Live Blogging From Sunday’s Democratic Debate
Email9:17 am CT: That has to be it from me (Rick Klein), gotta run a few minutes early to get to the spin room. Keep reading abcnews.com/politics for the latest analysis, and check out tomorrow’s Note for a full post-debate look and all the top political news of the day.
9:13 am CT: Obama has to be careful on the merit pay issue — huge issue for teachers’ unions. Or maybe his new politics means blowing up the model, taking on unions too?
9:11 am CT: Richardson is cooking at this debate — he is coming across really, really well.
9:05 am CT: Edwards with some revisionist history on the war — wow, will people buy this? "What I didn’t express was the huge conflict I had, because I did not trust George Bush," Edwards said. And Clinton picks up on that — Clinton said she told the truth "as she saw it." And this: "I never would have pursued this war." Then why’d she vote for it?
9:03 am CT: That action behind the moderators was a tech guy who tripped and fell, just before the broadcast came back from break.
9:01 am CT: ABC’s Teddy Davis overheard Gravel on stage: "I got to get that one percent." He was at zero in ABC’s latest poll.
8:59 am CT: The break update — I for one expected more hand-to-hand combat on stage — but it may be too early in the day (or too early in the cycle) for that. Edwards delivered the messages he wanted — but he needed to be sharper to make himself more of a factor. So far, Obama’s "bumper car" line is probably most memorable. Clinton still rising above the rest of the field — why not, as long as you’re leading in the polls?
8:55 am CT: I don’t see anybody breaking through on the agricultural front — they are all making the right sorts of points, but not much distinctive here.
8:47 am CT: Biden also has an interesting, soft-spoken response that looks inward. And Obama is the only one to connect his answer on religion to a campaign message. "We’ve got to express those values through our government."
8:44 am CT: Getting the candidates on religion is always interesting — and Edwards has a moving response citing family tragedies: "There are some things that are beyond our control… I don’t think you can prevent bad things from happening through prayer."
8:39 am CT: It’s sort of remarkable to me that Obama still gets applause by saying we should have figured out how to get out of the war before we got in. Clearly Democrats still care about who was against the war from the start, but do they care enough for Obama to get traction on this right up until caucus day?
8:38 am CT: Richardson now is getting the debate he wants — he wants all the troops out, and he wants people to know it. Not sure that message was entirely clean, but he got it out.
8:34 am CT: Edwards gets applause with a line that could have been delivered by Clinton: "Any Democratic president will end this war. That’s what we know." And the Republicans are "George Bush on steroids." So far, this is his strongest debate performance.
8:32 am CT: Iraq discussions are not made for debates — and we’re reaching a point where there’s nothing more interesting that can be said by Democratic candidates on the war — except for the bomb-throwers.
8:29 am CT: So the first half hour hits the two big issues — Clinton’s electability, and Obama’s experience. They skate through OK, but no question Clinton took the most incoming fire. So far, you’ve got to think Edwards is happiest with how this debate is going, with Obama a close second.
8:24 am CT: Edwards is getting the fight he wants. This was his main agenda item coming in, and he’s getting direct engagement with Clinton on the lobbyists’ money issue.
8:21 am CT: Clinton gives a savvy response: "I don’t think Karl Rove’s going to endorse me … but I find it interesting that he’s so obsessed with me." And her negative ratings, she says, are because she’s a fighter. She loves startig sentences like this: "The reason why we’re going to win…"
8:18 am CT: Here we go: Obama engages on the question of Clinton’s divisiveness: "We’re going to need somebody that can break out of the political patterns that we’ve been in in the last 20 years." And Edwards jumps on by making it about lobbyists: "America wants change in the most serious way." So far, Clinton is fair game to attack, Obama isn’t.
8:15 am CT: Gravel makes the argument for winnowing the field. Cheney should be "committed"? Excuse me, senator?
8:13 am CT: Edwards is channeling the Edwards of 2004 — much, much different than him on the trail. He just defended Obama — the same candidate he directly criticized all week on the trail in Iowa.
8:10 am CT: The difference on ruling out nukes? "You’ve got to put it into context," Clinton said. "This was not a hypothetical." That’s a better answer than what her campaign said a few weeks back, that she was speaking then as a senator and now as a presidential candidate. Obama’s retort: "There was no difference." Then comes the politics of hope — decrying the "gamesmanship." Interesting exchange, though so far a subdued debate.
8:08 am CT: Obama had this line ready to go, don’t you think? "To prepare for this debate, I rode in the bumper cars at the state fair," he said.
8:06 am CT: Sen. Dodd is also not taking the opportunity — at least not directly — but isn’t that a mistake for a candidate who needs to catch on? He’s sounding senatorial. "You’re not going to have time in January 09 to get ready for this job," Dodd said, in the closest he came to criticizing Obama. And Sen. Biden is wading through the weeks on Pakistan. Looks like Obama is going to duck direct jabs. How about Gov. Richardson jumping on the silence ntough — "Change and experience — with me you get both."
