Dem Candidate Debate Liveblog #2

Debate is streamed on CNN's website, and of course is airing on CNN per se.

Notes:

Please do not rec this diary - the main Liveblog is the only one to rec.

No pictures - not a one and yes; this includes you.

Please reply to the first comment only with transcriptions.

New diaries usually pop up when the comments get to around 250.

Diary listings:

1. Liveblog Mothership

2. Here we are

3. fabooj

4. ???

5. ???

(sign up for slots in the Mothership)

•  Transcripts only here

  by smokeymonkey on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:28:24 PM PDT

  •  biden

    "quoting legislation i wrote in jan."

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:40:00 PM PDT

  •  q: are the dems putting politics above conscience

    do the dems fear the war will be blamed on them by R spin machine?

    hillary:  since the election of 2006, dems have tried repeatedly to win r support for the simple notion that we need a timeline...now.

    i asked the pentagon if they had a withdrawal plan, was told i was unpatriotic.

    kucinich:  "yes; we've failed the american people...we should tell pres. bush no more funds for war...use it to bring our troops home."

    dodd:  "there is no military solution to the civil war in iraq"

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:42:46 PM PDT

    •  Richardson

      The lives of our troops are more important than George Bush's legacy.

      by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:44:05 PM PDT

  •  Richardson:

    "The lives of our troops are more important than George Bush's legacy"

    -dms

    by dmsilev on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:43:53 PM PDT

    •  that was a very good line (n/t)

      by Trix on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:45:03 PM PDT

      •  Yep

        Very true, and an elegant way of putting it.

        -dms

        by dmsilev on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:46:23 PM PDT

  •  dodd

    "we've lost our moral authority."

    richardson:  "the lives of our armed forces are more important than the legacy of george w. bush"

    "the time has come to bring the troops home.  no politics - just get it done."

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:44:23 PM PDT

  •  Vietnam

    Note:  I didn't mean to make the first comment actually.

    Gravel:  "I like the question, and I don't get very many of them.  I tell ya, its a setup question.  Our soldiers in Vietnam died in vain.  You can go to Hanoi and buy a Baskins Robbins..."

    by smokeymonkey on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:45:35 PM PDT

  •  gravel

    there's only one thing worse than a soldier dying in vain; it's more soldiers dying in vain.

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:45:50 PM PDT

  •  Gravel:

    "There's only one thing worse than soldiers dying in vain; that's more soldiers dying in vain".

    -dms

    by dmsilev on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:45:53 PM PDT

  •  obama

    "i never think that troops...who do their mission for their country are dying in vain.  but i do think the...leadership...should have plans"

    edwards:  basically same response.  real question is "what is going to be done to stop this war?"  "while the iraqi parliament is on vacation, will g. bush be on vacation in crawford?  ...we must make him change course"

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:47:56 PM PDT

  •  Gravel

    Our soldiers died in VietNam in vain.  You can go to Hanoi and get Baskin Robbins.  what did all of those people die for, what are they dying in Iraq for now?

    Obama:  our soldiers have done all that has been asked; carried out extraordinary missions.  Re Clinton:  good that she is asking plans from the Pentagon, but the time to ask was  before we went in.  Both repubs and dems have to take responsibility (for the war).  I never think that troops like those coming our of the Citadel are dying in vain..

    Edwards: don't think that any of our troops have died in vain.  the question is what is going to be done to stop the war.  Iraqi parliament are taking a month's vacation - is G. Bush taking a month's vacation?  need to turn up the heat and (make him change course).

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:47:56 PM PDT

  •  dodd:

    "elections should be about the shared experience of service."

    clinton:  "i do not support a draft"; i think our all-volunteer force has worked splendidly.

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:49:32 PM PDT

  •  Women registering for selective service

    Dodd:  yes, its the fair thing to do.  "I'm an advocate of universal national service."  ??
    Clinton:  "I do."  Clinton has introduced legislation for a national service academy.  "We need to do more to support public service."
    Obama:  "There was a time when african-americans were not allowed to serve in the military. ... I think if women are allowed to register it" would give them responsibility for the nation.
    Edwards:  mentions a story of a brave woman
    Gravel:  "I'm the guy that filibustered" the draft.  "What's the difference?" on whether women should be drafted.

    all say they don't support a draft.

    by smokeymonkey on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:51:16 PM PDT

  •  Hillary:

    got to look at more ways for public service - got to get young people back into public service; student loans deferred/forgiven.

