LIVEBLOGGING #2: AFL-CIO DEBATE

CLONING INCLUSIVE HEART's DIARY:

Hi all live blogging the debate.

A special shout out to all the good union production folks working on the event.  I love my union crews.  

The usual suspects will be present and our friend Keith Olbermann is the moderator.

The debate is on MSNBC.

No photos and try to add content and attribution to comments for those who can't watch live.

Please post your transcripts where ever you like in this diary.

VIDEO HERE, or also on MSNBC on TV:

MSNBC with Keith

Total free for all.

•  Put #2 in your Title and link to #1

  BTW - Perfect Tags!

  by SarahLee on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:31:38 PM PDT

•  Snappy debate, this

  by Scarce on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:31:48 PM PDT

•  thanks kfred!

  I've linked to your new diary in mine and you should probably add II to your title.

  thx :)

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:33:25 PM PDT

  •  Done - slow on the uptake, but done n/t

    by kfred on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:42:06 PM PDT

  •  I have Part III ready to go. I will publish when

    we get to about 280 comments.

    by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:52:49 PM PDT

    •  you rock :) n/t

      by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:53:41 PM PDT

•  Obama

  rambling on about something.

  by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:33:51 PM PDT

•  Obama

  Q: Why did it take so long to hear how you would vote on supplemental?

  A: Difficult to send message to Pres who has been obstinate.

  Hoped to have seen some progress with Republicans. Apparently we haven't convinced enough.

  Unless we can change the minds of additional Repubs, we will have to wait until I am Pres.

  by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:33:55 PM PDT

•  Interesting that Keith

  would ask Clinton and Obama about the timing of their supplemental votes. Neither of them answered the question.

  by bumblebums on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:35:03 PM PDT

•  The best way to force Bush to end the war

  is to defund it, guys.

  by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:35:19 PM PDT

•  Keith is doing a great job

  the is best debate so far.

  by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:35:36 PM PDT

•  Iraq: if we go and A/Q takes over, then what?

  Richardson:  by withdrawing, the real peace can begin; have an all-Muslim peacekeeping force, and then focus on our own foreign policy.

  Obama:  if we had followed my judgment originally, we wouldn't have been in Iraq.  I've introduced legis that the only way they won't take over is to begin phased redeployment.  we can still have troops in the region to help, and make sure no long term bases there.

  Biden:  if A/Q establishes bases in Iraq, ... I'm the only one here that has a detailed plan to get us out of Iraq.  

  Clinton:  has a 3 pt. plan.  do it responsibly and carefully.  taking the troops out can be dangerous; must be smart when doing it.  need intensive diplomatic effort.

  Dodd:  there are a lot of young men and women serving; they haven't failed, policy has.  begin redeploying immediately.  need to have robust approach on diplomacy.  (Current admin views diplomacy as a sign of weakness).  we shouldn't sell arms to Saudi Arabia - they don't support us in Iraq.

  Edwards - would draw 40,000-50,000 troops out today.  Need to make Iranians and Syrians help with stability.  we have to be prepared for possibility of genocide.  I would plan and prepare for all possibilities.

  Kucinich:  we need to get out now; have a plan to do that.  congress has the ability to tell bush - use the money to bring the troops home; stabilize Iraq.  I'm the only one here to vote against the war and the funding.  I'll keep pressure up on Dem. congress and I ask for your help.

  Obama:  (KO asks why did it take Obama so long to vote on the latest funding vote).  my hope was that we'd see progress from the republicans.  we had convinced some that it was a mistake and it was time to start drawing down.  needed to send a strong signal to the president; unless we can change minds of additional republicans...we are going to have to wait until I'm POTUS - my first act calling chiefs of staff - bring them home and start stabilizing.

  Clinton (same question from KO).  these are our sons and daughters; had to think long and hard; don't want to undercut our support for them.  it isn't an easy vote - can be argued either way.  tried to figure with good faith what was best for our country.

  by Ellicatt on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:36:43 PM PDT

•  Dodd just took on Obama

  regarding his foreign policy.