8:02 am CT: Sen. Clinton decided not to take the first opportunity to question Sen. Obama’s qualifications to be president. "You don’t have to be against anybody," she said. Words that can only be spoken by a front-runner.
7:49 am CT: For what it’s worth, the Democrats are a lot looser than the Republicans were before the debate. Two weeks ago, the GOPers stood behind their podiums awkwardly, and the crowd was silent as they twiddled their thumbs. The Democrats are milling around the stage, chatting with each other, and generally appearing to be having a good time.
7:44 am CT: Here comes Hillary — being last to come to the stage means getting her own ovation.
7:40 am CT: The candidates just walked into the room — to big applause — but one is missing: Where’s Hillary Clinton? The empty podium at the end of the stage has the crowd buzzing.
7:28 am CT: I’m in the debate hall now — warming up the crowd are Howard Dean and Gov. Chet Culver — a couple of popular figures among Iowa Democrats. "We are excited once again about having the first caucus in the nation — in 2008," Culver said. He’s among those who know that a December caucus could be disastrous for Iowa.
7:25 am CT: And Joe Biden’s folks are out in force — they have a huge sign outside the site showing the candidates’ "ears of experience" — and Biden, naturally, has the largest number of ears of corn.
7:22 am CT: John Edwards just made his entrance to the debate site, and I’ve never seen anything quite like it. While the other candidates were slipping into the building via a secure back entrance, Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, walked up a path and into the front door — trailed by a contingent of aides, supporters, and reporters. As he walked, supporters chanted, "Two-zero-zero-eight, who we gonna nominate? Edwards! Edwards!" Enough to pump up a candidate who’s loaded for bear?
7:18 am CT: A great scene — dueling flatbed trucks circling the block. Obama’s has a huge sign reading "Hope." Clinton’s says "Clinton Country."
7:03 am CT: I’m at the debate site, and it’s a huge party outside near the Drake campus, even though it’s barely light out. ABC’s intrepid Teddy Davis reports that Barack Obama has the biggest crowd, followed by Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. By 3:30 am, Obama had more than 100 supporters outside, and he has a drum-and-step troupe dancing around the block. The Clinton folks thought in advance — they got permission to put a huge Hillary for President sign on the movie-theater marquee right off campus. And while the crowd is far larger than it was for the Republican debate, a single veteran in a wheelchair is rolling up and down the block — with a huge American flag, and a Tancredo for President sign.
The Note’s Rick Klein here — I have a belly full of food-on-a-stick from the Iowa State Fair (corn dog, chicken on a stick, beef on a stick, cheese on a stick, pork chop on a stick, and yes, fried Snickers on a stick — what I do in the name of journalism). I’ll be live-blogging at 8 am CT (9 am ET) during the Democratic presidential debate on ABC, from inside the debate hall at Drake University. And check out the latest analysis in a special debate preview edition of The Note.
Sen. DeMint: GOP Race Could Go Until Convention 
Obama Avoids Questions on Contraception Rule
Seeing that before the Debates have already started , there’s a poll up asking who we think will win the debate, I thought I would take it a step further and comment on the LIVE Debate that hasn’t even occurred yet. Here I go:
WOW!
Barack is really sticking it to Hillary. Way to go. It’s about time.
Woah! That Dennis is a little firecraker. He’s tearing up Edwards
OMG! Edwards just slammed Kucinich back on that War Vote comment.
LOL. The crowd loved that one. Way to go Biden !
This was a great debate.
Obama won for sure, but the pundits will declare it for Hillary.
Posted by: Dee Anna Roberts | August 19, 2007, 12:31 am 12:31 am
George, with 2 decades of real experience, ask honest questions. Not hard questions, that is beyond your strength. On honesty, integrity and ethics just how ethical will Hillary, Obama and Edwards be as president. All have significant issues in capabilities and abilities. Hillary is flat, her “space shuttle picture (Kerry in the space capsule) was on USA Today last week while she stood in the hospital room learning the real ins and outs of the medical profession, such a dry person with a frown that drags the ground. And Obama, when will the picture on the prayer rug finally come out. And Edwards so fake he is flat. And you last week saying Hillary has 81% of American support. George, she has 81% of 27%. That sounds like she has maybe 19% of the real American vote. Frankly, most Americans are scared to death of the Socialist Democrat Party. The Democrats have no vision, no future and no leadership. Sometime ask Nancy why she is protecting the pornography industry. You can pay off the National Debt with a real sin tax on pornography of 20% and nobody will care, well nobody but the Nancy and Barbara crowd who get big political donations from the pornography industry—a real story for you.
Posted by: Larry Rutherford | August 19, 2007, 8:28 am 8:28 am
Pretty clear edwards doesn’t want be the VP nominee again
Posted by: handy andy | August 19, 2007, 9:30 am 9:30 am
I wish George S. would ask more meaningful questions about issues rather than trying to get candidates to criticize each other. They won’t answer those kinds of questions and turn their answers into speeches of their own.
