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Las Vegas Democrats Debate: Live Thread One

I'll be live-blogging the Nevada debate which begins in 30 minutes. Hope you will join me in comments. If Big Tent Democrat is around, he'll be joining in.

No cable? Watch online here.

7:04 pm (MT): Race question is up first. She and Obama both look concerned. "How did we get here?" Goes to Hillary. Says she and Obama agree neither race nor gender should be part of this race. She praises Edwards as son of a mill worker. She appreciates that she and Obama, both have exuberance and sometimes uncontrolled supporters, and they have committed to having campaign be about individuals.

Obama: Hillary said it well.Our supporters get overzealous and say things I would not say. We want to focus on issues. Everyone here is committed to racial equality.

The candidates are seated around a conference type table. It’s the three top candidates and Russert and Brian Williams. [More...]

No fangs here. They are playing nice and pointing out differences between Republicans and Democrats.

Russert is now asking Hillary about Robert Johnson's comment about Obama doing something in the neighborhood. She accepts Johnson at his word as put out in his statement but this campaign is too important to be diverted by statements that are not part of who I am or who Obama or John is. The stakes are really high. We need leadership on a range of issues...jobs, homes, etc.

Question for Edwards from viewer. Policy difference between them is so slight. Why shouldn't she vote for an African-American or a woman? (What a horrible question.) Edwards is strong and seems much more relaxed than the other two. He's so passionate.

Follow-up: Even worse question, to Edwards again: What's a white male to do running against an AA and woman?

Asks Obama about what Frank Rich called his most inhuman comment, when he said to Hillary, “You’re likeable enough.”.

He absolutely regrets it because it didn’t come out the way it was supposed to.

Hillary says she has highest regard for Obama and Edwards. When we have a nominee we will have a unified party. The issue is who is ready on day one to go into oval office and deal with war, economy, etc. She discusses specifics of those policies. She criticizes Republcians. Each of us believes we are the person who should walk into oval office in January. I’m presenting my voices that I’ve heard for 35 years.

Will she acknowledge the other two are also prepared? I’ll leave that up to the voters. They need to imagine us in that situation.

Russert asks Obama and Edwards the same questions. Obama talks about his vision for change. He will use good judgment in the people he brings on board. Edwards says he’s been fighting his whole life.

Hillary: I’m passionately committed. I want to make change, particularly for children. It’s been my life work – she mentions her family and her church.

She can deliver change. Her minuses: She gets impatient. She gets concerned about pushing further and faster than people are willing to go. Respects what Obama said about bringing people together. But, you have to be able to be an executive officer and manage the bureaucracy.

So far, they are all doing really well.

New question for Obama: False information about him circulating on the internet. One alleges he is trying to hide he is muslim. (I cant’ believe they are wasting time on this.)

Obama says he’s a Christian and was sworn in on the Bible. He trusts the American people to separate lies from truth. Break. Economy up next.

100 comments here, time for a new thread so the site doesn't slow down. Come join us.

< Michigan Primary Results | Nevada Dems Debate: Live Thread Two >
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  • Display: Sort:
    dumb question resent choosing between (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by Molly Bloom on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:17:01 PM EST
    1st female and 1st African American?

    How about being ectstactic at the choice!

    Hillary calls George Bush pathetic (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:24:02 PM EST
    I like it.

    "How pathetic." re (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:25:31 PM EST
    Bush requesting Saudi Arabia monarachy drop the price of oil.  Great.

    Parent
    Ouch that was bad (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by Molly Bloom on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:29:07 PM EST
    Over emotional to pain around me? Jeez JRE. That was soo canned.

    I am around by not able to watch (none / 0) (#1)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:33:36 PM EST
    I have wireless but  no TV as I am in transit.

    Will be looking to you folks for coverage.
     

    I'll try to catch the good bits. (none / 0) (#5)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:44:01 PM EST
    you can watch online (none / 0) (#3)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:43:22 PM EST
    at msnbc.com

    I'm watching then (none / 0) (#6)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:44:11 PM EST
    Thanks!!

    Parent
    Can;t find a link (none / 0) (#7)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:47:05 PM EST
    Wonder if it is playing on some local Nevada station.

    Parent
    Paste the following into Windows Media Player (none / 0) (#11)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:49:53 PM EST
    mms://msnbc.wm.llnwd.net/msnbc_1_live_8824

    Parent
    Found it (none / 0) (#13)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:57:00 PM EST
    The pleasantries are fun (none / 0) (#14)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:57:40 PM EST
    where did you find it? (none / 0) (#17)
    by Harry Davis on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:58:19 PM EST
    Can't paste this into Media Player.

    mms://msnbc.wm.llnwd.net/msnbc_1_live_8824

    Parent

    Putting it in your browser should (none / 0) (#18)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:59:18 PM EST
    do the same thing. MP should open.

