Well if you’re just arguing it, like debate class style, then your belief on the matter needs to be put on the back burner. Think of yourself like a lawyer with loose morals, you just need to do what you need to do to win. The arguments for keeping it are easy though. -They employ a huge amount of americans (I’m sure you could find actual stats on that) -They’re the backbone of our entire manufacturing industry in the US -If they went under, so would a huge number of businesses associated with them, and millions would lose jobs. -In times of war or high concern our automotive industry can be turned towards manufacturing what we need (ala how in WW2 the government basically took it over and used it to make vehicles and aircraft). -It’s hard to justify punishing everyone associated with the auto industry for the poor management of those at the top. (just a few to start with) Also if you’re going to debate it and you want to be prepared, you should think about what arguments your opposition will make (which sounds like it will be easier for you to do), and think of counter-arguments for those. For example, the easy argument is the question of why we should be spending tax payer dollars to bale out an industry that simply failed (ala why not let the free market do what it’s supposed to, and failed businesses fail). The counter argument being something about how tax payers would probably be in more pain if the industry went under than they are loaning money to them now. (I would be sure to point out that we’re not “giving” the money to the car companies, they’re loans, and if the companies survive they will have to pay them back, and we would make profit from that…. Chrysler actually did this 20 or so years ago and paid us back early and for a big gain).