Posted by: Tom Aitchison | August 19, 2007, 9:33 am 9:33 am
Kucinich was right… this is a polarizing debate… Gravel has gotten more camera time than Kucinich or Dodd at this point!
Posted by: Jay in DesMoines | August 19, 2007, 9:40 am 9:40 am
Too many Democrats, too little time. I’d score clarity of thought and excellence of presentation as follows:
1.) Chris Dodd
2.) Joe Biden
3.) Barack Obama
4.) John Edwards
On the “irritation scale” for evading of questions and drivel, the champion is Hillary Clinton. How George was able not to point blank tell her to answer the questions is beyond me. I side with the lady in the audience who looked like she wanted to say to Hillary, “Shut Up”.
In general after the numbered four above it goes way down hill from there. Bill Richardson in charge of foreign policy scares the hell out of me. If the nominee is anyone but one of the four above, say hello to four more years of the GOP.
Posted by: Joe Mathews | August 19, 2007, 9:50 am 9:50 am
So the blogger is for Edwards!
Posted by: stephanie Spears | August 19, 2007, 9:51 am 9:51 am
George is not giving everyone time to talk. The same top three always get all the air time. Once again the media will choose the nominee.
Posted by: Robin | August 19, 2007, 9:52 am 9:52 am
Who the heck is Gavel, Gravel or whomever and why is he running? I disagree with “Dennis the Menace” most of the time, but admire his guts and presentation. I expect Edwards to meet me at the hospital door, if I’m hurt, to present me with a contract. Sounds like he’s whining.
Posted by: Joe Mathews | August 19, 2007, 9:56 am 9:56 am
I am an Edwards supporter but I think Mr. Stephanopolis is doing a bad job spreading the questions around…Kucinich got benched!
Posted by: lakerdem | August 19, 2007, 9:59 am 9:59 am
Clinton mentioned she is pro America concerning trade. Does that mean she feels that NAFTA, that came about under Clinton, was a good thing? NAFTA hurt American workers and I want to hear someone come forward with an answer to how they are going to repair all the damage that NAFTA has caused with outsourcing to the American worker and the American people.
Posted by: Michelle Burnell | August 19, 2007, 10:03 am 10:03 am
This debate is a fluke!
I’M TIRED OF HEARING HILLARY VS. BARACK.
THERE ARE MORE CANDIDATES ON THE STAGE!
By directing all the air time to two or three candidates, they are endorsing them and gagging all the other ideas for change from all the candidates.
This debate is pitiful.
Posted by: Christopher Hatcher | August 19, 2007, 10:06 am 10:06 am
All would be a vast improvement over the current King George (just for being able to speak the language). All show the main difference between Democrats and Republicans, Democrats put people over property.
Posted by: Schuyler Cook | August 19, 2007, 10:10 am 10:10 am
Nobody is talking about where all this money is comming from.We are broke and going to be broke for a long time
Posted by: Terry Nichols | August 19, 2007, 10:17 am 10:17 am
No real deep commets
Posted by: Bill Davis | August 19, 2007, 10:19 am 10:19 am
WHY IS IT OK TO SPEND 100 BILLION PLUS ON THIS WAR? WHEN IN HIND SIGHT IF THIS WAR WOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN PLACE.YOU HOLD ALL THAT MONEY FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE MANELY THE POOR? APPARENTLY IT’S OK TO DEFEND US BUT NOT HELP ALL THE TRULEY NEEDY PEOPLE OF AMERICA WHO COULD USE 100 BILLION DOLLARS,THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!WHY DO YOU VOTE WITHIN HOURS TO SPEND THAT KIND OF MONEY ON A WAR BUT TAKE YOUR GOOD OLE TIME SOLVING AMERICA’S POVERITY PROBLEMS
Posted by: JEFFREY ALAN WILLIAMS | August 19, 2007, 10:21 am 10:21 am
It was very disappointing to have the first 26 minutes wasted on the previous comments candidates made on one another. We are interested in the candidates views of issues not one another. Save the tabloid stuff.
Joe Biden continues to show insight and clarity…count me in to caucus for him.
Posted by: D. Powers | August 19, 2007, 10:26 am 10:26 am
I most likely will vote Republican(McCain)../but listened this morning to the Debate..I mostly did not really think the Debate was giving way to the problems “on the ground”..I did like Senator Dodd’s comments about Rural and Small Business and the Small Farmer..generally people seem to have lost the moments in prosperity/I think that we have lost the “better” approach to maintaining Democracy and seem to believe that excuses will prevail “just long enough”..the Democrats were all about “belief”/the Republican’s seem a step in the direction that “change” is not a necessity../and in the two debating ideas of political manuver’s I think the best is too have a numerical value..in this possibility I think the Democrat’s are talking about “dreams” and then the Republican’s are about more “on the ground” prosperity issues..most of my dis-pleasure in the American “change” movement is that they tend to offer nothng more than “messy” politics called Peace Politcs..I think in the definition of “micro” management–this type of social arena only offers up liars.