    Parent
    Links? (none / 0) (#10)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:49:43 PM EST
    watch live here (none / 0) (#12)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:54:46 PM EST
    Here's the link, it's live now. Russert is walking around laughing.

    Parent
    YEp (none / 0) (#16)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:58:19 PM EST
    sound cutting in and out? (none / 0) (#19)
    by scalibur on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:00:07 PM EST
    or is that just me?

    Parent
    They turn it off (none / 0) (#20)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:02:04 PM EST
    I think we are fine for the debate.

    Parent
    It's not just you (none / 0) (#22)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:03:19 PM EST
    I actually unplugged my tv and wires to see if it was my tv. It wasn't.

    Parent
    Nora O'Donnell is dim (none / 0) (#8)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:47:37 PM EST
    How could it be that a Republican electorate that supports the war 6/10 is "fed up with President Bush?"

    Can you please add the link to the debate? Don't (none / 0) (#9)
    by Harry Davis on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:49:34 PM EST
    see it on msnbc.com

    thanks!

    Who are all the people shaking hands (none / 0) (#15)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 07:58:15 PM EST
    candidates?

    brought to you (none / 0) (#21)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:02:50 PM EST
    by 100 black men sounds strange

    prediction: Edwards will do well tonight (none / 0) (#23)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:03:35 PM EST


    wow, they brought IT up in the debate (none / 0) (#24)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:05:19 PM EST


    surprised? (none / 0) (#27)
    by Molly Bloom on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:07:06 PM EST
    HRC did well.

    Parent
    Obama steals a Bill Clinton line (none / 0) (#29)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:08:00 PM EST
    "we have much more in common than what divides us."

    Parent
    I appreciate his answer (none / 0) (#32)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:09:44 PM EST
    I think Edwards is making it too mioch abouythimself but his sentiments are fine.

    I appalud all the candidates.

    Good for Dems all around.

    Good job.

    And good job from Brian Williams too.

    Parent

    Edwards says it isn't just about Democrats (none / 0) (#35)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:11:00 PM EST
    Felt a little false to me.

    Parent
    nice lines by (none / 0) (#25)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:06:30 PM EST
    senator Clinton
    implied supporters from both sides went to far, nice line,

    Good response to race question by HRC. (none / 0) (#26)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:06:41 PM EST
    Would it hurt Obama to look pleased about her response?

    I thought William handled the race issue well (none / 0) (#28)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:07:13 PM EST
    No loaded question.

    I think Hillary's answer is good.

    I expect Obama's and Edwards wil be equally good.

    Good stuff I hope.


    I like Obama's answer as well (none / 0) (#30)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:08:38 PM EST
    I expect John Edwards will do just as well.

    As I have said throughout, I trust all of these people.

    My differences have come from issues and political style.

    Parent

    Russert isn't going to let it go (none / 0) (#31)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:09:28 PM EST
    They want blood.

    Parent
    Do not take the bait (none / 0) (#33)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:10:19 PM EST
    Good job from Barack Obama.

    I give him the highest marks so far.

    Parent

    Russert (none / 0) (#36)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:11:20 PM EST
    omg somebody slap him.

    Parent
    Why? he gave Obama a gift (none / 0) (#42)
    by Molly Bloom on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:12:48 PM EST
    Here is Hillary's chance (none / 0) (#46)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:13:42 PM EST
    I think she does well (none / 0) (#50)
    by Molly Bloom on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:15:19 PM EST
    Very well (none / 0) (#56)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:17:22 PM EST
    A good moment for the Democratic Party tonight.

    Parent
    And now on the Wilder effect (none / 0) (#38)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:11:58 PM EST
    which he also does buy.

    I hope Russert moves on.

    Parent

    He is doing a great job (none / 0) (#44)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:13:17 PM EST
    Really stomping this thing down.

    And in away that goes well beyond what he needed to do politically,.

    I give him the highest marks and am incredibly impressed with his performance tonight.

    Parent

    That should have been (none / 0) (#51)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:15:23 PM EST
    "doesn't buy"

    Parent
    Obama's handling it well (none / 0) (#34)
    by Molly Bloom on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:10:38 PM EST
    Yup (none / 0) (#37)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:11:21 PM EST
    Incredibly well (none / 0) (#39)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:12:12 PM EST
    His best night by far.

    Just a wonderful performance so far.

    Parent

    It's really amazing (none / 0) (#40)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:12:23 PM EST
    that one of the republicans gets to make the "finals" in this whole thing.