    Obama:  speaking of when African Americans weren't allowed in the service.  women in the service - (not for combat) - sends a (message to women).

    Edwards:  anybody who has questions regarding women (in combat needs to meet Sally ?Barnes?  she flew in the first mission for this war?)

    Gravel:   (G. Bush doesn't have the boots on the ground for Iran...women should be allowed to serve in combat areas)

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:52:09 PM PDT

  •  Q for Clinton:

    How do you feel that you'll be taken seriously by states that regard women as 2nd class citizens?

    As First Lady, met with many foreign leaders/dignitaries/etc. I believe that there isn't much doubt that I can be taken seriously. Other countries have had women Presidents; they are taken seriously.

    -dms

    by dmsilev on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:52:59 PM PDT

  •  Anwar Sadat '82 peace agreement;

    would you be willing Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and N. Korea to bridge the gap that divides our countries?

    Obama:  I would.  the notion that not talking to countries as a punishment is ridiculous.  Reagan, JFK constantly spoke to the Sov.Union.  have the obligation to find areas to potentially move forward.  need to talk to Iran and Syria; tell them we are not going to be a permanent occupying force - they need to help create stability.

    Clinton:  won't promise to meet them in the first year; will have a diplomatic effort.  doesn't want to be used for propaganda purposes.  will use a lot of high-level envoys.  won't have the president meet with castro and chavez...until we (see) what the way forward will be.

    Edwards:  before meetings take place, need diplomacy so that the meetings won't be used for propaganda.  its not enough to meet with bad leaders.  

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:56:42 PM PDT

  •  edwards

    yes...bigger question:  what will the president do to restore our moral authority?

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:56:54 PM PDT

  •  by what date after 1/20/09

    will you have all of our troops out of iraq?

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:57:43 PM PDT

    •  Biden

      not a single one that can take the troops out in 6 months; lets tell the troops; 5,000-10,000 troops needed to just protect civilians.  70% of all deaths are from roadside bombs.  must send immediately mine-resistant vehicles.  how can you vote not to send those vehicles there when there is one single solitary troop there?

      Clinton:  3 point plan to get them out ASAP.  best estimate is a brigade to 1 1/2 to 2 brigades a months; they are not planning for that.  until we get this president and pentagon to say that are planning to withdraw, we are not able to turn this around.  yes, we want to begin moving the troops out, but must do it safely.  it will be complicated, but lets start now.

      Kucinich:  people can send the message to congress right now.  TEXT Peace.  full plan to remove the troops,  I voted against the war and the funding.  lets get the troops home, send the message now, can't wait for the next president.

      by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:02:43 PM PDT

  •  dodd

    "i've been pushing...so come januayr, i'd hope that'd be copmleted."

    richardson:  6 months; no residual forces.  clinton wants 50k residual forces.  "our troops have become targets."

    there IS a civil war; there IS sectarian conflict.

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:59:33 PM PDT

  •  biden

    let's get real.  "it will take a min. 5 - 10k troops just to protect our civilians there."

    talking up funding for mine-resistant vehicles.  

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:00:41 PM PDT

  •  hillary

    "we don't want more loss of american and iraqi life when we withdraw.  we need to recognize that it will be complicated and we need to start it now."

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:02:16 PM PDT

  •  kucinich says he's the only true anti-war

    points to the other candidates and says you can't claim to have always opposed the war when you have votes that supported it.

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:03:05 PM PDT

  •  Who is you favorite teacher and why?

    (WTF is this???)

    Obama:  5th grade teacher; just coming back to the US and felt out of place.  she had lived in Kenya; showed me how my experience was valuable.

    Biden:  priest in HS.  (audio was bad on my end; couldn't catch what he said).

    Edwards:  HS english teacher; showed me someone from NC can go and do anything.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:09:25 PM PDT

  •  hahaha NCLB question

    would you scrap the whole thing, or just revise?

    rich.:  i'd scrap it; it doesn't work.  it's not just an unfunded mandate, but one-size-fits-all doesn't work...the worst thing it does is...penalize districts that are not doing well.

    teacher min. wage of 40k/yr

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:10:56 PM PDT

  •  biden

    it was a mistake...i would scrap it.  

