home

South Carolina Democratic Debate Live Blog Part One

The debate starts now. I will be live blogging as much as I can. Jeralyn will be live blogging as well.

Please chime in with your thoughts.

Pre-game. Suzanne Malveaux and Joe Johns of CNN will be joining Wolf Blitzer with the questioning. Malveaux and Johns state that the focus of the debate will be the economy. But that all the others will be covered.

Update (TL): The applause was pretty equal at the beginning. They start with the economy. The first question goes to Hillary. It’s a specific answer with details of her new economic plan. She contrasts it to Bush’s plan, not the plan of the other candidates.

Obama:answers, beginning with a reference to Martin Luther King, Jr. He too goes after Bush but mentions Hillary's plan. He's not as confident as Hillary, but recovers when he is asked a question by Wolf Blitzer. Edwards is up next. Updates below.

Edwards lumps Hillary and Obama's plans together, rather than singling one of them out. He's confident as well. Back to Obama. He aligns himself with Edwards and on free trade, disagrees with HIllary. Says he disagrees with Edwards on Peru and gets way too specific for a tv audience in my opinion.

Wolf cuts him off and goes to Hillary saying he wants to get back on topic. Hillary says she has more to say on her tax plan, in response to Obama's plan. She gets applause. Talks about Bush's plan causing havoc with the stock market today. She continues to rail against Bush. Wolf is trying to get her to finish. (There are no time limits in this hour.)

Edwards seizes the ball and stays on trade to respond to Obama -- goes back to Peru and critizes Obama's plan. Obama responds. The audience claps for him. Mentions his 3 1/2 years as a community organizer in Chicago. Edwards has sucked him in to debating him instead of Hillary.

Suzanne Malveaux asks Obama to respond to comments of Hillary last week on his economic plan. He responds by saying Hillary and Bill are not being factually accurate. Moves to the war and fairy tale story (huh? This wasn't the question.)

Hillary goes after Obama: He has said he really liked the ideas of the Republicans over the past 15 years. Offers to give the audience the quotes. She says she agrees the Republicans have had ideas, but they are bad ideas.

Hillary hits Obama on how he would pay for his plan. Says his record is empty on that. No one is saying he didn't oppose war in Iraq in the beginning. Lays out the timing of how he stopped. Distrinction between words and action.

Obama: attacks Hillary for being a corporate lawyer at Walmart while he was a community organizer.

He's spent a lifetime fighting Ronald Reagan's policies. (A lifetime?)

It's down and dirty now, this is turning into a free for all. Wolf struggles for control.

Edwards reminds everyone that there are three people in this debate. Criticizes the squabbling. Returns to the question which was about fiscal responsibility. He has the high road tonight and is doing great.

He aligns himself with Obama on social security. Differentiates them from Hillary. Gets bogged down in specific numbers.

They are staying on the economy. Goes to Edwards and asks about the mortgage crisis affecting African-Americans. This is Edwards turf and he gives a direct and well received answer.

Gives the specifics of his plan on this.

Update [2008-1-21 20:43:29 by Big Tent Democrat]:

Obama seems to be losing a bit of steam to me. He seems to try and hit Hillary on the bankruptcy bill but the attack seemed convoluted and flat.

Asked by Wolf about Rezko. Obama gives an answer that frankly, I am not sure what it meant. Then Obama says truth matters, and I am not sure where it goes.

Hillary responds to bankruptcy bill attack. Says she regretted it. Then pivots and attacks on credit card interest rates piece of bankruptcy bill. Then charges that Obama likes to dish it out but can not take it.

Seems like a fair charge.

Obama fumbles his response to Hillary's charge on interest rates on credit card debt. Edwards zings - no ceiling is better than a 30% ceiling?

Hillary zings properly. He take no responsibility for his votes.

Update [2008-1-21 20:45:56 by Big Tent Democrat]: Long explanations on present votes is not that helpful to Obama in my opinion. the fact is he has more uanswered questions. This is bad terrain for him.

Update [2008-1-21 20:48:1 by Big Tent Democrat]: Edwards goes after Obama on his double standard for going after votes. Good for Edwards.

Update [2008-1-21 20:53:7 by Big Tent Democrat]: Hilary strongly defends, and quite well, the concept of mandates for reaching universal health care. Nicely done.