Posted by: Mark S. M. | August 19, 2007, 10:30 am 10:30 am
It’s no wonder Murikans are ignorant! The poorist among us who are hurt the most by this travesty ogf a Government are the least likely to be informed about how they ae being rolled!
I tried to watch the debate on my local ABC/FUX NEws channel! I turned off my Direct TV because I am on too small SS income, & I was paying $43.00 per month for trash, except Link TV & C Span!
Following the pompous preacher expounding next to a large American FLag ( sound down) the debate came on at 9:am.
It was going along just fine until Kucinich got a big audience response to his answer on getting out of Iraq, ( implicating the sitting Senators who had voted FOR the war and recently voted to fund it again…………….) SO GEORGE Stephanopolous changed the subject completely & threw in an e-mail question about how the candidates felt about their “God”
Right there………….opening up the discussion to the public isn’t, democratic, because the media “tools” still control which ones are used and WHEN!
It got worse………..At 10 AM, a paid program shilling treatment for depression replaced the unfinished debate! ( would we need treatment if our Democracy, life, liberty & pursuit of happiness weren’t being disappeared?)
Response to above comment: This debate ISN”T a FLUKE! ( an accidentally lucky shot in billiards or any accidental stroke of good luck!)
It IS pitiful but it has been very carefully planned to produce the desired results ( Not being our; THE PEOPLE”S enlightenment!)
Posted by: Pat Sharp | August 19, 2007, 10:50 am 10:50 am
The candidates all stated that they believed some things are beyond God’s control. If that’s true, then why do they want the government to play God in terms of health care? An amazing contradiction of philosophy.
Posted by: Robert Rosencrans | August 19, 2007, 10:56 am 10:56 am
In the information age, why waste time watching televised debates which only result in answers being cut short, reducing complex issues to sound bites, and don’t allow anyone to see the comprehensive plans any of the candidates have on any of the issues??? Far better for the American public to take the responsibility of educating themselves on each candidate than relying on TV to give them the scant info they seem to think they need to vote for a presidential candidate. We are short on attention span and memory in this nation. Log on to the candidates websites and READ about what they stand for and how they will make it happen; then compare the candidates’ stance on each issue. Americans cry about our kids watching too much TV, but it is perfectly ok for us to decide who to pick as a presidential candidate from half answered questions on a time limited televised event???
Posted by: massdem | August 19, 2007, 11:01 am 11:01 am
Solutions to the major issues facing America today will only be resolved by a citizenry in which each individual takes responsibility to lead an ethical life, knowing that we are all interdependent on one another, and on the health of our planet.
The only candidate who has the courage, ability and conviction to be a role model for this major task is Dennis Kucinich. He lives the life of statesman for “the people” – one and all.
Irene
NJ
Posted by: Irene Lynch | August 19, 2007, 11:03 am 11:03 am
This debate is a joke! Not everyone is given equal time to speak. Dennis Kucinich is being shut out entirely. The only fair debate is when all the candidates can have equal time. And then the American people can make an informed choice on who should be president. Dennis Kucinich is the only one who is SPOT ON regarding ALL of the issues.
Posted by: Anita | August 19, 2007, 11:14 am 11:14 am
To George Stephanopoulos on his moderating the Iowa Debate 8/19/07.
If you don’t know how to moderate a presidential debate, you need to get out of the business, man.
Kucinich called you on your sly political manipulating in today’s debate – “You’re trying to polarize people out of this race”. You spent the first 20 minutes of the debate asking questions that polarize. You exhibited a particular hatred toward Obama -
Edwards had to force you to tackle the first meaningful question in the debate – he forced you to bring up a discussion of health care – the kind of stuff we out here want to know, George, get it?? You media people are SO out of the loop!.
The candidates continuously told you but you refused to hear reality (just like the true coconut head, GWB) — the matter of “change“. Who can change American politics and government from the same old destructive and hackneyed politics that you persistently fostered in this debate.
Because of your inept moderating, the first 45 minutes of the debate was spent by you stoking conflict among the candidates, rather than eliciting their philosophy for “change“.
You get an “F” as moderator.
Posted by: Delores Jackson | August 19, 2007, 11:17 am 11:17 am
Maybe its time for a dark horse. Christopher Dodd sparks a kind of interest amongst the candidates…
Posted by: thomas yanul | August 19, 2007, 11:27 am 11:27 am
Kucinich is the clear winner (not declared) of this debate and it is for sure a Democrat will win as the Republican ticket does not offer anyone against (nor Democrat) abortion, which will cause the Christian not to vote in November – perhaps the Christians are deciding the vote after – all by not voting – that’s food for thought.
