Byron Dorgan: “I thank the Senator. We are the chairmen of our respective policy committees, Republican and Democratic parties. We have…”

“I thank the Senator. We are the chairmen of our respective policy committees, Republican and Democratic parties. We have on previous occasions decided to arrange some debates on the floor of the Senate about some significant issues. I participated in previous debates. For this evening, however, the debate will occur between Senator Durbin and Senator Stabenow on the Democratic side, Senator DeMint and Senator Santorum on the Republican side. This debate is about Social Security, the larger issue, and also the merits of private accounts in Social Security. I assume this will be a spirited discussion because it is a discussion that has been moving around the country at a very significant pace in recent weeks. It was said once that when everyone in the room is thinking the same thing, no one is thinking very much. I happen to think debate strengthens this democracy of ours. I recall several years ago I picked up the Washington Post and there was a big debate going on about something very controversial, and someone was quoted in the Washington Post. They said, This whole thing has degenerated into a debate about principles. I read that, and I guess that is why I came here. I hope so. I hope that is what debate is about. Tonight, we will one more time begin a discussion and a debate, in this case on a subject that is very important in this country.…”