Obama asked if his plan proivides health care for illegal immigrants. Obama say no. Why? Scarcity of resources.

Update: (TL) John Edwards points out that none of their plans include the undocumented.

New Live thread here.

< South Carolina Demorcratic Debate Transcript: Part IV | South Carolina Democratic Debate Live Blog Part Two >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    There are going to be sparks tonight (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:13:05 PM EST
    Obama just went after Clinton twice; first on the war and second on tax policy.

    Apparently (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:13:44 PM EST
    I am always wrong.

    Parent
    First impression (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:21:59 PM EST
    This is the besat Obama has been in a debate format.

    Well prepped tonight.

    Doing extremely well.

    Obama is going to go after Bill (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:22:36 PM EST
    not sure this is going to work. . .

    Disingenuously tries to pretend (none / 0) (#32)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:23:55 PM EST
    that he's not raising the issue by saying that other people don't care about back and forth.

    Hillary engages in it too.

    Parent

    One thing is for sure (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:23:21 PM EST
    The unifier is gone now.

    This is slash and burn Obama.

    Good stuff.

    Now, if he can rip up some GOPers tonight then I will be well pleased.

    Let's hope (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:24:30 PM EST
    This is a good debate (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:25:29 PM EST
    so far I must say.

    They are going at it, but on issues.

    Parent

    Now they're shouting at one-another (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:26:36 PM EST
    This is going to be interesting. . .

    Now he misquotes himself. (none / 0) (#40)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:27:12 PM EST
    Frankly (none / 0) (#43)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:28:35 PM EST
    This is what we need form Obama.

    At least this is what I need.

    I LOOOVE the Obama we are seeing tonight.

    Hillary is right in the mix.

    This is great stuff.

    GREAT STUFF.

    Parent

    Absolutely (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:30:08 PM EST
    and I love that they're both trashing Reagan.

    But they're both going nuclear on one-another in slightly shifty ways (Clinton with Resko and Obama with Wal-Mart).

    Parent

    Look (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:34:25 PM EST
    I knbew Hillary could do this.

    Obama is a surprise. He is even good at it.

    Course, Hillary had the Rezko line ready to go IF Obama opened it up.

    And he did.

    Parent

    There's a calculating side to him (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:36:09 PM EST
    that I didn't think he would show.

    The day kumbaya died?

    Parent

    You just like a good fight. Me too. (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:30:42 PM EST
    The Republican are gonna fight (none / 0) (#53)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:32:33 PM EST
    We need to be ready to.

    Parent
    Reagan (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:27:38 PM EST
    I don't think Hillary got Obama's Reagan remarks exactly right.

    But Obama is getting them wrong, too.  He was much more generous to Reagan than he's saying now.  

    "I didn't say they were good ones." (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:29:55 PM EST
    P.S. Rezko!   He opened himself wide up for that one.  

    I think he did (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:31:24 PM EST
    Wal-Mart made it a fair shot here.

    Or rather both are dirty shots.

    Parent

    Yep (5.00 / 2) (#56)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:35:39 PM EST
    Once he brought up Wal-Mart, it makes it hard for him to complain about Hillary bringing it up.  The audience - except for John Lewis - didn't like it, but I don't think that's who she was playing to.   I'm sure her campaign would be thrilled to have a bunch of newspapers explaining the Rezko reference tomorrow.

    Parent
    Not sure what the audience thought (none / 0) (#58)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:37:50 PM EST
    I heard ooooooh, no booooo.

    But maybe I got it wrong.

    Parent

    Maybe (5.00 / 1) (#132)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:06:03 PM EST
    They were saying Bruuuuuuce?

    Parent
    Edwards smells like a rose here. (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:30:25 PM EST


    Ooooh Rezko (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:30:35 PM EST
    Holy Beejeezus!!

    Wal-Mart you say (dsisclosure, I represent Wal-Mart) I say Rezko.

    BOTH lines are BS for the record.

    But Gawd I love that we have 3 FIGHTING DEMS there tonight.

    This is good (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:32:18 PM EST
    Heh (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:32:52 PM EST
    Totally agree.  The idea that any one of these people would lose a debate to McCain or Romney is a joke. They are fighting tonight and it's good to see.  I think they were half asleep in Vegas.