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:36:47 PM PDT

•  Dig the groovy split screen

  by Scarce on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:36:48 PM PDT

•  Dodd

  Q: What has been confusing about Obama's foreign policy position?

  Words mean things, must be careful. When you raise issues about Pakistan, Musharrif may not be Jefferson, but he is the only thing standing between us and a disaster.

  Think it's irresponsible to suggest that we act unilaterally.

  by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:36:53 PM PDT

•  Obama

  violating debate rules.

  by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:37:42 PM PDT

  •  Are they ganging up on Obama?

    by cassidy3 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:39:25 PM PDT

  •  it's not like the others aren't. n/t

    by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:41:13 PM PDT

•  obama

  the rock star of the group.

  by soulsurfer99 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:38:15 PM PDT

  •  insightful n/t

    by stevej on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:56:55 PM PDT

•  "Actionable Intelligence"

  That phrase is getting alot of mileage...and will most likely continue to do so.

  And everytime someone else uses it, it will remind people of Obama.

  by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:38:20 PM PDT

•  Obama - I find it amusing that

  the people that put us in the war are now criticizing me.

  Now that is a great point.

  Obama, reminds them that they authorized the war.

  HRC - if you are running for president don't get into hypotheticals. We could destabalize Pakistan?????

  by cassidy3 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:38:46 PM PDT

  •  hypotheticals

    Every question a candidate is asked is a freakin' hypothetical what if type question. Dodge and a slimy one at that.

    by Magnifico on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:41:29 PM PDT

  •  She was right

    he was wrong.  I am sorry but he sounds like an idiot desperate to get his hits in and so does the crowd there booing her.  dkos will disagree with me.  But in a few days the polls will prove me right.  
    You know I do not agree with all of her politics.  I am much more liberal than she is and I wish she had not voted for the IWR.  But she and Dodd, Richardson,  Biden (hot head that he is) and Gore are the only ones I can imagine running this country.  Obama and Edwards and their supporters in the audience seem like petulant children...less interested in taken the best position for America than they do in finding out what position they can take that will give them a way to attack Clinton and gain support in the polls.
    It's bizarre.

    by carneystaff on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:52:06 PM PDT

•  Obama

  violating rules again.

  by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:39:35 PM PDT

  •  I thought they had 30secs to respond

    if they're called out?

    by WellstoneDem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:41:02 PM PDT

    •  At the discretion

      of the moderator.

      He's been good about letting a candidate respond, but it was getting out of control.

      by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:43:03 PM PDT

•  Im glad they took on Obama

  he got a chance to clear that up for the whole world to see.

  by WellstoneDem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:40:08 PM PDT

•  Wow - this is a fast debate.

  I am having a hard time keeping up.

  I am actually grateful for the commercial breaks.

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:40:52 PM PDT

  •  fast debate it is

    i think it's all those people milling around in the background that's making it seem faster.

    by soulsurfer99 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:43:10 PM PDT

•  It's a real debate!!!

  a lot more hard hitting then past events!!

  by tshaw1 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:42:43 PM PDT

•  hillary is not getting us out of iraq

  by memofromturner on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:42:44 PM PDT

  •  Technically

    none of the major ones are.

    Richardson, iirc, is the only one talking about a complete withdrawl.

    by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:44:05 PM PDT

    •  Richardson and Kucinch would, rest won't.

      by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:45:21 PM PDT

      •  no

        Richardson says he would.

        Kucinich would.
        
        
        `````
        peace
        
        

        by peace voter on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:47:02 PM PDT

    •  no, you don't recall correctly

      `````
      peace
      
      

      by peace voter on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:46:05 PM PDT

      •  Ok

        Who else besides Richardson and Kucinich (who I obviously left out)?

        by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:48:29 PM PDT

        •  umm

          do you think Mike Gravel would leave the troops in Iraq?

