LEWISTON – McCain is too old.

No, McCain has experience.

Obama wants to take money from the rich.

No, Obama wants to help the middle class.

We should drill, baby. Drill now.

We should invest in alternative energy, now.

It sounded a bit like MSNBC’s political talk show “Hardball,” minus host Chris Matthews.

But the back and forth came from high school students.

Welcome to American government, a Lewiston High School course required for seniors. During a class visit, the lesson was a debate on McCain versus Obama.

Teacher Todd Cifelli divided the class into two groups, one side for each candidate. Playing moderator, the teacher asked Obama debaters which issue was the most important.

Health care

Obama’s health care plan, said Stephanie Belanger. There are millions who go without treatment because they can’t afford to pay for it, she said. Health care would mean a better life.

Turning to the McCain camp, Cifelli said, “Rebut that. What would you do about the uninsured people?”

Under McCain, everyone would get a tax credit to buy health insurance, Devin Carrier said. “The people making the least would save the most.”

Cifelli asked McCain debaters which issue was important to them.

Energy

Energy, said Devin McLellan, adding that McCain was trying to relieve the energy shortage and dependence on foreign oil by promoting nuclear power and offshore drilling.

“Offshore drilling is a bad idea,” said Kyle Beaudoin. “We need to move past using oil as a main source of energy for vehicles and heating our homes. With Obama’s plan, in 10 years we will end our dependency on oil. It will make for a cleaner environment.”

‘He’s not too old’

Cifelli asked students whether McCain’s age and his choosing Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate mattered.

“He’s 72. He’d be 76 at the end of his first term,” Cifelli said. “Tell me why I should not be nervous about that.”

“He’ll get something started in his first four years,” McLellan said. If something happened to him, someone would take over what he started. Besides, he said, Palin has more executive experience than Obama.

“So what you’re saying is say John McCain has health issues. You think the nation would want Sarah Palin to be president?” Chelsea Herbert asked.

Yes, McCain supporters said.

“Back it up,” Cifelli said.

Not everyone is happy with who’s in office, but Republicans would stand by her, Carrier said.

McLellan added that Palin is from Alaska and knows a lot about energy. “She could improve our getting away from dependency on foreign oil and creating new laws that help us with that,” he said.

Cifelli asked McCain debaters why executive experience, regardless of the size of the state, was more important than being a senator. “Don’t forget your candidate on the top of your ticket is a senator, so be careful.”

McCain has more experience as a senator, McCain debaters said.

“He’s older,” countered Obama supporter Jake Brown.

“That means he has more experience, more wisdom. He’s not too old. He doesn’t have Alzheimer’s,” said Stephanie Gagne.

Teaching government during a presidential campaign “is a gift,” Cifelli said. “We’ve done some neat things with students, like registering them to vote.” More than 250 Lewiston seniors have registered, he said.

Some schools require students to take civics and government as freshmen. Cifelli praised Lewiston for requiring government of seniors, at a time they’re nearly ready to go out on their own.

And being able to vote soon makes government classes more relevant – “the idea that they can make an impact, their voices can be heard,” Cifelli said. “Kids are paying attention to the issues. Some are working for campaigns. It’s nice to see.”