    Parent
    Damn (5.00 / 2) (#50)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:31:12 PM EST
    I wish Clinton had said "you didn't say they were bad ones, either."

    So much easier to come up with zingers when you aren't actually on the stage.

    He's lying on Reszko. (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:40:49 PM EST
    He continued to work for the law firm while he was an IL state senator and Rezko was still raising money for him.  The buildings were going into foreclosure; Rezko's firm was managing the properties, couldn't pay the heat bills, but continued donating to campaigns.

    And (none / 0) (#67)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:42:34 PM EST
    he made it sound like Rezko was some distant guy.  It's pretty clear they were friends.

    I think Clinton was smart not correcting it, leave that to the media and spin doctors.

    Parent

    HIllary accuses Obama (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:41:45 PM EST
    of doing the bidding of insurance companies.

    This is getting really bloody.

    I'm a late, but this is good (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:42:31 PM EST
    Obama she just sid you voted for it. Did you or did you not. Edwards just got him good.

    Obama says the "voting present" issue (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:46:13 PM EST
    isn't accurate. Really????

    Is it me or does he not do well in cross fire? (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:47:09 PM EST
    Edwards the Trial Lawyer (5.00 / 2) (#79)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:48:35 PM EST
    Just cleaned Obama's clock on present votes.

    I agree. I still don't know why Illinois is (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:50:22 PM EST
    any different than any other legislature.

    Parent
    I agree (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:50:41 PM EST
    And on picking out votes here and there.

    This is not working so well for Obama.

    He needs to go back on the attack I think.

    Parent

    Hard to do when you are explaining. (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:51:54 PM EST
    Yes (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:54:25 PM EST
    When Obama is explaining Rezko or his present votes, he's on the defensive.  It's always better to be on the offensive.  He's done a much better job tonight than he has in the past.

    Here he comes on healthcare in the 1990s.  I really appreciate how Democrats (and not just Obama) have decided that the Clintons are at fault for the collapse of healthcare in the 1990s instead of the Republicans.  How would we ever get by if our candidates didn't continue repeating MSM myths (which isn't to say the Clintons were perfect).

    Parent

    Edwards: two health care plans universal. (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:55:19 PM EST
    Obama's isn't.  

    It's funny (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:59:15 PM EST
    Because THIS is the debate performance Edwards needed to deliver throughout.

    He could have been the anti-Hillary.

    Yep (none / 0) (#113)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:00:13 PM EST
    I like him better tonight than I have for weeks.

    Parent
    Good hit by Edwards...FINALLY... (5.00 / 2) (#115)
    by oldpro on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:00:32 PM EST
    using social security as an analogy re mandated health care.

    Hillary's comments re ONLY a Democrat will do universal healthcare....a core principle...wow...on a roll...

    now sh'es worked 'evolution' into the discussion...that ought to explode a few heads!

    Obama's health care plan (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:01:22 PM EST
    is thoroughly discredited tonight. He'll have to make it universal.

    to (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by Jgarza on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:04:01 PM EST
    end this war or win it?  republican framing comes back.

    Obama: how do we creat a stable (5.00 / 1) (#138)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:08:44 PM EST
    Iraq government?  What?  We don't.  

    CNN wastes time (none / 0) (#1)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:05:25 PM EST
    showing us the photo op again.

    They seem to not be running this well at all.

    Jeralyn will be updating (none / 0) (#2)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:07:28 PM EST
    I have to do something for a few minutes.

    I'll be reacting in the comments.

    No rules? (none / 0) (#3)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:07:59 PM EST
    Did I hear that right?

    Second half will be looser (none / 0) (#4)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:08:56 PM EST
    but there are rules.

    Parent
    hi andgarden..don't know how I ended (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:11:48 PM EST
    up under your reply. My computer's going nutty.

    Parent
    in the second half. (none / 0) (#5)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:09:28 PM EST
    Obama is nervous. (none / 0) (#8)
    by oldpro on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:13:31 PM EST


    Edwards doesn't know which camera is on. (none / 0) (#10)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:14:16 PM EST


    Edwards gives a populist response (none / 0) (#11)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:14:21 PM EST
    to stimulus package. He sounds pretty good on this answer.

    Attacks Hillary and Obama on Trade (none / 0) (#12)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:15:16 PM EST
    uh oh. . . .

