you cannot rely on the fact that they may be watching it in all places. you have to have a broad mix of communication. host: brian donahue is a partner with craft media and digital and joe fold is president of the campaign workshop. i want to thank you both for being there for this conversation. next, we are going to turn our attention to scotland's independence on september 18. they will go to the polls to vote on whether or not to leave or not to leave the united kingdom. we will get your thoughts on that coming up next right after this news update from c-span radio. >> an update on burger king's purchaser of canada's tim hortons chain. the wall street journal tweets that warren buffett berkshire taxes onwill pay u.s. its burger king preferred stake. i heard of it and is expected to cover the higher u.s. tax bill.

same-sex marriage laws come before court today. attorneys for the states of wisconsin and indiana will argue their case before an appeals court in chicago on why the bands should be reinstated. the bans were rolled unconstitutional two months ago. a decision by the three-judge panel could directly affect hundreds of couples who were married in june after federal butes overturned the bans before their rulings were put on hold pending appeal. president obama has designated today as women's equality day, noting women have made many advancements within the last century but his administration is "committed to turn down the barriers that still exist." the presidential designation comes on the anniversary of the formal adoption of the 19th amendment on this date in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. and those are some of the latest headlines on c-span radio. c-span presents

debates on what makes america great. evolution and kinetically modified foods. issues spotlight with in-depth care,at veterans health iris oversight, student loan debt, and campus sexual assault. new perspectives on issues votingng global warming, rights, fighting infectious disease, and food safety. and our history tour showing sights and sounds from america's historic places. find our tv schedule one week in let us at c-span.org and know what you think about the programs are watching. us. us or e-mail usn the conversation, like on facebook and follow us on twitter. we are back for the next 30 minutes here of "washington journal." whether or not scotland should vote for its independence from the united kingdom.

we will put the phone lines up like we normally do -- we want your thoughts on this. you can also send us an e-mail journal@c-span.org or send us a tweet, http://twitter.com/cspanwj. joining us on the phone is brian taylor, political editor with the bc scotland to talk about this vote. there was a debate last night over this idea of voting for or voting against scotland's independence. first, tell us why is this an issue? why is scotland -- why is the referendum for voters in scotland? guest: i know seems awful to say, but one has to go in

history. 1707, the two countries of scotland and england agreed to merge the parliaments. they had a shared king. there was an agreement, more or less, openly in terms of [indiscernible] maintained that it is a separate scottish legal system. there is a different scottish education system. all sorts of things that are different. anr the centuries, it became issue as to whether or not scotland would regain a degree .f sovereignty it maintain a body of opinion in scotland the said scotland resume her place among

the immunity of nations. the discussion really is there's a feeling in scotland of scottish identity, whether or not that is best represented within the wider united kingdom or requires sovereignty to be expressed. host: take us to last night's debate. we covered here on c-span. what were the issues put out there for and against? guest: the way this debate has preceded, because there are two the manifestoes or contenders and you examine each equally. a referendum car should scotland be an independent country? campaign, the entire those who are opposed to scottish independence, who want to maintain the united kingdom as she is say that -- they say

scotland could be independent, but they pose doubts about economy and scotland's place in the world, doubts also expressed by president obama and others about the impact it might have on global stability more generally. they pose doubts. reassure onthose to areything because people looking for answers. some of the issues raised last night, certainly the cup and see. the chief proponent of independence said he could wish independence for scotland but wants to share the parliament with remainder of u.k., a sterling zone. his opponent say that is all very well, a fine idea, but it would not suit scotland, they they say he cannot wish

this upon the people of dk, but only the people of scotland. i think he succeeded well last night. he got his retaliation in first by saying a yes vote comes as a mandate for the full package as set out in the prospectus by the scottish government, that includes a sterling zone. the former chancellor of u.k. says, no, you can speak only perhaps for scotland if you would never vote, you cannot speak for the remainder of the united currency. kevi[indiscernible] a series of questions and doubts posed in an attempt to offer reassurance. , is thisan taylor

all about issues of prosperity for the scottish citizens or is there strong enough desire for just independence? guest: it is about a range of things. the underlying question is about identity. though that is tended not to be stressed. this is an issue for all of the people of scotland, not just those born in scotland were of scottish to send. it is perhaps the underlying question. it is about scotland's place in the world. it is about patriotism. whether it is purely scotland were to be shared with the u.k. it is about the economy, and particular, household economy. the people of scotland for taking a really hard look. i've never seen an election campaign or political event where the people have been so

engaged. they are incredibly engaged in this debate. people stop me questions. it is about household economy. they want to know, supposing we vote yes and independence takes place in 2016, would we be better off -- not we globally, but my family, my elderly mother, my young kid who is just starting school? they want those answers and want them in detail. no,orters of the union say, you are better in the wider tech space and wider economy of the united kingdom. they believe scotland [indiscernible] that is where the decision will rest and where the decision will be. we are going to ask our viewers their thoughts on whether or not scotland should vote for its independence.

