Clash of the Titans: The Battle for Democracy

Once again Regent University hosted another Clash of the Titans debate. The issue at this year's debate: America's role in spreading Democracy around the world.

With American troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, it's a topic that drew quite a crowd.

The lineup included President Bush's former top advisor Karl Rove and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

On the other side were retired Army General Barry McCaffrey and former U.S. Senator Max Cleland. Emmy winning journalist Charlie Rose moderated the debate.

America Should Spread Democracy Worldwide

Both sides agreed that America should spread the principles of democracy to the world.

"It is in our national security interest to aid in the spread of democracy. Democracies with rare exceptions don't attack their neighbors, democracies don't encourage terrorism, harbor training camps, encourage the spread of hatred and intolerance," former GOP strategist Karl Rove said.

Bush says America is the only country that can lead the way to democracy.

"If not the United States, who and what would the world look like without the United States leadership in this area?" Bush said.

But Cleland said that the U.S. should model democracy by showing the way, not forcing it upon others.

"I do believe that we ought to lead as a nation and as individuals by example. We really can't force Christianity on anybody or democracy on anybody," he said.

But exactly how to export democracy was where there was disagreement.

"We should articulate that we are a liberal democracy, but we should not forget the disaster of intervening in very different cultures, histories, and legal systems," McCaffrey said.

Iraq War Hijacks Debate

The atmosphere quickly heated when it came to America's use of military force - specifically the war in Iraq. It was an issue that dominated the event.

"Why didn't the Bush White House go after Osama bin Laden?" Cleland challenged Rove. "Why are we wasting time in Iraq?"

Rove responded, "Senator, with all due respect, the U.S. Military and U.S. Intelligence agencies made every effort possible to get Osama bin Laden, and frankly I don't think it reflects well on our military and intelligence services to suggest that they didn't."

Rove said the U.S. has helped promote democracy in Africa, Asia, and Europe over the last 30 years, but acknowledged that spreading freedom and liberty in the Middle East will be a long and difficult task.