    Parent
    So, John, do you, or do you not (none / 0) (#13)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:16:05 PM EST
    support $650 in our pockets?

    Parent
    Edwards Hair Part (none / 0) (#14)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:16:30 PM EST
    Is it a little too perfect?   Does he have plastic hair?

    I hate to post about Edwards hair and not about his economic plans, which sound fine with me.  But seriously, it's kind of mesmerizing.  How does one even get hair to part that perfectly?  If he can run the govt. that perfectly, I might have to rethink my vote.

    Whenever I look at him now, I flash (none / 0) (#18)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:18:48 PM EST
    back to the photo of that cute freckle-faced kid.

    Parent
    More call outs...who is this man? (none / 0) (#15)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:17:40 PM EST


    Obama goes after NAFTA too (none / 0) (#16)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:17:42 PM EST
    Then goes after Edwards on PTN China and dismisses the importance of Peru.

    This is going to be interesting (and guaranteed to piss off BTD).

    I think they are all (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:21:08 PM EST
    demagoguing the issue.

    Parent
    It's already pissing me off... (none / 0) (#20)
    by oldpro on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:19:42 PM EST
    Hillary is really good when she responds (none / 0) (#17)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:18:41 PM EST
    to someone else's comment, and ESPECIALLY when she goes after Bush.

    I don't think they want to tick her off (none / 0) (#19)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:19:40 PM EST
    too much. She won't take it.

    Parent
    Which Obama is doing tonight also. (none / 0) (#21)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:19:57 PM EST
    But I don't really think voters care too much at this point about "green collar" jobs.  

    Parent
    Wolf is being a bit of a jerk (none / 0) (#22)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:20:04 PM EST
    but frankly, I think I'd be as impatient as him.

    Hillary (none / 0) (#23)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:20:08 PM EST
    stresses her "executive experience" - the markets working group, I'll be honest, I do not know what that is. Apparently it was the Rubin type group during the Asian financial crisis in 1998 and the Mexico crisis in 95.

    Oh no, good old dad again. (none / 0) (#24)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:20:22 PM EST


    Did Edwards' Father... (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:21:31 PM EST
    work in a mill?  I thought he was a lawyer.

    Thank goodness he cleared that up!

    Parent

    Ha. (none / 0) (#35)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:25:00 PM EST
    Well, I personlly can't wait til they really (none / 0) (#25)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:20:38 PM EST
    let go in the second half of this debate! I wish Wolf would just hush.

    Obama confronts Edwards (none / 0) (#28)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:21:40 PM EST
    on jobs and trade cred.

    I think she misquoted Obama on Reagan. (none / 0) (#34)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:24:57 PM EST
    I'll never check DK again. :)

    Let them go Wolf!! (none / 0) (#37)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:26:17 PM EST
    This is excellent.

    Forcing Obama to be a Democrat (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:27:18 PM EST
    and a street fighting Democrat.

    The unifier is gone.

    HAPPY DAY!!!

    Parent

    Still Bugs Me (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:39:58 PM EST
    Is that the only reason he's criticizing Reagan is because he's pissed at the Clintons.  He isn't really going after Reagan, he's going after the Clintons.  

    I'll feel a lot better when he goes after Republicans for the sake of going after Republicans.

    Parent

    ha (none / 0) (#62)
    by along on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:40:33 PM EST
    :)

    Parent
    Don't quit Hillary. Keep it up. (none / 0) (#39)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:26:42 PM EST


    Holy cow (none / 0) (#44)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:29:46 PM EST


    HIllary has a good tone (none / 0) (#59)
    by Jgarza on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:39:03 PM EST
    when she talks about the economy!

    She's excellent (none / 0) (#63)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:40:40 PM EST
    on the economy.   It's one of her strengths.

    Parent
    Wolf presses on Rezko. . . . (none / 0) (#60)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:39:29 PM EST


    I hope there is outrage about the booing (none / 0) (#68)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:43:55 PM EST
    this time. When hell freezes over?

    "Present" votes. (none / 0) (#69)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:44:12 PM EST
    But, Hillary isn't touching the abortion votes directly.  I'm disappointed.

    I'm still confused (5.00 / 2) (#72)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:46:13 PM EST
    about Obama's present votes.  If there was a legal problem with the sexual abuse bill then why vote present and not no?  

    Every time I hear him on this, I'm incredibly confused.