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:11:45 PM PDT

  •  NCLB

    Richardson:  scrap it, doesn't work, doesn't emphasize teacher training, disabled kids.  takes districts and schools that aren't doing well and takes away funding.  key to good education is a strong teacher.  40000/year for teachers.  emphasize science and math - kids not scoring well in these areas - major federal program for arts in the schools.

    Biden:  this is a mistake.  talked to Paul Wellstone at the time, but voted for it because he talked to Kennedy.  Scrap  it and do a major overhaul.  His wife is a teacher and says its not working.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:11:46 PM PDT

  •  your children - public or private school?

    Edwards - all of his children went to public school

    Clinton - Chelsea went through 8th grade, then (private because of security concerns).

    Obama - his kids went to public schools; he taught at a public school.  

    Biden:  went to private school (Catholic school - because of wife and daughter being killed)

    Kucinich - for public schools

    Gravel - both public and private schools

    Dodd:  daughter goes to public school (kindergarten)

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:15:04 PM PDT

  •  gravel

    "we need better competition in education."

    "i would not scrap it entirely; accountability is important."

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:15:26 PM PDT

  •  Sex ed; age appropriate

    Edwards:  we've had 4 children; 2 youngest are 9 and 7.  have been through the whole experience.  youngest children - signs of inappropriate touching, older children - proper education.

    Obama:  references Romney; 9yr and 6yr old daughters - tells them to come and talk to the parents (inappropriate touching issues...)

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:17:17 PM PDT

  •  q from murfreesbro, TN

    everybody's wondering if al gore will run again.  what we wanna know is - does that hurt ya'll's feelings?

    who was the ass who said he thought TN's feelings just got hurt?

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:19:01 PM PDT

  •  Global warming

    Kucinich:  global warming vs. global warring - need to move to sustainability, conservation.  snowmen and the planet shouldn't be melting.  Iraq oil - privatizing - its about the oil.  connects to the defense policy.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:19:35 PM PDT

  •  kucinich

    global warring = global warming

    reliance on oil connected to our defense policy

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:19:50 PM PDT

  •  change tax structure

    tax on what is spent, not earned.

    dodd:  50 mpg standard by 2017...entire fleet of federal automoblies would be hybrids.  corporate carbon tax..."you've gotta tax polluters."

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:21:20 PM PDT

  •  decrease energy consumption - your policies?

    Gravel - change tax structure; fair tax where you're taxed on what you spend vs. what they earn.  the system is now corrupt.  will take the nation from a consuming nation to a saving nation.

    Dodd:  50 mpg standard by 2017. federal automobiles would be hybrids.  corporate carbon tax.  move away from fossil fuels.  he drives a hybrid

    AC asks how many took private plane to get there.  all but Kucinich and Gravel raises hands.  Gravel said he took the train and the bus to get there.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:22:14 PM PDT

  •  nuclear power

    Edwards - doesn't favor.  its extremely costly and an enormous amount of time to build.  need to find fuels that are renewable and clean

    Obama - we should explore nuclear power as part of the mix.  increase fuel efficiency on cars.  series of different approaches.  we've been talking about this for decades.  Cheney's energy policies - met with oil and gas 40 times.

    Clinton:  strategic energy fund; no tax breaks for the oil cos.  fuel efficiency for cars and energy efficiency for buildings.  (nuclear) can be a win-win if we do it right.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:25:16 PM PDT

  •  fix voting - how?

    richardson:  push whole country to verified paper trails

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:26:31 PM PDT

  •  Voting; standardizing

    Richardson:  would push the country to verified paper trails; close to 10 states that do this.  close to 50% of eligible voters vote.  need same day registration.  repubs must stop suppressing minority voters.  depoliticize justice dept.  a verifiable paper trail will help turnout voters.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:27:05 PM PDT

  •  question re: minimum wage

    would you be willing to do this service the next four years for minimum wage.

    gravel:  yes i would.  but we don't need a minimum wage; we need a living wage

    edwards:  yes

    clinton:  sure

    obama:  well, we can afford to work for minimum wage

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:32:55 PM PDT

  •  minimum wage; would you be willing to be

    paid min wage?

    Gravel:  yes, but we need a living wage.

    Dodd:  increase to 9 or 10 dollars

    edwards:  yes

    clinton:  sure

    obama:  most on this stage have a lot of money; most folks cant

    Richardson: yes

    Biden:  couldn't afford it , but if got a second job,  yes.