          `````
          peace
          
          

          by peace voter on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:53:10 PM PDT

          •  Of course not, but

            my original post was regarding the major candidates.

            As much as Kucinich and Gravel tickle me, they don't fall in to that category. Neither does Richardson, but his "no residual forces" line sticks.

            by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:58:57 PM PDT

•  Audience questions in this segment. n/t

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:43:53 PM PDT

•  We've got a Chicago and Obama

  crowd.  Booing Hillary for saying Obama should not use hypotheticals that could threaten overthrow of Musharraf and hand country over to Al Qaeda.

  by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:44:18 PM PDT

  •  yeah

    they're idiots

    by carneystaff on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:53:53 PM PDT

•  will the audience members get to ask followups?

  if not, I don't see how them asking will be any different than Keith asking.

  by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:44:52 PM PDT

•  biden forgets miners wife to go back to pakistan

  by WellstoneDem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:46:00 PM PDT

  •  yeah, that's gonna cost him. n/t

    by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:46:50 PM PDT

  •  It was a brief answer

    but he followed up tonight on Olbermann:

    by shelbinator on Wed Aug 08, 2007 at 10:31:29 PM PDT

•  Deborah Hamner (Sago Miner's Widow)

  DH:  this is happening again.  the bush admin...rolling back dozens of workplace protection.  what would you do to protect health and safety in coal mines and workplaces across america?

  Biden:  I understand and my heart goes out.  everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own facts. ... the law - (he is talking about Pakistan and Musharif, not addressing the question, and the crowd boos him.)

  by Ellicatt on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:46:29 PM PDT

•  Workplace safety - Biden ignored the

  question and went back to the Pakistan question and got booed.  He makes these kinds of tone-deaf mistakes.  It is too bad really.  Very dumb on his part.

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:46:49 PM PDT

•  Kucinich is right on

  where unions are concerned.

  by Panda on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:47:25 PM PDT

•  Gloves are off

  This is what I was looking for.  

  by kfred on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:47:48 PM PDT

•  Now Richardson isn't answering the

  question about the Maytag plant.

  These guys need to answer the questions.

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:49:12 PM PDT

•  Iraq vet

  After serving in Iraq, I find my job at Maytag closed and moved to Mexico.  I was making a good wage w/benefits; it was devastating.  What would you do to keep mfg. jobs in the country?

  Richardson:  I would protect pensions, health care; job protection and OSHA protection in the future.  as a vet, I would guarantee fully funded VA hospitals; you got to get your health care at the VA today, I would guarantee funding for those hospitals, but would give vets a card to get health care anywhere you want.

  by Ellicatt on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:49:39 PM PDT

  •  that guy's question was at the heart of

    what is going wrong in this country.  Very moving.

    by SarahLee on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:50:53 PM PDT

•  Is that Richardson...

  or Santa Claus?

  He'll give everybody everything, but he's not one of those "tax & spend" Dems.