we want to encourage people to start calling it now. the numbers are on your screen. brian taylor, americans are used to outside influences in their campaigns. what about in this one? guest: there have been a number of external influences. the most intriguing, undoubtedly, president obama's reflections he believed the u.k. was basically stronger together. ofcost considerable ripple interest. huge ripple of interest here in the campaign supporters of the union said the president -- the u.s. president was milley reflecting common sense sense, reflecting global strategy and reflecting u.s. interests but also the interest of the u.k.. -- the main guy proposing independence am a he becomee scotland were to independent, scotland would remain a firm friend of the united states and cheekily reminded president obama of 1776

. host: what are the polls looking like? the last six take or so, about 53 for the union union and57 for the 43 for the opposing. suggesting a lead of that magnitude for the. d -- pundits say he won the debate last night. hardnk it was a fairly argument. it may not struck a chord them easily. for thistes the voters final push of three weeks, 3.5 weeks of what has been a quite remarkably long campaign. in one sense, started three years ago with the election majority in the administration in the scottish parliament is

started 300 years ago. host: brian taylor, we cover this debate as you were talking about it. if yours are interested, they can go to c-span.org. we will show our viewers for and against arguments from last night's debates. was that anything that could sway the scotch voters one way of the others? guest: we have the publication of the scottish government, the prospectus, the plan for independence. we have a series of documents by the u.k. government countering that prospectus. we had debates on various stations, including last night a debate on the bbc and bbc scotland shown threat the u.k. minister the prime and others. we have comments from around the globe. ultimately, it is down to the people of scotland. it is undecided decided who will

decide. there are those who are still unsure. i don't mean that in a majority cents. they're trying to get to the root of this and make their mind up. it is the way those undecideds move that will determine the outcome here. will they listen to the doubts and anxieties and believe there's a positive case for the union, or will they listen to the arguments for independence and believe that scotland's future could be jeopardized i staying within the united kingdom? it is their choice. i've never seen engagement like this. people discussing it on the streets, in their living rooms, in clubs and workplaces and city meetings. not just on big stage debates like last night. the whole country is enthralled with this topic. the people will decide -- 1/6 will vote by post. voting inder are

september and we will know the results early hours of the following day. host: brian taylor, thank you for your time. guest: happy to help. , indiana,mington independent. should scotland vote for independence from the united kingdom? caller: i do believe after 500 years, it is time to let the scottish people make up their mind and throw off the yoga of england. just decide the rights of the people who have been fighting for independence for half a millennia. is -- the time has come. it will be interesting to see what the scottish people decide for themselves. and i think if they can have a vote and have it done peacefully , it speaks well for both sides of the issue. i will be interested to see what happens.

thanks a lot. you are awesome. elizabeth, virginia, democratic caller. i would hope the united states population can take this opportunity for wants to stay out of someone else's business. i think the scottish people have a right to vote for whatever they choose to. host: texas, republican. caller: hello. host: you are on the air. caller: my thought agrees with elizabeth. this is not united states business, it is scotland's business. if they want to become independent, they should do so. if they want to stay aligned with great britain, they should do so and we should keep our hands out of it. host: so you're referring to president obama weighing in? caller: yes. host: richard, independent caller. i would hope that would

follow the vote of the scottish people and the direction it goes. host: you're concerned they would not? caller: the u.s. should keep their nose out of that and hopefully, let the scottish people get the direction from their votes. we should respect that. host: brian taylor laid out the history for a little bit. recently "the wall street journal," they have this graphic. below that, independent streak, history of the union. proclaimedtion scotland is a sovereign state.

built, republican caller. what are your thoughts? caller: i am calling to say i sincerely hope the referendum and scotlandeed remains in the united kingdom. however, we're seeing this around the world, by the way, i'm a proud to senate of a scotsman who left right after the 1700s when scotland lost the last shot of staying independent. what we're concerned with worldwide is evolution. there are so many places in the world where the national borders are created historically but within it several independent communities.

will warn that governments can keep defense finances centralized, but devolved powers to the component areas the better. host: let's listen to the arguments against independence. this from the debate last night. this is what darling had to say. [video clip] people want to change, but they also want security on jobs, children's futures. that is why my messages that no thanks will not mean no change. that is why there will be more powers for the scottish parliament, tax on the wealthier, everything that makes sense to decide here. we are delivered before, and we will deliver again. scots will start voting by post. so we need answers tonight, right here and right now. the currency, no answers.

the me tell you i currency matters. currency is about jobs in huge numbers. currency is about what we pay for the weekly shop. it is about interest rates, ortgage rates and rent of our pensions. critically, the money we use is about being able the paper public services upon which we all depend. that is the real threat to our national health service, not the ones he is trying to scare us with. the questions have grown. what about oil? last week, the north sea oil export issued a stark warning, quite something, he says their hugely exaggerating oil revenues to make sure their sums add up. again, are we going to place all ond alonets on salm being right? the united kingdom is about sharing risks and rewards with our neighbors. been part of something bigger gives us opportunity and security as well as our scottish identity in decision-making.