    Kucinich:  need to increase the min. wage; yes, he'd work for min. wage.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:33:38 PM PDT

  •  Social security

    Dodd:  year of 2040, this comes to a head; opposed to privatization.  raise the level

    Obama:  important option, don't privatize; preserve SS - do what Reagan and O'Neill did...

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:34:58 PM PDT

  •  raise taxes or cut benefits?

    Richardson: needs a bipartisan effort; (diabetes - find cure).  Stop raiding the SS fund.  

    Biden:  change tax structure; breaks given to those who don't need it.  we need more revenue; either raise taxes or take away cuts from those who don't need it.

    Kucinich:  no rise in taxes; stop the top bracket cuts so that you don't borrow from China.  stop Nafta, WTO, etc. ...

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:38:36 PM PDT

  •  q: there will be a boom of alzheimer's as the

    boomer gen. ages.  how do you plan to combat this now?

    2nd q:  how does each of you plan to address chronic health problems?

    3rd q:  i've gone for years w/o h. ins. that would have allowed me take preventative med.  what would you do to make prev. meds. available to everyone in the country?

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:40:51 PM PDT

    •  obama

      we need uniersal health care.  

      edwards:  mandate universal coverage, then.  he's [obama] made a very serious proposal; it just doesn't cover everybody.

      by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:43:07 PM PDT

    •  obama made a great point

      about insurance and pharma lobbying to the tune of millions.

      by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:43:38 PM PDT

    •  hillary

      thanks video peeps for sharing w/ the world

      "universal health care is an amerian value."

      "cover everybody."

      by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:44:31 PM PDT

  •  Chronic diseases; preventative health; cancer;

    low-cost or preventative medicines; disabled.

    Obama:  his plan has universal coverage.  problem is that folks desire coverage but can't afford it.  outrage that wealthiest nation can't afford coverage for all.  we've had plans before, but couldn't get it done; drug and insurance companies lobby.  need a president to fight that that don't have the power.  they can have a seat at the table, but can't buy all of the chairs.

    Edwards:  universal plan.  obama's plan doesn't cover everybody.  millions suffer badly in this country.  recent poverty tour in western Virginia; met with someone with a severe cleft palate that wasn't fixed until he was 50 yrs. old - couldn't afford the procedure.  we must stand up to the insurance and drug companies.  should be outraged from these stories.

    Clinton:  in a country as rich as ours this is a national disgrace.  I tried in the past; must need a national commitment; must stop being told by special interests that we can't do what other countries already do; decency and respect for all.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:44:14 PM PDT

  •  health care for undocumented workers

    Dodd:  first of all-stemcell research; diabetes - schools have contracts with junkfood and softdrink companies.  re workers:  if they are paying part, they are covered.

    Richardson:  it should cover everybody.  every american deserves the right to the best healthcare.  start with care for every kid.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:46:07 PM PDT

  •  dodd comes out swinging

    in support of stem-cell research and takes a swipe at the co-opting of our schools w/ soda etc. obesity problem

    richardson:  universal health coverage should cover EVERYBODY, including undocumented workers.  get rid of junk food in schools.  healthy breakfast for every child.  mandatory phys. ed.

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:46:15 PM PDT

  •  given bush/clinton/bush

    how would you [hillary] represent the change we need?

    hill:  well, i think it IS a problem that bush was elected in 2000...you know, i actually thought someone else was elected in that election

    by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:47:29 PM PDT

    •  hillary:

      "any one of us would make a better president than the current president."

      gravel:  DLC, et al sold dem party out, used to be party of working man

      obama:  who can overcome the special interests in washington?

      by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:49:18 PM PDT

  •  Bush-clinton-bush-clinton?

    Clinton:  it is a problem that bush was elected in 2000.  thought that somebody else was elected in that election...   I'm running on my own merits; proud of my husband.  diversity in the dem. party - anyone on stage here would be better than the current party or any of the republ. candidates.

    Gravel:  this is a serious problem.  Clinton and the DLC sold out to wall street.  clinton, obama, edwards - wall street and hedge funds.  analyze where the money comes from - the bankers on wall street, they are lock stock and barrel in their pockets.

    obama:  question for the people who wants change - who has the track record to unifying the country.  who can overcome the special interests, fight for ordinary people.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:49:23 PM PDT

  •  in liberty and God we trust

    Biden:  don't find anything inconsistent with my deep religious belief and my ability to do my job.