  Wow.

  ````
  peace
  
  

  by peace voter on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:50:32 PM PDT

•  Ouch

  Tears now.

  by bumblebums on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:51:29 PM PDT

•  Man...

  Now that was hard-hitting!!!

  by tshaw1 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:51:32 PM PDT

•  Dodd

  at least he answered the question directly.

  by soulsurfer99 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:51:49 PM PDT

•  So far, Kucinich

  is winning this thing (overall). I'd but Dodd second. After that, it's like crabs in a barrel.

  by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:52:09 PM PDT

•  Heartbreaking question from a gentleman

  who has lost a third of his pension and his healthcare after working his heart out for a company his whole life.

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:52:10 PM PDT

  •  and a heartwarming response from the crowd

    You can tell this isn't an atmosphere  conducive to Republican  Foxisms.

    by crystal eyes on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:56:34 PM PDT

  •  the truth is that DK

    has the ONLY good health care plan.  He won't be the nominee.  I would love to see what Gore proposed if he ran.  
    Edwards is grandstanding, he takes all these photo-ops, but the unions aren't stupid.  They are going to wait to see who the front runner is right before the primaries before they endorse anyone.  

    by carneystaff on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:57:29 PM PDT

    •  They are holding out to see who will win

      because they don't want to get burned and left behind by backing the wrong person again.  It isn't because they don't like candidates.  They are being much more politically shrewd at this early stage of the game than they have been in the past.  That came out in an interview this afternoon with one of the union leaders.

      by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:00:18 PM PDT

      •  exactly

        that's why I said they are not stupid.  But I also think they know Edwards is pandering.  Do you think they can't look at his voting record in the senate and remember how he ran his campaign in 2004? He was all about business and the middle class 4 years ago and before that.

        by carneystaff on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:08:54 PM PDT

        •  I recall a different campaign from him where

          the Kucinich people were giving him their votes in Iowa because he was the economic populist.  What Kerry chose to do and what they sent Edwards out to do and say when he was the VP candidate is a different story.

          by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:11:56 PM PDT

•  No one has remembered the questioners name yet

  they all really need to work on their connecting skills.

  by WellstoneDem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:52:12 PM PDT

•  Retired Steel Worker from LTV

  lost a third of pension and health care when LTV filed bankrputcy (My own father could be the one asking this question, this is exactly what happened to him, and it was also with LTV).  What would you do to prevent this?

  Edwards:  this is what is wrong with american - both on pension and health care.  we ought to treat pensions of chairmen and CEO's exactly how we treat the workers.  ought to have universal health care in this country.  I intend to be the POTUS who explains to america how important unions are to the economic security in America.  in the last years, walked picket lines 200 times.  who is with you in the crunch time?  who will stand with you when it matters?

  by Ellicatt on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:55:19 PM PDT

  •  My dad lost his but not with LTV

    it was a small retail change. After the bankruptcy the company reorganized and re-opened under another name.

    Drink shade grown coffee!

    by mad ramblings of a sane woman on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:33:14 PM PDT

•  Q for Edwards

  Steel worker lost pension and health care...really touching situtaion, sick wife..."What's wrong with America and what will you do to change it?"
  Crowd cheers questioner.
  Edwards: Bless you first of all for what you've been through.
  I have a very simple view of this...treat retirements and pensions of CEOs exactly like we treat the workers (cheer)...universal health care, we need it in the worst kind of way so that when you're bargaining...(you're not worrying about health care)
  We need to recognize how important labor/unions are to the US...who's been with you in the crunch, I have walked picket lines, worked with employers...let me finish this...who was with you in crunch time..who will stand with you when it really matters...

  I thought it was a good answer.

  by Panda on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:55:23 PM PDT

  •  so did the crowd

    judging by the cheers.  And so did I - especially about the CEO pensions/retirement being treated exactly like the workers.

    by Feeling Blue on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:57:19 PM PDT

    •  you should look at his

      voting record. Photo ops are one thing.  Voting in the senate is another thing.  

      by carneystaff on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:00:43 PM PDT

      •  Which votes?

        Here's a list...

        by Panda on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:07:42 PM PDT

