerns for millions of people, and many people in the Hudson Valley are having trouble affording necessities such as groceries and gas. "The cost of living is untenable, we have a lot more work to do," Ryan stated.
Abortion is an ongoing concern for many Hudson Valley residents, specifically women. One of the greatest issues and debates the nation is now dealing with is this one.
"The Supreme Court, thanks to Donald Trump, ripped away a fundamental freedom of this country,” Ryan stated. "Women in this community and this country are pissed. We are seeing the Senate for reproductive freedom."
"With greater access to IVF and adoption, I want to empower women and babies. He wants to make it about abortion because his policies have been a failure,” Esposito responded.
Regarding public safety, Ryan and Esposito both worked in law enforcement and national defense. Ryan completed two combat tours in Iraq. Esposito spent nearly 25 years with the New York City Police Department, eventually serving as the Deputy Inspector and Commanding Officer of the 70th Police Precinct.
This was a contentious discussion since both candidates discussed their past experiences in response to questions concerning the subject.
"We fund them and give them the training and resources to do an incredibly difficult job. We need to make sure that we are respecting our law enforcement. To keep our men and women doing their jobs, we need to support them in what they do," Esposito stated.
“It matters to have law enforcement here in the Hudson Valley. Working with local sheriffs, I have that support,” said Ryan.
In addition to debating, it was important to observe the candidates’ body language and their arguments during the debate. Esposito would challenge Ryan to speak the truth and elaborate on his policies was more blunt in her responses and refused to back down. Ryan's body language and responses were more comfortable and informal, and he mostly looked at the cameras as he answered.
Throughout the hour-long debate, there were disagreements, brief arguments, points of agreement, and even some laughs. Marist students and community members got the chance to witness this important discussion in real time and learn the truth about both candidates' plans.
They presented a well-respected debate with knowledge and insight for viewers to learn and consider as the voting day draws near, despite their divergent points of view.