    And if you don't like these kind of criticisms, Sen. Obama, you are in the wrong line of work.

    Parent

    Even Edwards is pressing Obama (none / 0) (#75)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:47:30 PM EST
    on the "present" votes.

    Parent
    Because it's South Carolina (none / 0) (#80)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:48:53 PM EST
    Planned Parenthood of Illinois (none / 0) (#86)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:51:03 PM EST
    It keeps Obama from using them as his alibi.

    Instead, the sex shops one I think he was the only Senator to vote present.

    Parent

    Yes He Was The Only One n/t (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by MO Blue on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:54:06 PM EST
    Man this is (none / 0) (#70)
    by Jgarza on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:45:52 PM EST
    fire works.  GOOD ENTERTAINMENT

    Hillary crossed the line (none / 0) (#74)
    by sef on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:47:21 PM EST


    How so? (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:47:57 PM EST
    HRC seems (none / 0) (#94)
    by sef on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:55:10 PM EST
    to be piling on w/ Edwards on BHO.  This backfired on Edwards & Obama when they did it to Hillary in NH & it seems, after what many view as race baiting by HRC's surrogates, piling on in SC won't help her in SC or the rest of the South.

    Parent
    Cross the line? (none / 0) (#78)
    by mindfulmission on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:48:25 PM EST
    on what?

    Parent
    There are no lines to cross tonight (none / 0) (#81)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:49:16 PM EST
    After (5.00 / 2) (#87)
    by Jgarza on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:51:13 PM EST
    all the stupid surrogate wars, I'm glad to see them being direct.

    Parent
    We agree (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:56:27 PM EST
    I'm glad (none / 0) (#84)
    by Jgarza on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:50:31 PM EST
    we get to see them all under pressure! good test

    Parent
    ever walk out of the room and only see ... (none / 0) (#142)
    by sef on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 09:45:26 PM EST
    Just rewatched the two minutes I missed from the debate.  I didn't see BHO attack HRC.  She didn't go over the line.  My apologies for any undue throwing of "red meat."

    Parent
    Now Edwards gangs up with Hillary. . .? (none / 0) (#77)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:48:03 PM EST
    Not sure it's going to work tonight, either. . . .

    Finally (none / 0) (#82)
    by Jgarza on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:49:44 PM EST
    an actual debate!

    Joe Johns asks about covering illegal immigrants (none / 0) (#89)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:52:36 PM EST
    Obama gives a so-so answer.

    First her surrogates get in to race baiting (none / 0) (#90)
    by sef on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:52:56 PM EST
    & now she seems to be piling on. This won't help HRC in SC or the rest of the South, just like it didn't help BHO in NH when he did it to her.  

    I have no idea (5.00 / 2) (#92)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:54:19 PM EST
    what you're talking about.

    Parent
    Bad spininng (none / 0) (#102)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:56:30 PM EST
    race baiting? (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:55:41 PM EST
    Huh?

    Interestingly, race has been a NON issue tonight.

    Parent

    Not tonight (none / 0) (#106)
    by sef on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:57:57 PM EST
    In the run up to the debate.

    Parent
    i guess I missed that part (none / 0) (#95)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:55:14 PM EST
    Wha? (none / 0) (#99)
    by oldpro on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:55:56 PM EST
    Edwards instigates (none / 0) (#98)
    by andgarden on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:55:56 PM EST
    a stupid debate about where campaign money comes from.

    but how is state lobbyiest money different than (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:57:51 PM EST
    federal?

    Parent
    Well...it's one of his major issues. (none / 0) (#104)
    by oldpro on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:57:41 PM EST
    Edwards (none / 0) (#100)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:56:17 PM EST
    Playing it much more down the middle tonight - criticizing both of them.  Much smarter than siding with one over the other,  but probably too late to do much good.

    Edwards (none / 0) (#136)
    by commissar on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:06:26 PM EST
    I'm not a big fan of Edwards, but I figure in these debates he's calling 'em as he sees him, not necessarily predicated on favoring BHO or RHC.

    Parent
    Man Dates (none / 0) (#103)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:57:12 PM EST
    I think Krugman's head is about to explode.  Heh.

    And, yes, Barack the problem is that some folks don't want to buy healthcare.  Young, healthy people are likely to choose not to buy it if they can get away with it.  