      •  AFL-CIO seems to think he's okay

        AFL-CIO Ecstatic about Edwards and Gives his 2003 Voting Record a 100% Rating
        07-Jul-04
        John Edwards
        AFL-CIO: "Edwards comes from a strong union family: His father was a mill worker, his mother a member of the Letter Carriers and his brother a member of the Electrical Workers. 'I know from my own life how important unions are. The only reason my brother's family has had health care is because of the union. We have a lot of work to do to protect workers' rights in America,' he wrote in an AFL-CIO candidate questionnaire. 'This is a team that will generate a lot of excitement and draw a sharp contrast with the failed policies and leadership record of George Bush and Dick Cheney,' says AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney. As U.S. senator, Edwards has earned a 96 percent AFL-CIO lifetime working families voting record. In 2003, he stood with working families 100 percent of the time."

        Link

        by Feeling Blue on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:17:47 PM PDT

•  How friggin cool is that?

  A citizen for only 6 months and he's asking a question to someone who could be the next President.

  by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:56:43 PM PDT

  •  Why? n/t

    by stevej on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:57:41 PM PDT

    •  Why what? n/t

      by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:59:48 PM PDT

  •  Really cool!

    by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:58:04 PM PDT

  •  Some days you can say,

    "This is America!" and feel good about it.

    by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:58:12 PM PDT

•  Biden is a decent guy

  why does he have to screw it up when he gives those off-course out of touch answers.
  The first thing I think when he talks about his health care is that we pay for it and I want what he has.
  He needs to stay in the senate.

  by Panda on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:59:20 PM PDT

  •  Biden

    yeah i was put off by his answer.

    by soulsurfer99 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:00:13 PM PDT

•  Biden, I have the labor record here.

  Biden: Did you walk when it was tough?

  by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:59:35 PM PDT

•  Biden just pimp-slapped Edwards

  for his "marching" talking point.

  by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:59:54 PM PDT

•  Biden

  I'm walking the picket lines while in Senate.  Edwards never did this while in the Senate.

  What a hit.

  by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 04:59:59 PM PDT

•  I wish the Republican candidates would have to

  face these questioners.
  America is hurting everywhere except for the Republican fat cats.

  by crystal eyes on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:01:45 PM PDT

  •  OMG

    Could you imagine what it would look like if the Republicans had to face this crowd?

    by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:04:39 PM PDT

    •  No, especially not if rotten fruit

      ....and tomatoes were allowed.

      by Scarce on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:05:58 PM PDT

      •  LMAO n/t

        by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:06:30 PM PDT

    •  blink...blink.....

      blink.

      cough.

      blink.

      by littlesky on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:06:13 PM PDT

    •  Yes

      They'd have no responses, the only things they talk about are terrorists and abortions.

      by Panda on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:09:12 PM PDT

      •  Don't forget them pesky aliens....

        Repubs love to hate anyone that isn't rich & white.

        Drink shade grown coffee!

        by mad ramblings of a sane woman on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:30:03 PM PDT

        •  <smacks forehead>

          Right you are...#3, spreading hatred via vicious class and race warfare. I forgot that for a second while thinking of the unborn terrorists. ;)

          by Panda on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:36:12 PM PDT

  •  How could they stand up to this...

    by declaring more war and no abortion or gay marriage that's all they talk about... they would get booed out of the city!!!

    by tshaw1 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:10:02 PM PDT

•  Union Insulator

  many companies don't invest in energy efficient products.  what policies would you implement to make business invest in energy efficient policies (foreign oil and environmental concerns)

  Dodd:  (starts with talking about health care; crowd boos).  50 mpg by 2017.  gift to our grandchildren - energy independent policy.  effects national security.

  by Ellicatt on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:05:03 PM PDT

  •  I am really surprised that he missed on that

    question and then waded into the auto workers union territory who have just managed to kill the CAFE standards in the latest energy bill.

    I like Dodd a lot.  I thought he would have handled that question better.

    Also they all talk about energy independence for children and grand children and the thing is that it will benefit adults now if we start going in that direction because this country will be viewed as a leader again rather than a dinosaur going off to die.