    ---
    secular voters - being snubbed.  

    edwards:  as POTUS - we will lift up all americans.  my beliefs are personally important, but is crucial for all to know that its not my job to impose my beliefs on the american people or policies affected by this.

    obama:  proud of being a christian, forms what I do.  strong believer of separation of church and state.  religious independence.  we are under obligation in public life to translate religious to moral values.  ... what the founding fathers intended.

    ---

    guns

    Richardson:  instant background checks.  criminals and mentally ill should not get weapons; includes gun shows.  attack poverty and bringing people together.  ghettos - heavy gun violence.  

    Biden:  I wrote the assault weapons ban.  we should be working with law enforcement to protect those who are incapable of knowing what to do with a gun.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:54:58 PM PDT

  •  look to the left - one thing you like and one you

    don't like

    Gravel:  do like Dodd; have a problem of where the money is coming from.

    Dodd:  I like edwards and his family; has nothing negative to say.

    edwards:  likes what Hillary and Bill have done for America; doesn't like her coat.

    Clinton:  I admire and like Barack and all of the candidates.  what you see is how ready the dems are to lead.

    Obama:  I like Hillary's jacket!  He Likes that Richardson has devoted his life to public service.  don't like that he likes the Yankees and Red Sox, but like the White sox.

    Richardson:  like all that are here and any would be a good VP.  re: Biden - we disagree on Iraq, but he has devoted his whole life to public service; great contribution to civil service - would make a great Secretary of state.

    Biden:  Dennis and I have been good friends for 25 years; the best thing I like about him is his wife.

    Kucinich:  (no one is to my left!).  Gravel showed great courage during the Viet Nam war - pentagon papers.

    by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 06:00:10 PM PDT

•  War dead

  I wonder if they'll post pictures of the war dead during the Republicans' debate? I hope they do.

  by Magnifico on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:36:56 PM PDT

  •  Probably dead embryos

    and 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11......

    by Dallasdoc on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:38:44 PM PDT

•  I didn't think it was possible

  but the first comment was posted before the diary was (I was on the 'edit' screen when I saw the comment appear).  I guess that once the URL is published, the diary can be accessed, or something.

  Weird.

  -dms

  by dmsilev on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:37:08 PM PDT

  •  test

    It was a test I did.  I didn't think it would work either.  Sorry.

    by smokeymonkey on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:46:22 PM PDT

    •  No worries

      It was more amusing than anything else.

      I just tested it with another draft I have at the moment, and that didn't work, probably because the draft is a couple of days old and doesn't yet have its final URL.

      Or something.

      -dms

      by dmsilev on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:47:38 PM PDT

•  when the transcript is available...

  I look forward to counting how many times "I'm the only one/candidate..." was said.

  by Trix on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:39:38 PM PDT

  •  and also...

    "When I'm President..."

    :-)

    by Trix on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:46:17 PM PDT

    •  I liked in better in the old days

      Like when candidate JFK was asked in he could beat Nixon & he replied that Nixon was a formidable candidate & it was "up to the American people to decide." Less presumption and puts the emphasis on what needs to happen, that the presidency isn't a prize but something conferred on them. "If the American people elect me, I will..."

      by jmknapp on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:14:20 PM PDT

•  fp

  I thought the liveblog was moving kinda slow. Kos has 2 live threads going on the front page.

  by OLinda on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:40:10 PM PDT

  •  Usually, we have both

    the front page and the diaries. Doesn't seem to be as much traffic, all around, as for the last couple of debates.

    Dunno why.

    -dms

    by dmsilev on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:41:47 PM PDT

•  Have you seen this?

  by TomP on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:42:43 PM PDT

  •  Psst.

    I thought the plan was to keep these threads "light" loading by not posting inages and videos.  Did I miss another memo?

    by MajorFlaw on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:44:47 PM PDT

    •  Against "live" rules.

      And you don't want to mess with Liveblog.

      by Caldonia on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:09:16 PM PDT

  •  Please, no pictures

    Ditto for YouTube videos, etc.

    -dms

    by dmsilev on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:44:53 PM PDT

    •  Sorry. my mistake.

      I did not know. I apologize. I had not read the rules.

      by TomP on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:50:17 PM PDT

  •  Is it too hard to read

    The part in the diary that says no pictures?

    by fabooj on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:47:18 PM PDT

    •  Sorry, I missed it.

      I cannot delete the comment.