    So True (none / 0) (#118)
    by BDB on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 10:04:24 PM EST
    This is the varsity team.  The GOP this time is nothing but JV.

    Parent
    They didn't over poll him (none / 0) (#41)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:12:24 PM EST
    the under polled Hillary, he got what the polls predicted.

    How long will Obama be permitted to (none / 0) (#43)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:12:48 PM EST
    speak w/o interruption?

    90 seconds (none / 0) (#47)
    by scalibur on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:13:44 PM EST
    with moderator's discretion to add 30 seconds

    Parent
    here it comes..... (none / 0) (#45)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:13:40 PM EST
    they want the drug thing out in this debate.


    Bob Johnson is a problem for Hillary (none / 0) (#49)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:14:45 PM EST
    But she pivots very well.

    Parent
    i like (none / 0) (#53)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:16:54 PM EST
    how she took his word for what he said - it was community service, yet also said it was out of bounds.  hmmmm....

    but yes, she moved out of it well

    Parent

    Did WIlliams expect her to call Johnson (none / 0) (#58)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:17:55 PM EST
    a liar?

    Parent
    Bob Johnson now (none / 0) (#48)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:14:33 PM EST
    Hillary goes a good response.

    great question for edwards (none / 0) (#52)
    by scalibur on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:16:27 PM EST
    chance to highlight policy differences

    Edwards shows his teeth in a funny way (none / 0) (#55)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:17:06 PM EST
    when he says "fervently."  (My non-substantive observation for the night.)

    Edwards looks like he has an enhanced (none / 0) (#61)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:20:37 PM EST
    tan.  Faux.

    Parent
    Poor john (none / 0) (#57)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:17:24 PM EST
    that was cute, Clinton right?

    good opportunity (none / 0) (#59)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:18:30 PM EST
    for obama to say, yeah, women are people, they choose based on issues, etc.

    Bringing up Frank RIch (none / 0) (#60)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:18:41 PM EST
    ugh.

    Edwards gets a chance to (none / 0) (#62)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:20:55 PM EST
    back away from his performance last time. Doesn't really do it. . .

    I want to yell: but what about the (none / 0) (#64)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:21:52 PM EST
    trial lawyers PAC?

    Parent
    hillary looks annoyed (none / 0) (#63)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:21:16 PM EST
    when edwards speaks

    wow (none / 0) (#65)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:22:10 PM EST
    heckling and the f word

    policy heckling! (none / 0) (#66)
    by Klio on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:22:15 PM EST
    wOOt

    Protester disrupts for a moment (none / 0) (#67)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:22:18 PM EST


    The candidates all (none / 0) (#68)
    by RalphB on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:22:49 PM EST
    seem to be fine, but Russert is a first class tool!

    jeralyn what is that (none / 0) (#69)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:23:12 PM EST
    person saying?

    I couldn't hear him (none / 0) (#78)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:27:18 PM EST
    Don't know.

    Parent
    "stop (none / 0) (#70)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:23:33 PM EST
    the fing race baiting questions"
    if i heard correctly

    Yeah. (none / 0) (#72)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:24:25 PM EST
    thx (none / 0) (#74)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:25:23 PM EST
    Give the crazy guy Russert's mic (none / 0) (#87)
    by RalphB on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:29:18 PM EST
    Said he was "tired of fu--ing race-baiting questions from you two (Russert and Williams)."

    Parent
    Bush pathethic begging (none / 0) (#73)
    by Molly Bloom on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:24:57 PM EST
    nice touch

    what do you guys think (none / 0) (#76)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:26:50 PM EST
    of her refusing to say if Barack or JE are ready?

    Personally (none / 0) (#80)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:27:48 PM EST
    I find it to be politics 101.

    She said the Dems will be united no matter who the nominee is.

    Personally, not bothered.

    Parent

    I think that since she said (none / 0) (#84)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:28:55 PM EST
    both of those things, there isn't a problem.

    Parent
    Hilary handles Russert's question well (none / 0) (#77)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:26:52 PM EST
    on the qualified business.

    Russert's question to Obama is tough based on some quote about being an "operating officer"

    Obama does Ok, not great.

    I think Hillary does better in this segment.

    Obama seems focused (none / 0) (#79)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:27:28 PM EST
    on paper tonight.

    BO would have (none / 0) (#81)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:28:05 PM EST
    sounded better if he said: i'm not a micromanager.

    agreed (none / 0) (#83)
    by scalibur on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:28:42 PM EST
    he's somewhat confirming his opponents' concerns..

