Bristal Seniors Tackle the Issues in Mock Presidential Debate
By Anna Young
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump had nothing on the residents of The Bristal Assisted Living last week.
While this year’s two major party presidential candidates tussled in their third and final debate on Oct. 19 in Las Vegas, a day earlier the assisted living facility in Armonk hosted a mock presidential debate that included residents from its communities in White Plains and Armonk.
Following the popularity of The Bristal’s weekly political review hosted by Andrew Namachard, the Armonk facility’s recreations assistant, Recreations Director Stephanie Hart, concluded that it was important to give the residents a platform to debate the issues and discuss this year’s historic election.
A pair of two-person teams were chosen to represent each party’s side. Julian Juster and resident counsel president Faith Radler represented Clinton while Norman De Young and Ann Manzi represented Trump. The participants prepared for three weeks.
Faraz Kayani, executive director of The Bristal in White Plains, was the debate’s moderator because of his academic background in U.S. foreign policy and international human rights and law. He asked each side questions on taxes, social security, term limits, banks, healthcare, gun control and immigration.
“Anytime there’s anything political related going on at The Bristal, I get excited,” Kayani said.
What started off as a modest discussion of issues between the two teams, with about 40 residents in the audience, soon became an animated debate.
The Trump team argued that the federal government must have better control over the border to prevent illegal immigration, while Team Clinton contended the government should make it easier for immigrants to become United States citizens.
The one topic both sides agreed on was healthcare.
“I think everybody should be in the healthcare system and should take care of the American people, not just the elderly,” DeYoung said.
“Healthcare should be affordable to all people in our society,” Juster responded.
Radler added that the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, needs restructuring.
Namachard served a couple of roles during the program – to help residents speak up and better understand the issues for discussion while also playing devil’s advocate.
“Politics is one of my favorite things to talk about,” Namachard said. “Many residents have trouble staying up and watching the debates, so I inform them of what was discussed instead of what’s reported in the news and challenge their views in our discussion-based groups.”
Hart and Namachard were thrilled with the residents’ enthusiasm. They hope to host one more debate before Election Day on Nov. 8.
While many people might be fretting over the outcome of this presidential election, one 96-year-old resident and Army veteran said he’s seen and learned a lot over the years and has already cast his vote.
“All of this is interesting, but whatever happens, happens,” he said.
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