      My mistake.  I thought it was a cool video.  Sorry, sorry, sorry.

      by TomP on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:51:32 PM PDT

•  Absolutely awesome

  I've criticized his (non)handling of the hair issue.  So, in fairness, I must say that was perfect!

  by cardinal on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:44:29 PM PDT

  •  weird. that was supposed to

    reply to TomP.

    by cardinal on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:45:22 PM PDT

•  We can already conclude a few things

  1. The CDC confirms no cases of foot in mouth disease

  2. Not falling for Roveian frames (I don't expect this to hold*)

  3. Audience seems to represent mainstream America, lots of applause

  4. The number of Kossacks here suggests that they've already finished the Harry Potter book.

  • They will blow it as soon as immigration comes up and they use the word Amnesty (even in denial) rather than "plea bargain". They don't read my diaries or comments!

  by MakeChessNotWar on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:45:09 PM PDT

•  Gravel: "The only thing worse than a soldier

  dying in vain is more soldiers dying in vain."

  I like the way this debate is going.  Whoever is running the show tonight should run all of them.  Just mho.

  by MajorFlaw on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:46:35 PM PDT

  •  Gravel

    Is being whiny about the lack of questions and his anger is a real turnoff.

    by fabooj on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:49:19 PM PDT

    •  What would you have him do?

      Just sit there passively while everyone else gets more time? I'm not a Gravel supporter, but it's good for somebody to speak up when they're getting the shaft, dont you think?

      by pdxattorney on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:04:18 PM PDT

      •  Be a grownup

        The whiny and every question is just ugh...reminds me of those people always screaming, "It's not fair."

        by fabooj on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:08:14 PM PDT

        •  Ok, how would a "grownup" respond?

          Just sit there passively and take it, or what.

          by pdxattorney on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:13:21 PM PDT

•  Did Edwards Speak In the Lost 30 Minutes? n/t

  by webranding on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:46:59 PM PDT

  •  Rosemary Woods? n/t

    by EdlinUser on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:00:53 PM PDT

•  I would love nothing more

  Than for someone to smack down right-wing questioners like that twit from West Virginia who asked about Vietnam.

  In any case, Hillary continues to do well in the debates, much to my dismay.

  by eugene on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:47:35 PM PDT

•  Progress, of a kind,

  women should register for the draft.

  I agree.

  by brklyngrl on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:49:06 PM PDT

  •  Ehhh

    Nobody should register for a draft. THAT is progress.

    by eugene on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:50:19 PM PDT

    •  That's why I said 'of a kind'

      rather than just progress. Believe me, I don't want a draft.

      But I still appreciate the position that women have the same rights and responsibilities as a men.

      by brklyngrl on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:52:41 PM PDT

      •  Right

        by eugene on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:54:41 PM PDT

•  Clinton: Forgive student loans for service

  HRC hit the ball out of the park for me with this comment.

  I have long felt that if we made it worth their while, many Americans would gladly enter public service for a period of time to help in the many areas we so badly need qualified people for.

  I think doctors, teachers, nurses, any number of folks, should all have a substantial amount of their student loans forgiven for public service.

  by Ninepatch on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:51:45 PM PDT

  •  One of my kids...

    ...did two years in AmericaCorps under the first President Clinton.  It was a fantastic experience.

    by Caldonia on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:53:37 PM PDT

  •  Not really

    Hitting the ball out of the park on student loans would be a broad forgiveness program, low interest rates, making them fully dischargable in bankruptcies, etc.

    People should not have to do public service to get out from under the student loan burden.

    by eugene on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:54:01 PM PDT

    •  it's a student LOAN

      not a grant

      by diplomatic on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:06:31 PM PDT

      •  Yes

        And it's our economic future, not a semantic debate. Without a broad forgiveness program, this country is screwing itself by making it so that young people will not be able to be economically secure or productive.

        Loan forgiveness would be one of the best ways to stimulate economic activity imaginable.

        by eugene on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:11:39 PM PDT

•  That dude in Okinawa

  Is an embarassment to this country. What an ignorant stooge. Has he never heard of Margaret Thatcher? Angela Merkel?

  by eugene on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:52:41 PM PDT

  •  Indeed

    Indeed, why would any country respect George W. Bush? He gets respect because he is "president".

    by Magnifico on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:54:25 PM PDT

  •  Clinton educated him

    Given the question, I thought her answer was very good.

    Certainly a rather silly question, though.

