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The debate between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state Treasurer Phil Angelides ran center stage on Saturday night at Sacramento State’s Capistrano Hall.

Angelides focused on helping middle-class families and said he would give tax breaks to families who make $100,000 or less a year and that he would close the “corporate loophole.”

Tuition was another key topic, and Gov. Schwarzenegger made sure to mention that he froze the fee hikes last year, while Angelides did all he could to bring the topic up. Gov. Schwarzenegger worked his charm while Angelides attempted to tie the governor to the Bush Administration and link himself to former President Bill Clinton.

The debate stuck to a swift pace by California Broadcasters Association President Stan Statham, who moderated the event, reminding the candidates to “jump on each other” and by giving them each only 60 seconds to answer a question on public schools.

The most interaction between the candidates came over the issue of Homeland Security and securing the state for an attack similar to 9/11.

“Gov. Schwarzenegger has failed to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in homeland security,” Angelides said. “I will stand side-by-side with firefighters, and I will start with first responders.”

The audience gave its first and only applause after these comments. Gov. Schwarzenegger immediately softened the moment with a reference to the Democrats.

“I feel like I’m sitting with uncle Ted (Kennedy) at Thanksgiving,” Gov. Schwarzenegger said.

The audience erupted in laughter.

Gov. Schwarzenegger made sure to recognize the mistakes he made in last year’s special election. He translated the failure of the election as the “voters telling him to not come to them for every little thing.” Instead, Gov. Schwarzenegger vowed to work with the legislators before proposing everything in an election format.

Angelides said the one mistake he made was not taking a role to stop the borrowing of the previous two administrations. Gov. Schwarzenegger blasted Angelides on tax cuts claiming his opponent of being hypocritical for saying he would provide tax breaks for the middle class when he has endorsed legislation to increase specific taxes, such as the car tax and farmer tax, which he said would definitely hurt the middle class.

“How do you justify that?” Gov. Schwarzenegger said.

“You sound like Dennis Hastert and Bush attacking me on taxes,” Angelides replied. “My position is clear, and you have a $5 billion hole in the budget.”

“You love increasing taxes, just be honest,” Gov. Schwarzenegger said.

The most anticipated portion of the debate came when the candidates were given the option to ask one another a question. Gov. Schwarzenegger rode the wave of simplicity by posing a conversational question to his opponent.

“What was the funniest moment of your campaign?” Gov. Schwarzenegger asked.

“Every day is such a hoot,” Angelides replied.

Angelides made reference to the fun he’s had with his family while campaigning.

“My family tells me I will win,” Angelides said.

Angelides struck a more serious note with his question for Gov. Schwarzenegger.

“You said you wouldn’t weaken law enforcement, and you take away benefits from the families of slain police officers. Why did you take the benefits away?” Angelides asked.

Gov. Schwarzenegger defended himself shortly before Statham turned attention to another question.

“I did not try to take anything away from the police officers,” Gov. Schwarzenegger said.

The one topic the two candidates did agree on was the need for alternative fuels.

Angelides attacked the Bush Administration for the nation’s dependency on foreign oil, while Gov. Schwarzenegger discussed his recent support of energy bills and legislation. Angelides also said the governor took money from oil companies.

The debate followed a format developed by a special debate advisory commission made up of journalists, pollsters, citizens, educators and political commentators.

The format called for no opening or closing statements and focused on establishing constant communication between Gov. Schwarzenegger and Angelides.

A panel of undecided voters made up of an equal number of Republicans, Democrats and other party designations monitored the candidates answers and interactions.

Around twelve questions were proposed to both candidates and each asked one direct question to the other. Questions were submitted by voters before the debate.

The debate was viewable on 61 California broadcast media outlets (40 television and 21 radio stations). Students and the public were able to view the debate at various on-campus locations.

“Based on what I saw tonight, I can’t come to any conclusion,” said Dennis Garrison Rosemont High School teacher and advisory panel member. “I think theformat was meant to be dialogue, and it was more of a counterattack.”

When asked about the question Gov. Schwarzenegger posed to Angelides, Garrison seem perplexed.

“The people of California would like a question of substance asked,” Garrison said. Jay Plumbtree, also a member of the advisory panel and Sacramento resident, said he thought the question was “cute but not what he expected.”

“I am not sure if there can be a declared winner,” Plumbtree said.

Audience members’ reactions following the debate differed in terms of who the victor was.

“Phil got more into the debate,” freshman Nicole Thomas said. “Arnold justsat back and took a more formal position.”

“Arnold basically demolished Phil Angelides,” said freshman Pavel Vorobets, a psychology major. “Arnold already won in my mind because he demolished him.”

Others felt the debate didn’t address issues, but rather was full of personal attacks.

“Overall, I was rather disappointed by the debate because I came here because I wanted to be informed on the positions of Arnold Schwarzenegger and on Angelides, and when I watched the debate I saw more of attacking on personal choices within each administration,” said sophomore Alexis Diaz.

The gubernatorial election will be held on Nov. 7.

Blake Ellington can be reached at [email protected]