Posted by: span33 | August 19, 2007, 11:28 am 11:28 am
I’d like to ask a question to all candidates. What do you plan on doing about the low pay and long hours of our U.S. Military? And also, what plans do you have for dealing with Russia and China in the near future?
Posted by: Russ | August 19, 2007, 11:31 am 11:31 am
I think all the candidates have raised valid points and provided great insight on ways on end the war, and on their religious beliefs. One thing I would like to hear are ways to strenthen family. I would like to hear their thoughts on infidelity, we should have ways to protect and strengthen family values.
Posted by: Tawanda Nicholson-Robinson | August 19, 2007, 11:34 am 11:34 am
the last time I looked America
Posted by: winnie luzzi | August 19, 2007, 11:36 am 11:36 am
I think John Edwards is absolutely right for not accepting money from the lobbyist. I just love how Hillary avoided to answer the question. The government is supposed to be (for we the people) not big corporations. All corporations care about is the bottom line and giving upper management bonuses. There’s a reason greed is one of the seven deadly sins. John Edwards has spent his career defending the small guy against corporations and keeping them accountable.
Posted by: Mike Frost | August 19, 2007, 11:38 am 11:38 am
I have never heard anyone ask the democrats how they stand on immigration.
Everyone I know feels that protecting our borders is as important as the war and health care third. Please ask each candidate what they would do about immigration. Thank you, Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn | August 19, 2007, 11:39 am 11:39 am
Just one question: How is the Congress going to pay for a war that they won’t put on the budget?
Posted by: philipgeiger | August 19, 2007, 11:42 am 11:42 am
It looked clear that Gravel won with Kucinich a very close second.
Posted by: blueacheon | August 19, 2007, 11:45 am 11:45 am
Unfortunately, Dennis gets very short shifted but if folks actually listened up to what he proposes, more in tune with “the very ordinary” people..Unfortunately , ordinary people ACTUALLY have little say in this democracy’s administrationing !! At this point, am for CHANGE, and will cast with Obama and take a chance that he COULD actualize some change..DO NOT WANT MORE OF THE SMAE-O’s, experienced or not..THEY have NOT held off the “wolves” and been rather inept in actual representing OUR GREATER COMMON GOOD–need more than just verbal platitudes and PR’d gamesmenship..TIME FOR A NEW WAVE !!!!
Posted by: Bozly | August 19, 2007, 11:45 am 11:45 am
Disaster Preparedness and the political process. We have access to more technical information now than ever before. We knew the consequences of Katrina before it happened. Same for global warming. What is missing is objective evaluation and preventive action. I’d like to ask these candidates how they would propose to make the political process more objective and responsive to information. I believe this is critical to the survival of our way of life and our planet.
Posted by: Gerald Friesen | August 19, 2007, 11:58 am 11:58 am
Gravel..he is making folks nervous in his plain speaking and comments are rather typical of what “ordinary” people make in private conversations as well. Dennis is appealing and so is Obama..IF ordinary people could influence all that much, think a Dennis and Obama ticket would be found MOST akin to ordinary folks thought patterns..Unfortunately, such would be SLIMED beyod recognition and truth is, ORDINARY people do NOT have the real say in these decisons as to who gets the title spots !!!
Posted by: Bozly | August 19, 2007, 11:59 am 11:59 am
I feel that the name of each candidate should be scripted at the bottom of the screen each time they speak. This way with so many trying to be the president we will know who is speaking and who we like as the responses are made.
Posted by: nancy | August 19, 2007, 12:07 pm 12:07 pm
Dear ABC News,
Will any of Presidential Candidate change the Congressional Retirement program as it currently stands?
THIS CURRENT PROGRAM MUST CHANGE!!!!!
Politicians MUST belong to Social Security like the rest of us, IF we are
to ever get it fixed.
Posted by: Len Samuel | August 19, 2007, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm
deniss ia a dove and that is just as bad as being a hawk when it comes to ua fighting a war. i agree we do not belong in Iraq, but being that we are there we need to get out the right way and without alot more lose of live to anyone. manly of you that comment on how to get out where not alive during Vatnam and that was such a mess that many people died that did not have to if we took our time and worked out us leaving. I believe that it has come the time that all the debates should be broke up into smaller groups so everyone could talk or let the people decide by a vote like they do on many of the programs today
Posted by: marc gauze | August 19, 2007, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm
you are right, hilary. how could all the monies and efforts spent these many years by the wealthy repubs to defame you Not spin off high negative ratings. they have dedicated so much passion to your demise, and you are still standing and remain strong. you have my admiration and my vote.
Posted by: k tumminia | August 19, 2007, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
(a total “aside” LOL moment during the wrap up/asked why/what caused/inspired them to the path that led to present consideration for WH/CIC..unfortunately, as Dodd did his wrap, a rather large fly landed in front/center on the top of his whitehaired head…Yeah, KNOW is trivial, but sure to be replayed and perhaps indicative of his “position” in the lineup..(like said TOTALLY trivial, but noted…) !!!!
