Democratic debate at Pace University: on Homeland Security

Al Sharpton: Cut defense budget, even if unpopular

SHARPTON: I would take a critical review of our defense budget. I would not do anything that would jeopardize America. But I think things like F-11 bombers and other unnecessary military equipment, we need to take the money away.

Dennis Kucinich: $550B defense budget implies more taxes

Dennis Kucinich: Cut defense budget by 15%, even if unpopular

KUCINICH: I would move to cut the Pentagon budget by 15%, which would in no way affect adversely our national defense, and put the money into child care. And I would move to create a Department of Peace which would seek to make nonviolence an organizing principle in our society and to work with the nations of the world to make war itself archaic.

John Edwards: Protect civil rights from Ashcroft, even if unpopular

EDWARDS: I know the American people are worried about their safety and security. But we can't ever forget what it is we're supposed to be fighting for. And in this effort to protect ourselves and fight our war on terrorism, we cannot allow people like John Ashcroft to take away our rights, our freedom and our liberties. Those things are under assault. After September 11th, it's much harder to stand up for those things.

Joseph Lieberman: Prosecute War on Terror, even if unpopular

LIEBERMAN: I'm going to prosecute the war against terrorism and win it even if it's unpopular because that's here our future security rests.