    Parent
    my messy desk (none / 0) (#82)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:28:18 PM EST
    is my biggest weakness too.  :)

    ditto (none / 0) (#88)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:29:44 PM EST
    mine gets outta control

    Parent
    we need people like he has to (none / 0) (#96)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:34:58 PM EST
    handle all that stuff.

    Parent
    edwards weakness (none / 0) (#86)
    by scalibur on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:29:18 PM EST
    not much of a weakness, dig deeper =)

    This is a good (none / 0) (#89)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:30:42 PM EST
    contrast without sounding overly negative.

    Hillary is never better (none / 0) (#90)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:31:23 PM EST
    than when she attacks George Bush. She's also implicitly comparing Obama to Bush. I think she's doing it in a fair way.

    I want to emphasize (none / 0) (#91)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:31:28 PM EST
    on the issue that could have torn us Dems apart, Barack Obama went above and beyond his political interests.

    He had to be concliatory but he went beyond that.

    He REALLY put Dems first.

    As someone who has been worried about his commitment to the Party, who has been worried about his focus on NOT fighting for the Party, I have never been more impressed by his commitment to the Party and I can not think of something he has done which has impressed me more.

    I must admit I have never liked him more than I have tonight.I

    On the typical debate performance (none / 0) (#97)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:35:14 PM EST
    criteria, Hillary is winning easily, no question.

    But Obama has impressed me for the reasons I stated.

    He is still winning the night with me.

    Poor Edwards, in the sense that his role is an uncomfortable one. I think he needs to try and find a moment to get back to his message. That moment has not come yet but with just 3 candidates, it will likely come.

    Parent

    Obama Admiration Syndrome ;-p (none / 0) (#101)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:37:47 PM EST
    you better (none / 0) (#103)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:39:03 PM EST
    be careful I hear it is contagious!

    Parent
    I'm not all that worried. It never lasts long. (none / 0) (#107)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:40:17 PM EST
    Heh (none / 0) (#104)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:39:21 PM EST
    hillary's attack (none / 0) (#92)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:31:29 PM EST
    is that obama will be bush.  comeback will be interesting

    bush can't listen to people who disagree w/ him (none / 0) (#95)
    by scalibur on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:33:18 PM EST
    excellent contrast to draw

    Parent
    I did not hear such an attack (none / 0) (#113)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:43:17 PM EST
    She wasn't talking about Obama in that part I don't think.

    Parent
    Great retort (none / 0) (#93)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:32:19 PM EST
    by Obama
    on the paper and being on time

    awesome response by obama. (none / 0) (#94)
    by andreww on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:33:05 PM EST
    Edwards found that really (none / 0) (#100)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:36:33 PM EST
    amusing.

    Parent
    Obama claims to trust (none / 0) (#98)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:35:28 PM EST
    the American people to "tell the lies from the truth." I really hope he doesn't actually believe that.

    Obama (none / 0) (#99)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:35:49 PM EST
    doing well, has a more conversational tone. though this first part has been more personal then policy.

    Back to Obama on Hillary's likeability (none / 0) (#102)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:38:54 PM EST
    quotient.  He did a nice job saying that didn't come out like he intended it to.  

    it was nice to see him admit that (none / 0) (#105)
    by scalibur on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:40:01 PM EST
    considering nobody was going to believe what he started out by saying, that it was actually a compliment..

    Parent
    Obama one first part (none / 0) (#106)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:40:02 PM EST
    my guess is Hillary will win this part.

    Hillary (none / 0) (#108)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:40:54 PM EST
    showing she knows her stuff here.

    sovereign growth funds (none / 0) (#109)
    by scalibur on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:41:38 PM EST
    this response is too wonky

    new thread (none / 0) (#110)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:41:49 PM EST
    come join us here.

    She sounds (none / 0) (#111)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:42:45 PM EST
    actually upset the financial industry is so messed up, points for that!

    Japan tried all this government intervention (none / 0) (#114)
    by DA in LA on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:44:33 PM EST
    with the housing crisis.  It worsened it.  The more meddling, by freezing interest rates, 90 day freezes on foreclosures, etc., will only prolong the problem.

    Hillary has a bad plan.

    There is some crazy air siren going off in my (none / 0) (#115)
    by DA in LA on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 08:46:22 PM EST
    neighborhood in LA.  Hope I'm not about to die.

    New thread (none / 0) (#116)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 09:13:50 PM EST
    for part three on domestic issues here.

    Democrats Debate in Las Vegas - Who Won (none / 0) (#117)
    by PollM on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 09:31:53 PM EST
    Democrats Debate in Las Vegas

    Who Won the MSNBC Democratic Debate in Las Vegas?

    http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1548

    .