Posted by: Bozly | August 19, 2007, 12:26 pm 12:26 pm
I did not like how George did not give equal time to some of the candidates.
Posted by: L. Weise | August 19, 2007, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm
(hsave to admit, am slightly prejudiced “against” Dodd..he actually did LITTLE , actually encouraged the “return” of Joe Lieberman and think is obvious to most what a mistake that “re-selection” was …Hillary and others did as well, that too should be listed in their mistake columns and points out how some are still wonking the political mode of old ways such as the gang up on Obama for Hillary to be above the fray/supposedly thou that camp too disparges just as much but uses subtle linguisticals..such as “see how Obama is zNOT adhering to his HIGHER MINDED campaign/etc when he speaks out or about and etc…The ESTABLISMENT DEMS are wonking on Hilarys behalf–many BEHOLDENERS amongst them scratching backs in order to keep their backsides covered in the future as they continue with the SAME-O’s !!!!
Posted by: Bozly | August 19, 2007, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm
Face it, THERE IS NO EZ WAY OUT OF IRAQ, and face too, NO REAL WAY TO AVOID whatever chaos comes nor way to avoid further losses of lives..BUT, comes a point when one MUST acknowledge, enuff is ENUFF and no more allowed to continue on endlessly JUST BECAUSE one does NOT want to face the REALITY THAT IT IS LOSS, a MASSIVE , WASTED EFFORT, one that has cost ALL more than ANY should have had to bear !! Letting it drag on and on and on–face it , the “feared” “enemy” is NOT defeatable there in Iraq and if nothing else, OUR presnce and continued “efforts” only serve to THEM IN RECRUITMENT that WILL last into future generations with an INGRAINED ABIDING HATE that will seek revenge !!! BEST TO FIND ANOTHER WAY, more bloodletting is NOT going to cure what ails this situation , time to face that reality !!!
Posted by: Bozly | August 19, 2007, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
I don’t think this debate was managed well. The questions seemed to be attempts at causing the candidates to discredit each other’s campaigns and implode on their own. Is that because in-fighting sells? Is that how we really want to select a candidate? By how bold and loud they are or by what they are actually saying? Also, the time allowed to each candidate was not evenly distributed; not even close. The rules should apply across the board. Otherwise, what is the point?
All of these people have courage, some have fresh ideas and many deserve a place in the next administration, be it the top office or in the cabinet. Their views on issues that concern average Americans are not that different. The Democrats are closer on the issues and to each other than the Republicans. To me, that shows they will work together to pull this country back together.
I agree with the other person who said Americans should do their own research to find out where each candidate stands on the issues and not rely on this venue to make an informed decision. This type of debate doesn’t give voters enough information on what the candidate is really about.
Posted by: MaryB | August 19, 2007, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
Shame on George Stephanopoulos! He effectively shut out some of the candidates by not allowing them equal time to answer questions. I thought this debate was supposed to be about giving all the candidates equal time to express their views. George made sure that did not happen. I hope ABC makes the effort to assure this does not happen again. No wonder ABC is losing viewers.
Posted by: M Leahy | August 19, 2007, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
A classic example of how the media controls the choice of candidate. I noted that it took 25 minutes before Kucinich got his chance to speak. And hurray for him for giving it to the media! Everyone except Clinton, Obama, Richardson and Edwards were shortchanged. And among the shortchanged are the two best and most experienced candidates: Biden and Dodd.
Posted by: Joan G | August 19, 2007, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm
Hillary won this debate just as she has all the other ones – she is awesome! And how about the new Rasmussen poll that shows her WAY ahead of any republican in the southern state of Arkansas – so much for the electability question!
Posted by: craig | August 19, 2007, 2:49 pm 2:49 pm
This is the most biased website I’ve seen! It won’t even permit me to sign up, probably because I am a
Kucinich supporter. Look what Stephanopoulis does, ignoring or dismissing the most popular candidate with the American people, Kucinich. What’s that about, ABC/Disney?
Posted by: shaman7213@sbcglobal.net | August 19, 2007, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
Why are ABC and Karl Rove trying to shove Hillary down our throats? She is the corporate candidate, and that alone should eliminate her from consideration. The only way America will get a genuine populist in office, someone who cares about the American people and not enriching themselves and their cronies by perpetual war, is to stand up and take our government back. If we want a populist, Kucinich is the only way to go. The only one whose integrity is uncompromised.
Posted by: shaman7213@sbcglobal.net | August 19, 2007, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm
Barack Obama won this debate hands down. Democrats, Independence, Moderates, Liberals, please be careful of Republicans, trying to dictate to us, that Hilary Clinton shoud be the Democractic nominee.Republicans knows that Hilary will be the easiest candidate, with the highest negative for them to beat in the genaral election. They are trying to boost her canidancy. In 2004, the Republicans did something similar with Al Gore, about him having a be closely tied to President Clinton. Most Democratics bought into their stategy and it worked. It costs Al Gore the Presidecy and the White House, they are trying their hands a second time. Republicans knows that Barack Obama will be the hardest Democractic nominee for them to beat.