    Obama; talk, talk, talk . (none / 0) (#107)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:58:24 PM EST
    on health care plan.  

    I sense this is a bad debate for Obama (none / 0) (#108)
    by MarkL on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:58:41 PM EST
    ---very bad.
    That's just from reading liveblogging, and seeing what topics have come up.
    Is that the sense others have?
    For example, saying he only worked 5 hours for Rezko is going to lead to a discussion of his 17 year relationship with Rezko... that won't be good, and the house deal will come up.


    It started well for him (none / 0) (#111)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:59:59 PM EST
    Yes, I also had that sense.. but now? (none / 0) (#122)
    by MarkL on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:02:41 PM EST
    Not so well (none / 0) (#129)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:05:24 PM EST
    BHO is getting clobbered so badly (none / 0) (#117)
    by sef on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:01:07 PM EST
    it may have the same backfire as when he & Edwards did it in NH to HRC in the debates there.  I don't think he prepped for this style of debate after this morning's lovefest.


    Parent
    you've said this 3 times now at least. Do you have (none / 0) (#121)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:02:39 PM EST
    any other observations to add?

    Parent
    yeah (none / 0) (#130)
    by sef on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:05:54 PM EST
    Edwards needed to do what he is doing tonight six months ago, establish himself as the anti-HRC.

    Parent
    Well its a start. (none / 0) (#140)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:13:20 PM EST
    Edwards is doing well I think overall (none / 0) (#110)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 07:59:37 PM EST
    Nice comparison of SSDI and health care opting out. Now HRC piles on.

    universal health care (none / 0) (#112)
    by Klio on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:00:02 PM EST
    core democratic principle

    Wow

    You Know (5.00 / 2) (#116)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:00:57 PM EST
    Hillary loves to use "core democratic value."  Goes to her base.

    Parent
    is is a democratic primary (none / 0) (#125)
    by Klio on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:02:59 PM EST
    after all :-)

    Parent
    Not Sure Obama Was Fully Aware Of That Fact n/t (none / 0) (#133)
    by MO Blue on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:06:15 PM EST
    Hillary Clinton on health care plan. (none / 0) (#114)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:00:30 PM EST
    Very fervent and clear.

    She kicked butt on that health care (none / 0) (#118)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:01:22 PM EST
    follow up.

    edwards is getting a raw deal (none / 0) (#120)
    by Klio on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:01:42 PM EST
    but Hillary is mopping the floor with Obama.  imho

    oh, so he never wanted single payer? (none / 0) (#123)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:02:48 PM EST
    One of us is confused.

    Obama is off his feed now on (none / 0) (#124)
    by oldpro on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:02:52 PM EST
    health care...wandering all over the map...now blaming Hillary for making him foggy on the subject...

    He said Hillary misrepresented (none / 0) (#134)
    by byteb on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:06:15 PM EST
    his position on universal health care and explained what he said.

    Parent
    Since I am a nervous wreck (none / 0) (#126)
    by athyrio on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:03:33 PM EST
    and am struggling with a weak heart (2 surgeries) I elected to not watch the debate, but rather to listen to your comments tonite....thanks for being my buffer.....:-)

    that (none / 0) (#128)
    by Jgarza on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:05:16 PM EST
    is a smart idea.  it is heated

    Parent
    Fiercest debate to date (none / 0) (#137)
    by sef on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:07:18 PM EST
    Good choice. I hope they rerun it later as there are several comments on here that I seemed to have missed during the debate.

    Parent
    Reruns later tonight. (none / 0) (#139)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:10:20 PM EST
    New live thread open (none / 0) (#131)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:05:58 PM EST
    here starting with Iraq.

    New thread by Jeralyn (none / 0) (#135)
    by Teresa on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:06:20 PM EST


    debate (none / 0) (#141)
    by Im independent on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:35:38 PM EST
    I'm upset that these candidates only talk about how much they have contributed to the black community or how much they want to do for the black community when they are in SC. were they doing all of this in IA???

    Congressional Black Caucus (none / 0) (#143)
    by BDB on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 10:01:50 PM EST
    It's a debate sponsored by the CBC on Martin Luther King day in a state where 50% of the Democratic electorate is black.  Seems like a perfectly good forum for discussing issues facing minority voters.  It would seem weird to me if they hadn't.

    Parent