    by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:09:54 PM PDT

•  This group of people

  are a riot. They get cranky when any of the candidates address a previous question.

  Gotta love a union crowd!!!

  by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:06:11 PM PDT

  •  the crowd

    it's also hotter than hell there. very upbeat and cranky crowd.

    by soulsurfer99 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:07:26 PM PDT

    •  It is 97o here in Middle TN at 7:30pm

      what is the temp up there?

      Drink shade grown coffee!

      by mad ramblings of a sane woman on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:26:23 PM PDT

  •  The crowd reaction tonight is just as good

    as it was on Saturday.  I love it!  (and from what I can hear, Senator Clinton isn't getting all that much love from this crowd, either.)

    by Ellicatt on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:08:33 PM PDT

    •  The top three

      are about equal in love getting, imo. They adore Kucinich though, again, imo.

      And I totally agree, an engaged crowd is a good thing.

      by kml on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:18:21 PM PDT

•  I am disappointed that the candidates aren't

  answering the questions that are posed to them.  They all seem to be making this mistake.  It is a critical mistake too.

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:06:51 PM PDT

  •  The only one who even seems close to

    answering the questions is Kucinich, who knew? At least he isn't telling everyone to text "peace".

    Drink shade grown coffee!

    by mad ramblings of a sane woman on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:17:22 PM PDT

•  Hillary will create millions of new jobs

  She keeps saying this, no one else is.

  One can not protect jobs that don't exist even with a union.

  by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:08:54 PM PDT

  •  You mean the jobs that her husband

    sent across the border and overseas? Yeah, right....

    Drink shade grown coffee!

    by mad ramblings of a sane woman on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:15:36 PM PDT

    •  During Bill's presidency

      there were labor shortages as record new jobs were being created.

      by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:42:47 PM PDT

      •  Those tech jobs went 'poof' too

        didn't they? Let's see where are they now, oh yeah India, Malaysia, Eastern Europe, South America.....

        Don't forget all those HB-1 visas that have displaced American tech workers here in the US.

        Drink shade grown coffee!

        by mad ramblings of a sane woman on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:54:09 PM PDT

  •  New jobs for which country?

    not the US I bet.

    by okamichan13 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 08:13:03 PM PDT

•  Lightening round.

  Limit answer to 30 seconds.
  Richardson first: My VP will not be Dick Cheney (cheers)

  by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:10:12 PM PDT

  •  don't bet on them

    actually answering a question in 30 seconds, though. Don't these guys practice these sort of things?

    by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:11:51 PM PDT

•  oooo the lightening round!!

  by soulsurfer99 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:10:39 PM PDT

•  VP job description?

  Richardson - it won't be Dick Cheney; he would be a member of the executive branch and have the ability to step into the presidency.  Any here would be an excellent VP.

  KO to Clinton:  this past saturday, you defended taking money from lobbyists.  (...why do they make? so much money???)

  Clinton:  fundamental reform is needed in Washington; it is essential to get rid of the contracting of jobs.  I fought for all of the issues against special interests for a long time; fought drug companies.  My record on standing up and fighting for people speaks for itself.

  by Ellicatt on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:11:57 PM PDT

•  Edwrads on lobbyist $

  Lobbyists in Wash. DC rig the system. When lawyers give money to jurors, that's called a bribe. When lobbyists do it to candidates, it's called politics.

  by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:13:20 PM PDT

  •  great line!

    probably his best tonight.

    by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:14:51 PM PDT

  •  Spelling alert: Edwards!

    Edwards, Edwards, write this 100 times.

    by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:15:08 PM PDT

•  Here we go again

  Obama saying he doesn't have Federal lobbyist raising money for him.  He fails to say he has state lobbyist raising money for him and that he is paying them back with his support for coal industry.  Sleazy

  Then Edwards pretends all lobbyists are the same.  Surely this union crowd knows they are represented by lobbyists.

  I'd rather have almost anyone but either of these two men win the nomination, including Dennis.

  by carneystaff on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:16:21 PM PDT

•  oh keith, you made it so far...

  by WellstoneDem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:16:24 PM PDT

  •  he's been the most entertaining host so far

    even though he's had some trouble controlling the crowd and the candidates.

    by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:19:12 PM PDT

    •  And I think that he was

      the fairest to all the candidates.  Seemed pretty even handed to me.

      by SarahLee on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:49:00 PM PDT

•  Edward doesn't

  answer why taking money from trial lawyer is not different from that of lobbyists.

  He claims lobbyist are bribing and trial lawyers are just really good guys.

  by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:16:35 PM PDT

  •  I would argue that trial lawyers

    are good guys. Lobbyists? Not on my good guy list, for the most part.

    by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:19:57 PM PDT

    •  Yes all union lobbyists are really bad guys

      by Fools on the Hill on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:21:32 PM PDT

      •  Please don't put words in my comment.

        It's very unbecoming.

        by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:22:42 PM PDT

      •  18 to 1

        they are being outspent. The union guys are fine but they aren't being listened to and don't have a place at the table. With Hillary you get more NAFTA and still an empty seat.

        by okamichan13 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 06:24:04 PM PDT

  •  Do you think they are the same? n/t

    by edgery on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 08:12:24 PM PDT

•  Biden: Reason campaign starting so early is

  Because we're angry, we're frustrated.

  by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:21:46 PM PDT

•  Would you worry that the 2012 campaign

  would start if you were elected President?

  Richardson says "yes" - big mistake

  Obama says that the campaigns start too early.

  Biden is up and says the smart thing - he says it wouldn't bother him because people would be much happier - SMART answer.

  Clinton says not going to worry about getting re-elected and will work on healthcare etc.  - also smart.

  more later...

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:22:06 PM PDT

•  Edwards on health care.

  When are we going to start standing up to these health care companies?

  by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:24:33 PM PDT

  •  Edwards has the best response on health care.

    and everything else - an unbiased opinion. :)

    by cassidy3 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:28:05 PM PDT

•  Dodd on 2012 election question.

  Says he'll do the job and America will respect it.

  Edwards talks about public financing and talks about the guy with the cleft palate again and misses the important answer about whether he'll worry about politics.

  Kucinich says he is Seabicuit of the race.

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:24:43 PM PDT

•  Kucinich

  he has alot of heart!

  by soulsurfer99 on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:25:52 PM PDT

•  Ending: 6:36pm

  Wow! Good debate.

  by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:25:59 PM PDT

•  Debat is over.

  I am afraid that I wasn't as happy overall with the field of candidates tonight has I have been after past debates.

  by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:26:12 PM PDT

•  as president, would it disturb you that the race

  to replace you begins just days after your first term starts?

  Richardson:  yes; ... I've got the most experience in foreign policy.  I represent change.  I would have the ability to bring the country together, heal, and end divisions after the Iraq war.

  Obama:  campaigns last too long and cost too much; influenced by Washington insiders  not enough to change political parties; bush has been a disaster.  make sure that we are mobilizing Americans across regions, race.  my campaign reminds that change happens from the bottom up.

  Biden:  wouldn't bother me;  if I do the job that I'm capable of... we know how terrible we are internationally.  (the new POTUS) there is no margin or error.

  Clinton:  I'll be so busy, I won't worry about it.  health care, new jobs, education policy.  so much work for America to do that if someone wants to go out and start running, I don't care.  lot of repair work to do - come to Washington, bring your brooms - lot of clean  up to do.

  Dodd:  all of us are troubled.  this campaign started early.  frustrated and angry.  were this a parliamentary system, bush would be gone tonight.  if we start doing the job we are committed to...begin working on health care, education,... American people would respect that and rally behind that.

  Edwards:  definitely too long; public finance of education.  (talks of a 50yr. old who had a cleft palate - didn't get medical care for it until later in life because he couldn't afford it).

  Kucinich - ...  cancel Nafta and WTO; universal health care; pre-kindergarten.  ... lets keep going - make it happen.

  by Ellicatt on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:26:25 PM PDT

•  Matthew's is gushing over Hillary

  I thought she did well, but not that well...

  by Omen on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:26:38 PM PDT

  •  He seems to always gush

    over Sen. Clinton.

    by greenchiledem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:28:34 PM PDT

•  And Chris Matthews calls it for Hillary n/t

  by WellstoneDem on Tue Aug 07, 2007 at 05:26:51 PM PDT

•  "I'm kinda the Seabiscuit of this race"

  Hahahaha...good answer by Kucinich.

  Well done, Keith Olbermann! Kudos!
  That's how it should be done.

  Oh noooo, Screamer Matthews to dissect.

  by Panda on