For Barack Obama, keep on doing what you’ve been doing. You won this debate, but you know the Pundts will say Hillary won, because they have bought into the the Republican plot. But we as a people knows which way the wind is blowing.
Posted by: Marine Utley | August 19, 2007, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
Wow, the corporate media(not mainstream any more)has lost touch completely and it is not funny at all. They get it wrong all the time. I saw the interview of regular citizens in a focus group by Frank Luntz then I saw the interview of pundits on the “Green Room” on this website. The difference in their analysis is day and night and you wonder if they watched the same debate. The corporate media clearly can’t grasp Obama emerged as the smartest and most authentic candidate few months ago and currently he is on a sprint. I feel sorry for people who get most of the information from traditional media.
Posted by: meg | August 19, 2007, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
I agree with others who have contributed to this blog that Kucinich got “benched” because he is the strongest candidate with the clearest and most specific answers, who best represents the values of Democrats in the U.S. How interesting that Kucinich, the guy who had an Iraq exit plan back in 2003 didn’t get to participate in the discussion on Iraq in today’s debate on ABC.
Posted by: Sharon Abreu | August 19, 2007, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
Let’s be realistic! The task at hand is to send Dubya and his ilk packing.
Start with a Clinton/Obama ticket. Bring on Richardson as Secretary of State, Joe Biden as Secretary of Defense, Kucinich in Human Services , Dodd as Chief of Staff, Edwards as UN Ambassador and Gravel as a Congressional liaison.
They are all great and capable persons; let’s use their talents. It’s got to be a team effort to end the wackiness of the past eight years.
Posted by: Frank FitzGerald | August 19, 2007, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm
I agree Greoge S. did a poor job. Barack was all right, but when ask of his opinion of most question he would refer to someone elses idea and state he agreed. Didn’t seem as if he is up on the issues. More concerened on what to say to get elected. Senator Clinton seems very knowledgeable. and she also ways knows what to say. That shows she does her home work. The way Barack keeps refering backwards to Senator Clintons war vote. Leaves me to think he is not ready to move forward. All of America and the world knows how she voted, and knows her stance. Lets move on to what he knows. Very little. I would put him in about 5th place behind Biden.
Posted by: Jimmy Sanborn | August 19, 2007, 7:23 pm 7:23 pm
let face it the only person that’s up on stage that has come to face to face with any of Amercia enemies is Bill
Richardson and make no mistake when
ever he was sent to meet with theses
horses butts we where ALL ready in a fix with them so I guess if he is good enough
to put in the line fire this sould tell
you who deserves to be in the white
house
Posted by: Charles San Antonio | August 19, 2007, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
Dennis Kucinich – He offers the best policy for the Nation and the world. As in 2004 he is rejected, not because his policy, but because “He can’t win. ” with 15 months to go before the general election of the criteria of the head and winability such as cuteness, height, best spouse, etc., winning characteristics that will surely determine the 2008 Presidential election. Has anyone looked at what these criteria have yielded in 2000 and 2004. It is enough to disappoint even the strongest heart. …
Posted by: Jack Smith | August 19, 2007, 8:08 pm 8:08 pm
Frank,
That’s wishful thinking. After seeing todays performance (and even previous ones)of Barack Obama why would any body put Hillary at the top of the ticket? People are figuring out Hillary’s double speak and phony rhetoric and appreciate Obama’s authenticity, candor and clarity. The only thing the two share is party affiliation and they are not going to be on the same ticket. Again that is wishful thinking from Hillary supporters. That wont happen. MARK MY WORDS!!
Posted by: meg | August 19, 2007, 9:00 pm 9:00 pm
Iam all the way for Obama, 5,000 %. I hope he can become president next year. May God be with him in his good work. He has all the human – universal quality that no previous or present American presidents have ever had.
He is the only true and complete American running for the pesidency today.
Posted by: Sam | August 19, 2007, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
I think that anyone who votes for any of these candidates is asking to have another 4 years of lies and deceipt. If any of these people will do all of the things that Ron Paul said he would do then consider them golden or lying. I realize for almost 60 years we have been bipartisan but, its time to see passed all that garbage and see the light! No party backed presidential candidate that has 60million to spend on their campaign is going to understand the common man’s burden. WWE and Monday night Raw is more realistic then this craziness we are seeing. Its all staged for your eyes…. smoke and mirrors! But, i am sure we will have one of these deushebags in office. RON PAUL FOR PRES!!!
Posted by: Jeremy | August 19, 2007, 10:06 pm 10:06 pm
Once again a corporate media event which gives the majority of the time to the corporately sponsored candidates. With the exception of Kucinich and Gravel, these canidates sound like neocons, all indorse the profit driven health care system, continued U.S. military involvement in Iraq, and continued support for NAFTA and WTO in destroying the middle class in America.
