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Debate Brings National Attention To D.C.'s School Reform Efforts
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Wednesday's debate marked the most sustained sparring between McCain and Obama on education, a topic that has been pushed to the background by the war in Iraq and, more recently, the financial crisis.
"It was remarkable that finally education got its five minutes of fame," said Michael J. Petrilli, vice president for national programs and policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to raise education standards. "We didn't hear too much new. McCain focused on choice and competition, and Obama focused on the new investments he would make in early childhood and higher education."
Obama is proposing $18 billion in new federal spending; McCain would maintain current funding. Obama wants to expand early childhood education, and McCain is pushing for creation of more online schools and classes.
The debate was also another moment in the national spotlight for D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee, a self-described lifelong Democrat who has frequently been critical of Obama and the party's approach to education reform, which she characterizes as beholden to teachers unions and other special interests. She has praised McCain for his steadfast support of No Child Left Behind.
But Obama used Wednesday's education exchange to highlight his willingness to break from traditionally Democratic views and supporters. Obama said his support of charter schools and pay for performance "doesn't make me popular with the teachers union."
He also went out of his way to praise Rhee -- albeit imprecisely -- as "a wonderful new superintendent there who's working very hard with the young mayor" to overhaul the school system.
"I think it's revealing for Obama to say Michelle is doing a great job," Petrilli said. "It does indicate he is open to fairly strong reform. He knows she's ruffling feathers with the teachers union, and he holds her up as an example of a great superintendent."
It is also possible that there has been some behind-the-scenes mediation. One of Rhee's top aides, Jason Kamras, has been working as an adviser to Obama on education matters.