this is a decision for which there's no turning back. but our children and the generations that follow will have to live with that decision. you might hear some good lines from him tonight, but remember, a good line is not always a good answer. it is answers now we need. generations to come, we have to say, no thanks. host: that was alastair darling who laid out the arguments against independence. scott's will go to the polls september 18, decide whether or not to leave the united kingdom. alex salmond from the debate last that made the argument for independence. here's what he had to say. [video clip] >> since the parliament can do scotland, life has gotten better. personal care for the elderly. move tuition fees for the next generation of students. we helped the old by providing security and we gave opportunity to the young. like theave problems

ferguson shipyard, we can act decisively to save jobs. but there is far too much that still controlled at westminster. we could not stop the bedroom tax. we can't stop illegal wars. we cannot stop the disabled with welfare cuts. billionsstop countless being wasted on a new generation of weapons of mass destruction. now we have the opportunity to change all of that. three weeks on thursday, we can take matters into scottish hands. to go backward. more and more scots want to complete the whole world journey. the case for independence depends on a simple proposition will stop absolutely no one will run affairs of this country better than the people who live and work in scotland. no one cares more about scotland.

just like in 1979, the voices of doom tell us we can't do it. we can't do it every other country takes for granted. and just like then, they are wrong. we are a rich nation, resourceful people are making -- we can create a prosperous nation and a fair society. a real vision for the people of scotland. this is our time, our moment. let us do it now. host: scottish national party leader alex salmond from last night's debate laying out the argument for independence. that vote is september 18. scott's will go to the polls to decide whether or not to declare their independence in a referendum vote from the united kingdom. we are getting your thoughts this morning whether not you think scotland should vote for independence. by the way, if you missed last night's debate, we will re-air it coming up on c-span at the top of the hour 10:00 a.m. eastern time. independent caller. caller: i am curious, i wanted

to ask mr. taylor how much emphasis the candidates were giving on a national currency, scottish means of exchange? host: a lot, tony. brian taylor was saying a lot of focus has been on this issue of currency and do they have their own currency? so that has been part of the debate. caller: right. i think that would give the homeland people the power to set interest rates, to control mortgages, loans to business startups and to put more homeland control and to the financial sector. thank you. host: this is from the "wall street journal" article contending that full independence would catapult scotland into the club of rich and happy small nations that includes norway, finland, and sweden.

eva, michigan, democratic caller . caller: i'm just calling to say affairssonally, i think of britain and scotland are their own affairs. but to needlessly drag in amusing comment by the president of the united states, who did not make it in a speech, but simply musing, simply gives certain sections of the american public an opportunity to just shoot at him again. i thought it was unworthy. today"his is from "usa yesterday --

we are getting your thoughts on whether a not should scotland vote for independence from the united kingdom. we will keep taking our comments for another four minutes or so. "the washington post" from monday also has this headline about the vote --

john, winston-salem, north carolina, independent color. what do you think? i was in scotland off and on for about three years. i don't care which way the vote goes, but my observation is that a lot of this is about salmond's ego. one thing i'm fairly clear on is the scottish parliament has been to the british parliament, but british parliament doesn't have that much input into the scottish parliament. i believe that gives scotland

already a level of independence. host: ok. thomas, fort lauderdale, florida, democratic caller. it might not go according to what is being said at the moment, but we are gottry divine and design revelation 14 to 19 in comparison to the coming of christ. i just called to say this will be very important. if you could read revelation 14 and 19, it will give you some insight into the coming of christ. thomas, that will be our last thought. that does it for today's "washington journal." we will be back tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. eastern time. [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2014]

>> it is election day today for four states. key races in arizona where voters will choose which republican goes against of a credit commerce woman kirkpatrick. republicans find for chance to face joe garcia in the fall. oklahoma holding congressional primaries in vermont republicans have four candidates vie to challenge peter shumlin. u.s. surveillance flights are happening now over syria. "new york times" reporting obama authorized the flights. andmmodation of spy planes drugs. the white house says the president has not approved military action inside syria. the white house has launched against islamic state in neighboring iraq. the group controls areas in both

countries. we could hear more about this and the president this afternoon. you scheduled to speak at the american legion national convention at noon and charlotte, north carolina. we plan to have live coverage of the president's comments. he is also expected to announce executive actions to improve the mental health and well-being of veterans. shortly after that, the new veterans affairs secretary will address the national convention. he has called for the resignation of eric shinseki four months ago. robert mcdonald took over the leadership at the end of july. live later this afternoon with a discussion on the future of the european union. . taking part in the wilson center, taking part at 330 eastern on c-span. heardsc