If people really want another four years of neocon foreign and domestic policy the corporate choices of Clinton, Obama, or Edwards will give them that.
The working poor and middles should listen to Kucinich and not the corporate mouthpieces. The problem is the media won’t allow him time to speak.
Posted by: davidhp | August 19, 2007, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
I don’t think this was really much of a debate. There was not fair representation of all candidates. It seems the media has determined that the race is between Hillary and Barack (who obviously both have strengths), but I would have liked to hear what the other candidates believe. I’m afraid Kucinich (sp?) may actually be the best candidate, but he’s getting no coverage, so I don’t think either myself or the American people can make a fully educated and responsible decision if the media is only going to give the information they determine is right. Hmmmm, sounds familiar, like a certain president we have.
Posted by: Amy | August 20, 2007, 12:26 am 12:26 am
It’s now obvious that George S. is not that balanced in his operation and direction of the Democratic debates. Remember who his formewr boss was. Now his wife’s in the race and George took every opportunitey to let her get the best and most of the debate. Thought the moderator was supposed to be neutral ABC needs to get someone else to admonister the debates, especially the Democratic one. George is doing a idservice to the canidates and the American voters.George could carry his predessors’ pencils on “This Week.” That show had neutral moderation. Now it doesn’t.
Posted by: Sam Soule | August 20, 2007, 12:55 am 12:55 am
I think its fair to assume that a most of the people who voted on the site probably didn’t watch the actual debate. Note how the poll is a “non-scientific survey”. I did like it when Bill Richardson jumped in when he did various times. The Obama-Clinton issue needs to end. Kucinich would be on the level of Gravel and needs to work on his speech tactics. Dodd should have gotten some more time. I think its also fair to say that Richardson’s position was what a lot of time went to as far as clarifying where others stood. I really do think Richardson has the best option of fixing America. I really do believe he is listening to what the majority of people voted for back in 2006. He has the strong support of Iowans on basic issues. Thank goodness he’s not a Senator. I believe he will get even get Republican’s vote and get them to cross the aisle and vote Democratic. As far as being truely presidential Richardson won this one hands down. I think that this should have been televised during a prime-time hour. It is too bad that it was aired early in the morning.
Posted by: John | August 20, 2007, 12:55 am 12:55 am
DEBATE?? What a Crock! How about equal time for all the Candidates?
If the only Moderator You can get is George S then set up some kind of equal time event..Because He is clearly biased against Dennis Kucinich..
Posted by: John Pine | August 20, 2007, 8:01 am 8:01 am
Even though Dennis Kucinich was given
such short shift on time to speak during the debate, his message is reaching the hearts and minds of voters.
Dennis is in first place in the ABC Online Iowa Debate Poll asking who won the debate.
Dennis stands out from the field because he is willing to speak out, while other candidates remain silent.
Dennis speaks out about the lies that got us into the Iraq war.
Dennis speaks out and demands the Cheney be impeached
Dennis speaks out about the need for Not-for-Profit Healthcare
Dennis speaks out and will repeal the US Patriot Act
But he doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk
He’s been against the Iraq war from the beginning AND he has NEVER voted for funding for the war. (Obama and Clinton have continually voted for to fund the war – just check VoteSmart)
Dennis has submitted 3 articles of impeachment against Dick Cheney (do you really need the details?)
Dennis has, along with Rep. Conyers, submitted a bill to Congress for Not-for-Profit healthcare
And Dennis has made it clear, he will repeal the so-called US Patriot Act that stripped us of our civil right and civil liberties.
Dennis speaks out (and takes action) when others remain silent!
Vote KUCINICH 2008
Posted by: Susan | August 20, 2007, 8:32 am 8:32 am
Dennis won! Of course! He always does even though he is given the least time. He really confronts the real issues while the others just circle around jabbering. GO, DENNIS !!
Posted by: Jean W. Dillard | August 20, 2007, 11:37 am 11:37 am
I agree. We need to have Dennis and to replied to by the other sorry lot of candidates. No- I like Mike Gravel next, and then Joe Biden.
I will vote for any Democrat, without much enthusiasm. Once again- the lesser of two evils.
Maybe if we could get money out of politics, we could have representatives who Didn’t send $30 billions in military aid to the Israelis – who evidently learned their idea of political solutions from the Nazis.
Posted by: Donna | August 21, 2007, 12:24 am 12:24 am
Lol this is unreal. How long do you think the people will let liers and thieves lead them. Kucinich is the only one of the whole lot who you can trust. The only person who you can tell is TRUTHFUL.
Posted by: Ken | August 22, 2007, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm
Hillary Clinton is the ONLY force that can reunite the Republican party. Not that it is her fault, but she is face on the poster of gridlock and bitter politics.
Posted by: Robert | January 5, 2008, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm