home

New Hampshire Democratic Debate: Live Thread

The debate is starting. If you are watching and online, please chime in with your reactions.

Time is on the honor system. Answers should take about one minute. They must stay on topic of the question or they will be stopped. There are no opening statements, just introductions.

First question to Obama using yesterday's terror bust. He says Bush doesn't get credit for lack of terror attacks since 9/11.

Goes to Edwards. Global war on terror is a Bush bumper sticker. Hillary doesn't agree with Edwards. We are safer than we were, we are not safe enough. Kucinich: Patriot Act undermines civil rights and as President he would repeal it.

They move to Iraq. Lots of blame for George Bush. Questions about reading the NIE report. Edwards defends his not reading the report but says he was wrong to vote to authorize the war.

More...

Move to immigration, Richardson is asked whether the path to legalization is amnesty. He supports earned path to citizenship and penalizing employers. The Z visa isn't amnesty because there are requirements. It's a process that takes 13 years. He won't support a bill that sepatates families. Guest workers should have labor protections. We don't want an underclass.

Biden: Agrees there doesn't need to be a 700 mile fence. Deporting them isn't feasible. Get a background check, deport the criminals and provide a path to legalization.

Wow, he voted for the border fence to stop drug traffickers!

Obama now. He also voted for the fence.

Health insurance next. Edwards favors mandatory health insurance for everyone, even if taxes have to be raised. Hillary says she isn't sure if taxes need to be raised because we'll be saving huge amounts by other changes. Obama stresses savings through changes even though some will not have insurance. Kucinich wants a no-profit health care system.

Gays in the military and Don't Ask, Don't Tell. All oppose it now and say gays should be able to serve.

What role should Bill Clinton have in a new Administration? Mike Gravel says yes, he should be Ambassador of the World and he should take Hillary with him. Big laugh from Hillary. Hillary says when she becomes President, Bill will be a roving Ambassador.

Question to Dodd: What would you do to reduce gas prices? He has no specifics except for reducing dependence on foreign oil and global warning. Biden gives specifics.

Part One of the debate is over. There's a break and then New Hampshire voters will ask questions.

< Basics of Democrats Debate in New Hampshire | New Hampshire Democratic Debate: Part 2, Live Thread >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    Patting each other on the back (none / 0) (#1)
    by RustedView on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 06:47:17 PM EST
    I have to say I am happy that Mike Gravel is in this debate.  I was afraid after the last debate they would cut him out.

    Regarding the Iraq questions, I'm tired of everyone dodging questions.  Especially the question regarding if we have a duty in the face of a possible genocide in Iraq to stay there.  After all, many  Democrats argue that we should go into the Sudan to end the genocide there.  What if there was a genocide in Iraq following our pull out, should we then go back in?

    On a side note, did anyone else catch Sen. Obama's "phased end" to the war comment.  It makes me believe that he doesn't intend to leave Iraq anytime soon.

    Mike Gravel (none / 0) (#2)
    by naschkatze on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 06:54:43 PM EST
    I agree with you Rusted about keeping Gravel out.  I think the Repukes are trying to get Ron Paul out, and the Democrats would not look, well, democratic if they pulled a similar stunt.

    Obama is winning big so far (none / 0) (#3)
    by peacemover on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 06:55:41 PM EST
    Barrack Obama is coming across as the most persuasive and sensible in his responses thus far- particularly with his take on the terrorism question- linking it back to the shortcomings of the Bush invasion of Iraq; also I thought his response on the "English as official American language" question.  He is consistent and clearly articulate in his responses.  

    He was just asked about his healthcare plan not being universal coverage.  Obama said "most families want healthcare but can't afford it."  Thus drive down costs, hold drug companies and HMOs accountable.  His plan does call for total coverage for children.

    Personally I am in favor of universal coverage, but that is not an 'electable' position I believe in America today.  Obama's position is realistic and centrist enough to work.

    I don't think so at all (none / 0) (#6)
    by Jeralyn on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 07:15:09 PM EST
    I don't think Obama is distinguishing himself particularly well.  I think Hillary is doing the best, with Edwards right on her heels.  

    Parent
    undemocratic (none / 0) (#4)
    by RustedView on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 06:58:19 PM EST
    Naschkatze,

    The funny thing is, the Democrats do it all the time.  In the PA Senate race last year, they went all out against the Green Party candidate.  They attacked Nader in the last Presidential cycle.

    Would cutting out Gravel really be unlike the Democrats?  Sadly, I'm not a registered Democrat, so I have no say until the general election.  How democratic is that?

    there's a difference (none / 0) (#11)
    by Sailor on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 08:51:48 PM EST
    Gravel is a Dem, nader and the greens are not.

    Parent
    democracy (none / 0) (#12)
    by RustedView on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 08:59:02 PM EST
    True, BUT, in the general election, in a democracy, your strategy should be to be the best candidate, NOT to try to technically disqualify other candidates.  They would never try to disqualify a republican, but if it is a third party candidate, god forbid we are given a real choice.

    Parent
    Rusted (none / 0) (#5)
    by naschkatze on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 07:07:25 PM EST
    I'm an unaffiliated voter so I wasn't familiar with the Dems following this path, but it seems Wolfie is doing a good job tonight keeping the second tier candidates off the screen.

    I'm surprised at how much time (2.00 / 1) (#7)
    by Jeralyn on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 07:16:11 PM EST
    Richardson is getting.  It seems Dodd  and Biden are being shut out more.

    Parent
    Hillary is inconsistent, Edwards is too apologetic (none / 0) (#8)
    by peacemover on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 07:32:51 PM EST


    Line Item Veto (none / 0) (#9)
    by RustedView on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 08:02:56 PM EST
    Does Richardson not understand what the Supreme Court said regarding the Line-Item veto.  Irregardless of its constitutional status, line-item vetos allow the President to disregard the political process of compromise.

    On a site note, Jeralyn was right, Richardson is getting alot of face time in the debate tonight.

    Hillary, Obama, and Bill (none / 0) (#10)
    by NewDemYork on Sun Jun 03, 2007 at 08:08:31 PM EST
    They look and sound like a great team...I see a 2008 team of our President, Vice President, and Secretary of State, respectively.  The visual of seeing the three of them together when the camera pans on the three alone looks and sounds right and as a bonus, well represents America today as they look like America today!