    -dms

    by dmsilev on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:58:41 PM PDT

•  oh no he di'int!

  that !@#$%& just asked how hillary would hold her own against leaders whose cultures regard women as 2nd class.

  and felt obliged to add "i think it' a legit question."

  by Liveblog on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:53:28 PM PDT

  •  Neanderthal. n/t

    by Caldonia on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:54:09 PM PDT

•  Hillary nails it on

  women Presidents.

  I mean, Liberia, really??!!?!?

  by brklyngrl on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:53:39 PM PDT

  •  India, just this week. n/t

    by Caldonia on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:56:31 PM PDT

•  HRC: Muslims take a femal seriously

  (Me - can you say Benazir Bhuto (sp?) .. )

  Many women in power on the world stage and everyone takes them seriously.  A woman US president would be a plus in dealing with anyone.

  by Ninepatch on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:54:03 PM PDT

•  Obama answered right

  go to Iran, Korea, Syria, ect

  by aaraujo on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:54:08 PM PDT

•  I'm beginning to enjoy Hillary's sassyness.

  "I think it's appropriate for a woman american president to deal with the arab countries"

  That question was so sexist and misogynistic.

  by fanaa on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:54:35 PM PDT

  •  I would be happy with a President Hillary Clinton

    by aaraujo on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:55:53 PM PDT

•  Anyone who expects a "yes/no" answer

  for most of these questions will be disappointed. These guys did not get where they are by painting themselves in a corner.

  by Omen on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:57:06 PM PDT

•  IF I was a republican

  i woudl start feeling sick about the next youtube debate

  by aaraujo on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:57:43 PM PDT

  •  haha...

    I'm thinking of my question now, and it ain't pretty.

    by Caldonia on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:58:57 PM PDT

    •  SEND EM IN!

      by aaraujo on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:00:17 PM PDT

    •  Well, they've already been asked if they

      believe in evolution.  Only thing left is to ask 'em if they believe in gravity.

      by MajorFlaw on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:03:09 PM PDT

  •  When will that be?

    I need to stock up on popcorn.

    Of course, CNN will pick the questions, so anything really nasty is unlikely to sneak through.

    -dms

    by dmsilev on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:00:00 PM PDT

    •  I want to say September, but I could be wrong. nt

      by Ellicatt on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:05:02 PM PDT

  •  you underestimate

    both the number of wingers with cameras and the number of conservative-minded, GOP-loving editors of the next network to do this thing.

    by Omen on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:00:22 PM PDT

    •  I dunno,

      "Who are ya gonna believe, me or your lyin eyes" can only work for so long.  Even the RWingers are starting to ask (in the words of Mr. Neil Young) why do things keep fucking up.

      by MajorFlaw on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:06:21 PM PDT

•  Dodd says within 120 days, we could -

  be out of Iraq, Richardson says much sooner MUST happen. Biden says it will take year, maybe more.

  by va dare on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:59:37 PM PDT

•  Please ask Biden about credit card companies..

  ...so we can slap him off his damn high horse.

  by malharden on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:00:24 PM PDT

•  CLinton says we can...

  move a brigade a month. "But we must do so orderly...'

  by va dare on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:01:32 PM PDT

•  Hillary shows some emotion!

  good on her

  by aaraujo on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:01:44 PM PDT

  •  about damn time too n/t

    by Omen on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:03:56 PM PDT

  •  Here is a comment I left on another thread

    It speaks to me that she was talking about universal health care before I ever even realized that we could and should have it in our country!  She seems a bit stiff at times but I personally think that is due to the tremendous abuse she, her husband and her family have suffered since the first president Clinton was elected.  Go watch some video of her from the first couple of months he was in office, before her handlers muzzled her. ( I bet she bit 'em!)  I found her quite likeable.  Smart, driven, laughing, and at ease.  Many (some unfair) burdens have been placed on her shoulders since that time and she carries them well.  For sheer strength and determination no one can hold a candle to her.  Most people, Republican or Democrat, male or female, would have been crushed by the forces brought to bear on her.  She has simply gotten tougher.  God help the Republican party if she is elected.  I hope she offers no quarter!

    by dangangry on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:12:25 PM PDT

•  honestly

  I think this debate was done the way it was in order to subtly bash the blogosphere. They are choosing at best slanted questions, and the format makes the youtubers look a little kooky.

  by Omen on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:03:08 PM PDT

  •  It seems

    That a lot of the questions are from Republicans just based on how questions are asked.