Live-Blogging From Debates By Rick Klein
Email10:45 pm: Some final thoughts on the Democrats. Edwards may have turned in the strongest pure performance. But that will be overshadowed by a couple of stand-out Clinton moments. She let it all out tonight — the entire book on Obama. But she opened the book on herself with those flashes of anger. New Hampshire voters don’t like candidates who feel entitlted to nominations — they get to decide, things are not foreordained and candidates are not inevitable. Sen. Clinton had some moments tonight she’ll want to take back.
That’s all for tonight — read The Note tomorrow for a full recap and analysis, and a look ahead, as always.
10:37 pm: I’m so glad at least Edwards and Richardson could have some fun at their own expense.
10:34 pm: A fun last question — what would you take back? But a dangerous one to play on.
10:31 pm: My colleague Jake Tapper points out that the debate isn’t over yet and The Moment is already a YouTube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07u6uffKvpA
10:30 pm: This happens at just about every debate: John Edwards comes back to his message again and again, in an effective way. If a debate could vault him back into the game, he may be having that very debate.
10:26 pm: ABC’s Sarah Amos, who covers Richardson: "Sometimes I feel like Richardson would do so much better if he just stopped talking 20 seconds earlier. Strong answers sometimes, but then they meander until people forget his point entirely."
10:20 pm: Obama’s retort to Hillary’s best line: "The truth is, words do inspire." Here’s the thing: it’s more fun to vote for optimism than realism — I didn’t say it’s smarter, necessarily, just that it’s more fun.
10:17 pm: Now she’s just as angry defending the Clinton legacy: "I think we’ve got amnesia." Got her some applause inside the debate hall.
10:14 pm: Hillary Clinton brings the "reality check." "When it comes to lobbyists, Sen. Obama’s chair in New Hampshire is a lobbyist. . . I think it’s important that all of us be held to the same standard." Some standards are more "same" than others — but she has the ENTIRE dossier on Obama out on the table tonight.
And HERE’S her most effective argument, well put: "Words are not action. And as beautifully presented and as passionately felt as they are, they are not action."
10:13 pm: Does Charlie Gibson know Obama’s lobbying bill better than he does? He didn’t seem too ready/able to defend his bill. But "we have to bet on them." See, the spotty first half of that message was forgotten quickly.
10:11 pm: So far, like the GOP, I don’t see a clear winner as much as I see a clear loser. Edwards is effective as always, maybe more than usual. And yet — that’s not where the focus is. It’s hard to game out the scenario that leaves him as the last person standing against Obama, which is his central problem at this moment.
10:08 pm: Richardson almost made Obama’s argument for him by talking up JFK.
10:04 pm: Obama is taking the opportunities to talk about his core message now. His "working majority for change." If you’re still on the fence, that’s compelling stuff.
10 pm: "I’m offering 35 years of experience making change," Clinton says. And then she turns it back to the records… She never got into why people just may not like her.
9:59 pm: "I don’t think she’s that bad," Clinton said. Obama: "You’re likeable enough."
9:58 pm: WMUR’s Scott Spradling was right to pick up on the highlight of the first half, and maybe of this and any debate.
9:56 pm: For some reason, John Edwards almost missed the restart of the live broadcast. But he’s back in time, no harm, no foul.
9:49 pm: In case there’s any doubt, there is no real estate worth occupying on the right on the war issue. So nobody supports the surge. Richardson gets his main message home: "I bring the troops home within a year."
9:47 pm: The Clinton campaign is beginning to churn out well-documented pieces showing Obama’s shifts of positions. None of which will be as memorable what just happened on stage.
9:40 pm: There will be time to ponder this later . . . but I do wonder whether that moment when Clinton seemed almost incredulous that she’s not winning is unlikely to speak to anyone who isn’t already supporting her. That has the potential of being a memorable moment, for all the wrong reasons, of course.
9:38 pm: From ABC’s Eloise Harper, who covers the Clinton campaign: "Snap! Clinton just lost her temper a bit. Interesting that Richardson is taking her side – after the alleged deal with Obama on caucus night."
9:35 pm: Sen. Clinton is doing more than an adequate job defending herself, but now she’s in all-out warfare with two of the three other people on stage — and has to stay on this side of indignant anger in talking herslef up. (Richardson: "I’ve been in hostage negotiations that are a lot more civil.") This Edwards strategy makes sense — he wants a one-on-one with Obama. But what he’s doing is likely to make Obama stronger.
9:34 pm: And John Edwards defends Obama against Clinton! "The forces of status quo are going to attack." He wants an "unfiltered debate between the agents of change." (Just like Mitt, guess who doesn’t have many friends on stage?) Edwards: "I didn’t hear these types of attacks from Sen. Clinton when she was ahead."
9:32 pm: Obama is defending on substance — that is good. This is good for the process. And ABC’s Karen Travers drives home this point: "It took about the same amount of time in both debates for the debating to start-about 23-24 (assuming they keep this going). Maybe that is the comfort point."
9:29 pm: I’m surprised that Obama is bringing up the differences between the healthcare plans. And Clinton is taking him on over mandates — I’m very curious to see whether he can keep that debate going. Wow — wow, she is bringing it all tonight. She will have left it all on the field. I give her serious credit for taking this on, not leaving it to oppo or negative ads or surrogates.
9:27 pm: Ahh, CHANGE. This is the heart of it, now isn’t it? Clinton talks about "bringing people together" — sort of an Obama line. And she wants scrutiny of "our records." And then she brings it: "He could have a pretty good debate with himself." "I think that’s relevant. What we’re looking for is a president we can count on. . . . I have no problem with whatever scrutiny comes my way."
9:23 pm: The Richardson campaign points out that he is the only one calling for Musharaff to step aside. Fair point.
9:21 pm: Maybe, on second thought, this is Obama talking to his supporters. They don’t want a play it safe, complacent frontrunner. They want him to feel strongly, and speak strongly. So that in itself makes for a different debate dynamic.
9:16 pm: Intriguing answer for Obama to go on the offensive first, by mentioning Iraq. As everyone paying attention knows, he’s the only person on the stage who was against the war from the start. Not a classic frontrunner’s move, but maybe it pays off.
9:14 pm: No real separation on this first subject so far. They’d all go into Pakistan — a nuclear nation — to take out al Qaeda. But Hillary Clinton is the first to connect it to her campaign message: "We have to be very conscious of all the consequences." She finds five consequences — designed, it seems to show that she knows this stuff well. A tour de force of an answer. Experience begets change. That’s the campaign message.
9:11 pm: If people are still having trouble watching online try http://www.wmur.com/politics/index.html
9:08 pm: I wonder who loses the most from being seated — the John Edwards passion doesn’t come across the same way from a swivel chair.
9:06 pm: This seems like ages ago when Obama was talking about going into Pakistan. In a sense, anything pre-Iowa was ages ago. He has to watch every single word he utters tonight, and he’s doing it hoarsely — he’s used to talking, and doing so with volume, after this non-stop stretch of campaigning.
9:02 pm: This is cozy cozy cozy! Just four desks plus Charlie Gibson. No avoiding confrontation when they’re in each others’ personal space. This does make it look like, as Bill Richardson says, the Final Four.
9 pm: Now it’s on to the Democrats……..
8:55 pm: Some final thoughts: Perhaps its indicative of this scattered, chaotic Republican field that it’s extremely difficult to pick a winner. Maybe Rudy had the strongest night, maybe Ron Paul for what it’s worth, and McCain certainly got off the most zingers.
But I saw that as a pretty bad night for Mitt Romney. I think he was outflanked on immigration by McCain and Giuliani — that’s not easy to do. And you can tell that nobody on that stage likes him. He’s a frontrunner here, so he can expect the heat, but so is John McCain, and yet everyone rushed to defend McCain and attack Romney. Why would Romney say he likes mandates? How could he have let Fred Thompson best him on a debate over healthcare? Just a few of the many questions he’s going to have to sort out, against the backdrop of some McCain momentum in New Hampshire?
That’s it for this debate, and it’s on to the Democrats!
Read all about this and more in tomorrow’s Note…
8:44 pm: If you are an American with any ounce of patriotism, you cannot watch that moment — 10 candidates of all colors and backgrounds and genders and beliefs, together on stage, one of whom will almost certainly be the 44th president of the United States — and not get at least a tiny little goosebump.
And I will admit to being enough of a civics dork to have gotten many of them. r
8:40 pm: Look, I work for ABC, so I can’t be impartial. But I loved this debate — the format really did click.
8:36 pm: Fred Thompson does get bonus points — if not votes — for intellectually honesty. "We’re not going to be energy independent in a few years."
8:32 pm: ABC’s Matt Stuart: "Anyone else think Barack Obama wishes Ron Paul wasn’t speaking right now? Or at least pronouncing "Barack" correctly?"
8:31 pm: Huckabee had all sorts of caveats before he started praising Obama, but then he gets off his strongest line of the evening: "We better be careful as a party…" if we don’t do something as a party to give something to be for. I really think that was the first time we had a flash of the Huckabee that’s such a magnetic presence on the stump.
8:30 pm: ABC’s Bret Hovell: "I think that’s the second time Thompson has come to McCain’s defense against Romney: We’re talking about a Democratic primary here, he said, on the issue of change."
8:28 pm: Regarding Romney and his new change message, says ABC’s Matt Stuart: "There’s Romney’s revamped stump in a nutshell. But will it work in New Hampshire…with only 4 days left?"
8:27 pm: McCain takes another unprovoked shot at Romney: "I agree, you are the candidate of change."
8:26 pm: Thompson: "Sen. Obama has adopted the position of every liberal interest group in this country, as best I can tell." Even if he was right, it makes me wonder — can Republicans win this year by painting Democrats as liberals? To sounds Thompsonesque for a second — will that dog hunt?
8:25 pm: Wonder if Sen. Cliton is liking or hating that the Republicans are being asked to take on Barack Obama. "The biggest difference I think . . . is this is a time where America wants change," says Mitt Romney. Any doubt now that he’s trying to out-Obama Barack Obama?? Does he really think he could be the change agent in a debate against Obama?
8:22 pm: From ABC’s Christine Byun: "Thompson and his Iowa "best friend", Rep. Steve King, have strict definitions on immigration and amnesty. King told me he wanted to come out to this debate – but since Thompson isn’t playing here, they perhaps are saving him for South Carolina, where illegal immigration is a VERY hot topic."
8:18 pm: Mike Huckabee hasn’t spoken a single word in this second segment of the campaign, has he?
8:16 pm: I’m glad Fred Thompson is speaking again. I literally think he was about to fall asleep on stage. He tends to do well early and fade as time goes on on these stages…
8:15 pm: And the gang-up on poor Mitt continues — Rudy says Reagan would have ended up in a Romney negative ad.
8:14 pm: I’m sorry, but is Mike Huckabee still on the stage? At least New Hampshire residents are seeing their Big Two duke it out.
8:13 pm: McCain — temper, temper: "When you change positions on issues time to time, you will get misquoted," he tells Romney.
8:12 pm: Romney’s getting snippy! And McCain with a soundbite you’ll see again: "You can spend your whole fortune on these attack ads, but it still won’t be true."
8:09 pm: Rudy essentially said he’s going to let 12 million illegal immigrants stay in the country. Closer to John McCain than Mitt Romney.
8:08 pm: And here’s Romney’s response. He calls McCain’s plan "a form of amnesty." He sounds like the common-sense candidate when he delivers this response — whatever he’s said on the subject in the past, he’s got this answer down pat. That’s what a hundred million town-hall meetings will do for you.
8:07 pm: McCain on immigration: Yes, he still has the same plan. He can talk all he wants about the need to secure the borders first, but his plan is still one that no one else on this stage would support — and most Republicans still disagree with him. If he wins the nomination, it’s in spite of his views on immigration, not because of it. Romney is almost certain to attack him, but he wants the debate to stay off his lawn.
8:04 pm: The candidates are back on stage a bit early, everyone chatting amiably. But Romney is off in the wings still. A fitting image for the man they all love to hate.
8:01 pm: It’s only a three-minute break, but all the candidates left the stage — except for John McCain, who’s chatting with people in the front row.
7:59 pm: As regular readers of my blog know, I’m not a fan of Fred Thompson’s previous debate performances. But he came to play tonight.
7:52 pm: "I like mandates." — Mitt Romney. He did not have to utter a phrase that way to convey his cogent thought. Fred Thompson is really eating his lunch now.
7:50 pm: So far, Ron Paul is having a very good night. He’s center-stage, and centered around the action. (And ponder this: He could beat Fred Thompson and maybe even Rudy Giulianin in New Hampshire.) Thompson, though, is good when he breaks out the sarcasm.
7:49 pm: This is actually the best I’ve seen Romney in talking about his own healthcare plan. He has found a groove on an issue he’s handled in stops and starts. Then he’s back to the cheap seats by saying "we don’t need Hillarycare." That is a term that no longer has meaning, and I think Mitt Romney knows it.
7:47 pm: Really, they’re all dodging on health insurance. Look, there’s just not a good Republican position that involves government getting more involved in health care. If there was one, they would have found it.
7:45 pm: Rudy is the first to throw out "socialized medicine" in regard to the Democrats’ plans. It’s just a dodge though, to avoid the question and score points. It does, however, work as a line.
7:43 pm: I like the format so far, and I think the candidates like it too. A little much Ron Paul on foreign policy early, but this has been meaty and interesting so far.
7:40 pm: Huckabee should not be talking about "changing policies." He can clarify about the difference between policies and positions, but that’s a tough soundbite.
7:36 pm: ABC’s Matt Stuart, who covers Romney, says that Romney never called for a timetable for withdrawal, but did envision troops moving to a "standby" role some time in 2008.
7:32 pm: This is a question written for McCain — standing by your principles. That’s why those in New Hampshire like and respect him. Interesting to see if Romney tries to take that image on tonight.
7:29 pm: Enough from Paul.
7:28 pm: From ABC’s Bret Hovell, who covers McCain: "McCain has not spoken in 10 minutes. Is that good for him? Are they beating themselves up? He wants to be the one looking most presidential on the stage. But is there a point at which you can’t look presidential if you don’t talk?"
7:27 pm: Romney is a name-dropper! And this: "don’t talk about my position." Huckabee: "Which one?" This is getting good…
7:26 pm: I do think Huckabee is holding his own: "I’m not running for President Bush’s third term." He’s running on his own terms. So far, it’s working. So far. And he knows the complicated names Romney knows too. This bickering though doesn’t make Mitt look too good. McCain: "Did you read mine?"
7:25 pm: ABC’s Jan Simmonds, who covers Giuliani: "Rudy has got to love that this debate has started on what he feels is his strongest issue. For the last week he has pushing his plan to attack the War on Terror with little media pick-up due to the Caucus in Iowa. This theme allows himself to re-enter himself into the debate."
7:23 pm: Ron Paul is suddenly the center of the action. Hmmm… who wins here? And Mitt Romney likes to pronounce complicated names, we get it.
7:22 pm: Taking on Ron Paul — it’s a layup, but this is Rudy reaching way back to a moment that helped him in an early debate. Bigger audience tonight, but can he go back to that well?
7:21 pm: And Fred Thompson talking some serious substance too — man, maybe I underestimated him. I think he does maybe sort of want to be president…
7:19 pm: Romney embraces fully: "We owe him a debt of gratitude," referring to President Bush. And this is a deeper foreign policy vision that we’ve heard from Romney so far — he and Huckabee both lack foreign policy experience, but he’s trying to show that he and Huckabee can’t be lumped together.
7:16 pm: ABC’s Christine Byun, who covers Thompson, adds this: "Thompson going after Huckabee on foreign policy – he started this line of attack in Iowa, prior to the caucus when the news of Bhutto’s death rocked the trail."
7:15 pm: As Rudy and then McCain embrace the president’s foreign policy, it occurs to me that Huckabee is occupying some of the anti-Bush real estate that does exist out there. Really not a terrible addition to his campaign.
7:13 pm: Fred Thompson stirs: "Maybe the governor’s rethought his policies." "The bottom line is we are in a global war with radical Islam, declared war on us a long time ago." That’s a line Rudy Giuliani or John McCain or Mitt Romney would have loved to use.
7:12 pm: Huckabee doesn’t like to have to answer questions about where he is vis a vis the Bush foreign policy. Remember that Republicans are still behind the president. He’s skating beyond the issue by saying he’ll do what’s in the best interest of the country — who wouldn’t? He is measured in his response though — wonder if anyone’s going to take him on over this. Being critical of Rumsfeld is savvy — even Republicans don’t like the guy at this point.
7:08 pm: Thanks, sleuths, for finding the link to live video: http://www.wmur.com/video/14986153/index.html
7:04 pm: Here they come onto the stage — first thing I’m struck by is how manageable the field seems with just six as opposed to seven or eight candidates. Sorry, Duncan Hunter, but one of these six men will be the Republican nominee. And the fact that they’re seated seems . . . civilized. And no lights or clocks on the first section of the debate. They’re checking their mics while TV viewers watch Diane and George.
Fred Thompson doesn’t like the format: "Who set this up so McCain is as tall as I am?" Good laughter from that line.
7:02 pm: Everyone likes to say their debates are different — trust me guys, this one really will be. Should be mostly interaction between and among the candidates. Hopefully, it’s lively, entertaining, and informative.
6:59 pm: Left coasters: I believe the debate will air on your affiliates later tonight (check your local listings, as they say). Each affiliate makes its own timing decisions, so don’t blame me (I just work here).
6:53 pm: Charlie Gibson just told us he’s a Redskins fan (who’s disappointed in the score so far), and an audience member asked him about the Patriots (we are in New England). He was resolute: "It’s like rooting for General Motors, or the Yankees." Big boos for Charlie. (Remember, New England.)
6:53 pm: I’m still coming up blank, guys, but if it’s streaming anywhere online it’s going to be here at 7 pm ET: http://www.wmur.com/politics/index.html
6:50 pm: Quick thought before we start — huge, huge night for Mitt Romney — he badly needs to bounce back in New Hampshire after his disappointing finish in Iowa. The WMUR/CNN poll confirms what many of us are sensing here in New Hampshire — that John McCain is on the move. And two candidates could use a boost of energy — Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani. Both of them would love a strong showing — maybe third — if they want their bids to continue. And one other point — though Mike Huckabee won Iowa (and by rights should be labeled a frontrunner) I don’t think he’ll be in the center of the action this evening. The dynamics are such that he’s not a big player in the next contest, here in N.H. So my guess is most of the fireworks involve Romney and McCain, the two frontrunners here.
6:42 pm: John — no new ABC poll, but there is a new WMUR/CNN poll (WMUR is ABC’s New Hampshire affiliate) out tonight. Details below, at posting I entered at 6:01 pm.
6:40 pm: The pre-game show just started here at Saint Anselm College. I’m in the back row, but this is a small house so the seat’s not bad. Maybe 500 people in the room. Six desks lined up in an arc, with swivel chairs behind them. Charlie Gibson will seat back to the audience, facing the candidates. And if his vision comes through, the candidates will be responding more to each other than to him.
6:35 pm: For those looking for it on radio — scan the dials. I believe many ABC Radio affiliates are broadcasting the debate.
6:25 pm: To clarify — individual stations can put it online live, but ABC the network can’t. I’m looking for a link for you guys that seems to work — but the debate doesn’t start for 35 more minutes.
6:19 pm: My apologies to those who are trying (and failing) to find a livestream of the debate online. Best I can offer is that my colleagues back in New York will be cutting clips of the debate and posting them on our site at abcnews.com/politics and facebook.com/politics during the debate. Unfortunately, we at the network can’t make a live stream available until all our ABC affiliates (including those on the west coast) have aired both debates. We’ll have longer clips up tomorrow too.
But I’m here all night for the highlights!!
6:16 pm ET: A footnote on the Kucinich story: Kucinich himself (we assume) has answered a question on the Facebook debate page. The Question: "Is a Presidential candidate’s national "electability" a big factor in deciding your vote in the primaries?" Kucinich’s answer: "It’s not to me–but it is to ABC/Facebook, who excluded me from the important New Hampshire debate, because I wasn’t "a top 4 candidate" yet in the polls. Did you know Clinton/Obama/Edwards refuse to support impeachment, gay marriage, and repeal of the Patriot Act & NAFTA? Or leave Iraq until 2013?"
6:01 pm ET: A flash of news to get us going! The latest WMUR/University of New Hampshire tracking poll has John McCain opening up a six-point lead over Mitt Romney, 33-27. In their last poll, taken Dec. 27-30, McCain and Romney were tied at 29.
The sample size is small, the margin of error large (five), but this is the first post-Iowa snapshot we have of the race, and it raises the stakes for Romney. The Romney campaign is furiously spinning the prospect of a second-place finish as a win, but as we note today he’s spending more money than all of his rivals COMBINED in New Hampshire, just like he did in Iowa, where he only took the silver. The poll also has Rudy Giuliani in third at 14, Mike Huckabee fourth with 11, and Ron Paul in fifth with 9. (Fred Thompson is tied with with Duncan Hunger at 1 — wow.)
Among the Democrats, it’s Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama tied at 33. If you’re with the Clinton campaign, this is a mixed message — it is tight tight tight in the state she needs to regain momentum, but at least she hasn’t cratered in the wake of Iowa. These numbers are roughly the same as they were in the last poll, which it at 34-30 Clinton over Obama. In the new numbers, John Edwards is running third at 20 percent — if that holds, he’s going to have trouble moving on from New Hampshire. Bill Richardson is in a distant fourth at 4 percent, just above Dennis Kucinich’s 2 percent.
5:45 pm ET: High drama behind the scenes at ABC, barely an hour before the first debate. Dennis Kucinich filed for a temporary restraining order with a judge here in New Hampshire, claiming it was a violation of FCC rules to keep him off the debate stage. That prompted a wave of panic among the folks who have spent months planning tonight’s live events. David Westin, the president of ABC News and a lawyer, personally worked the phones and got the judge to dismiss it. Elapsed time: about 15 minutes. Years off our collective lives: Maybe 15, as well.
Hi everyone, Rick Klein here from ABC’s The Note. I’ll be live-blogging during tonight’s ABC News/Facebook Republican debate from inside the debate hall at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., starting at 7 pm ET. (And I’ll be back around 8:45 pm ET for the Democratic debate.)
Join me for the conversation — while watching on ABC — by weighing in in the comment area below. One quick note: I was involved in some of the preparations with moderator Charlie Gibson, and this is going to be a forum the likes of which we’ve never seen before. It’s going to be incumbent on the candidates to drive the conversation — and the stakes could hardly be higher, given the fast-approaching New Hampshire primary on Tuesday. The candidates will be seated next to each other on stage — six Republicans, and four Democrats later. If it’s like a living-room conversation, consider them two family feuds.
Sen. DeMint: GOP Race Could Go Until Convention 
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Is this debate going to be available to watch online for those of us without TVs?
Posted by: tim | January 5, 2008, 5:14 pm 5:14 pm
Ditto to that question. I killed my television 12 years ago. How do we navigate to the online stream, if there is one?
Posted by: Jive Dadson | January 5, 2008, 5:33 pm 5:33 pm
Would also like to know about getting it online…am living in Ireland where we don’t get the abc network but would love to see the debates live.
Posted by: Louise | January 5, 2008, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm
Mr. Klein, can ABC set up a live stream of tonight’s debates? I, like many others, would like to watch the debates online.
Thank you!
Posted by: Johns | January 5, 2008, 5:55 pm 5:55 pm
I hope the debates will be streamed on ABC.com (like the YouTube/CNN Debates).
Thanks!
Posted by: DW | January 5, 2008, 6:11 pm 6:11 pm
KITV – an ABC TV affiliate in Hawaii – states on its website:
“New Hampshire will be the stage tonight as the candidates debate, fresh off the Iowa caucuses. Watch the debate live online at 7PM Eastern right from our homepage.”
http://www.kitv.com/index.html
But, alas, I cannot find the link to livestream.
Posted by: Brian | January 5, 2008, 6:11 pm 6:11 pm
I like to know about getting it on stream.I live in Germany where we don’t get the abc network but would love to see the debates live.
Posted by: Nnabuuko Jones | January 5, 2008, 6:13 pm 6:13 pm
I am not near a tv Will there be a live feed Please
Anyone know of a live feed thank you
Posted by: robert | January 5, 2008, 6:18 pm 6:18 pm
Great move by ABC/Westin to not let Kucinich in. His opinions — i.e. that aliens have landed here, presumably in his head — disenfranchise real voters by taking away time from candidates who can actually govern. Let the debates begin.
Posted by: Handy Andy | January 5, 2008, 6:22 pm 6:22 pm
Im in London and id love to know how i can get the debates on the net as they arent being shown anywhere here… Help??
Posted by: martin | January 5, 2008, 6:22 pm 6:22 pm
Why am I not surprised the Republicans are going first?
Posted by: Patty | January 5, 2008, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm
Was also hoping there was a live stream to watch, we don’t have cable or rabbit ears, what’s online is all I’ve got. If not live, please post the debate footage online afterwards.
Posted by: Julie Halitzka | January 5, 2008, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm
Thanks, Rick.
But are you saying that the statement from the KITV website is a misprint or mistake?
Check the link; the station claims it will have a live feed of the debates.
Posted by: Brian | January 5, 2008, 6:24 pm 6:24 pm
Won’t be near a computer. Anyone know if there is a radio broadcast in the New York area?
Posted by: chris | January 5, 2008, 6:25 pm 6:25 pm
This is ridiculous. How can you publicize this as the Great ABC-Facebook Get-Young-People-Involved partnership, when you are not even going to broadcast it online!
I am a college student, with no TV in my dorm room, and I was hoping to watch the debate online.
You people complain about how young people don’t watch debates or don’t care about debates, but you don’t even make an effort to reach out to us.
Posted by: O.R. Siddiqui | January 5, 2008, 6:25 pm 6:25 pm
Thanks again.
It’s pretty refreshing to have a network reporter so responsive in real time.
I’ve been checking for streaming ABC affiliates; so far no luck, except for KITV, and it’s a wild guess as to whether or not a live link will appear on that site at 7PM EST.
Posted by: Brian | January 5, 2008, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
There appears to be a lot of interest from overseas.
I sure hope Ron Paul gets a good turn out in New Hampshire.
I’d like to see someone try to get the inflation tax under control.
Posted by: Some Guy | January 5, 2008, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
This needs an online feed…
Posted by: JJCarbon | January 5, 2008, 6:35 pm 6:35 pm
I’m in New York too.
WPVI radio in Philadelphia – 87.7 FM – simulcasts the ABC TV station there, but I’ve found within New York reception.
Posted by: Brian | January 5, 2008, 6:36 pm 6:36 pm
I hope the candidates grill Romney on his flip-flopping. So far he is just someone with zero convictions who says anything just to get elected. His record is pitiful.
Posted by: JJCarbon | January 5, 2008, 6:39 pm 6:39 pm
Thanks, Brian. I might get it; am in western NJ. Surprised that WNYC is not picking it up, at least on their AM.
Posted by: chris | January 5, 2008, 6:41 pm 6:41 pm
Mr. Klein,
Isn’t there a ABC NH poll that is supposed to be released tonight?
Posted by: John | January 5, 2008, 6:41 pm 6:41 pm
Thanks as well Rick Klein for the radio affiliate note. Hadn’t seen any notice that the ABC radio network would simulcast. Appreciate your taking the time to respond.
Posted by: chris | January 5, 2008, 6:45 pm 6:45 pm
Thanks Mr. Klein!
Posted by: John | January 5, 2008, 6:45 pm 6:45 pm
Thanks Rick for posting updates; just to politely resonate what’s already known: I too depend on online communities for most news (have wifi vs tv) and heartily await an online feed to watch live debate coverage. Thanks for sleuthing.
Posted by: Jill Foster | January 5, 2008, 6:49 pm 6:49 pm
No live stream? This is the 21st century right? Now to get this radio machine to work.
Posted by: Ken Mitchell | January 5, 2008, 6:53 pm 6:53 pm
My motto used to be: “A day without TV is like a day without sunshine.”
And now I must suffer without sunshine. It’s not as bad as, e.g., the suffering in Darfur, but still.
Posted by: Brian | January 5, 2008, 6:53 pm 6:53 pm
ABC has made a horrible decision in excluding Dennis Kucinich, from the Abc Facebook debate, He’s one of five mainstream democratic candidates still in the race, not to mention he outranks Bill Richardson in both the Facebook and Abc polls listed on the Facebook/politics page. I hope Kucinich’s appeal with the FCC comes back to bite Abc in the rear. Kucinich supporters are planning to protest outside the debate.
Posted by: Wayne Petitt | January 5, 2008, 6:56 pm 6:56 pm
It’s not being televised here on the left coast (SF bay area). I’m disappointed in ABC.
Posted by: Tim | January 5, 2008, 6:56 pm 6:56 pm
I threw out my TV a year ago. And was shocked to discover that the debates were hardly available online anywhere. In this day of Youtube yada yada, t’s not just ridiculous, it is RIDONKULOUS…
Posted by: Ridonkulous | January 5, 2008, 7:02 pm 7:02 pm
Thanks so much Rick for your efforts in finding a live stream…am hugely impressed! Looks like your suggested link will work.
Posted by: Louise | January 5, 2008, 7:02 pm 7:02 pm
I am in NYC- where is the radio or live stream. Boyfriend is watching football.
Posted by: heather | January 5, 2008, 7:05 pm 7:05 pm
I agree with Brian –except it will be broadcast 3 hours late. Would you watch a football game broadcast 3 hours late??
Why not show it on KGO DT-2 live??
Posted by: Lyle Bacon | January 5, 2008, 7:05 pm 7:05 pm
Hurray interwebs! Link functional
Posted by: Ken Mitchell | January 5, 2008, 7:09 pm 7:09 pm
Question for Obama: My friend told me that when you were elected to the Senate, you had stated a preference to be sworn in using the Koran rather than the Bible. Will you still have that preference if elected to be President of the U.S.?
Posted by: Judy | January 5, 2008, 7:10 pm 7:10 pm
After 8 years of Bush at the controls does either Obama or Hillery feel like the co-pilot of a plane in a suicide dive that was handed the controls 3000 feet from the ground.
Posted by: john | January 5, 2008, 7:11 pm 7:11 pm
I am one of the lucky ones that has a health insurance policy, but I still cannot afford any medical treatment because health costs are so high that I cannot affort the out of pocket amount that I must meet.
Posted by: Rex Undewood | January 5, 2008, 7:11 pm 7:11 pm
Just a thought: Why in the world would you not have a tv? I have never understood that.
Posted by: Slamminsammy | January 5, 2008, 7:11 pm 7:11 pm
Thanks Michal and James!
And thank you Mr. Klein!
Posted by: O.R. Siddiqui | January 5, 2008, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
I would like the question put to them all: Who do you most trust to provide best health care, the Government or the Insurance Co?
Posted by: Beverly C Bennett | January 5, 2008, 7:14 pm 7:14 pm
“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross.”
Hucksterbee the Christian Council on Foreign Relations Socialist
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
Mike Huckabee… the right choice for America!
Posted by: ezekiel | January 5, 2008, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
In the 1950s, Nikta Kruschev of the old Societ Uniion predicted: “Your grandchildren will live under socialism.”
As President, would you work to make his prediction come true or prevent it?
Posted by: Arthur Melanson | January 5, 2008, 7:17 pm 7:17 pm
To Judy:
Senator Obama was NOT sworn in on the Koran..he is now, and always has been, Christian. It is not helpful to spread incorrect information about ANY candidate.
Posted by: suzanne f | January 5, 2008, 7:17 pm 7:17 pm
One more Bush or Clinton type (Council on Foreign Relations – One World Monopolist) and the Republic is completely and undeniably toast.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:18 pm 7:18 pm
I like the format. More fair and balance and directed towards the issues
Posted by: Barry E. Magee | January 5, 2008, 7:18 pm 7:18 pm
Rudy pick everything that was wrong with the Bush adminstration……
Posted by: John D | January 5, 2008, 7:19 pm 7:19 pm
Mike Huckabe – the One World Monopolist phony Socialist Christian choice for Evangelical dupes who know little about anything beyond their Bible…assuming they even know their Bible.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:20 pm 7:20 pm
Rommney thinks he is going to “move” the muslims in their line of thought/way of thinking….he’s nuts!
Posted by: Barry E. Magee | January 5, 2008, 7:22 pm 7:22 pm
RON PAUL is RIGHT. They attack us because we nose around on their turf. They don’t attack us because we are a free people. Norway is FREE. I can’t recall the last time Norway was attacked. Can you?
Posted by: Handy Andy | January 5, 2008, 7:22 pm 7:22 pm
What will you do about gas and home heating oil prices. No American should have to choose between medicines and heat.
Posted by: Barbara | January 5, 2008, 7:22 pm 7:22 pm
CFRed Thompson, please do tell us about how you buried Chinagate when it was in your Senate Committee?
Another CFR fraud…
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:22 pm 7:22 pm
Go Obama! Your a winner. You can do it. When the Debate. Get a piece of cake.
Posted by: Veronica Hillsman | January 5, 2008, 7:22 pm 7:22 pm
Hilarious! Romney describing “moderate governments such as Pakistan”.
Musharraf describes A.Q. Khan a national hero. Musharraf won’t let the FBI question him about what nuclear secrets he gave to Iran.
A.Q. Khan is largest proliferator of WMD nuke technology to rogue states ever. He lives in splendor and Musharraf calls him a national hero.
What makes that moderate?
Who are you kidding?
Matt
Posted by: Matt | January 5, 2008, 7:23 pm 7:23 pm
Barbara, oil was what? $20/brl before Iraq? It’s what? $100/brl now?
Anyone here want their son or daughter dying for the Middle Eastern Union see European Union see North American Union.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm
Osama Obama, another Council on Foreign Relations dupe. No thanks.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm
amazing
thanx
Posted by: Atil | January 5, 2008, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm
thats it attack each other….. may way for Clinton
Posted by: John D | January 5, 2008, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm
Matt, no joke. We haven’t met a Middle East Dick Tater that we haven’t supported.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm
Looks like this is going to drag down between a sword fight between Chuck the Huck and Hit and Mitt.
Posted by: Barry E. Magee | January 5, 2008, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm
Mitt Willard RINO Romne: is there one core position you haven’t flipped on within 5 years of running for President of the united States of America??????
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:29 pm 7:29 pm
I think Giuliani is wrong. He calls the Munich massacre and the killing of Klinghofer as Islamic terrorists.
They were terrorists of course. But they were supporters of Yassir Arafat, who clearly is not your classic Islamic terrorist.
Matt
Posted by: Matt | January 5, 2008, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
Ah, A noun, a verb and 9-11 Geez Rudi and et al, what forward thinking!
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
My forebears came to America in 1756. They were revolutionaries who chose to define a nation in terms of who we could become and not who we have been. The recent politics of divisiveness has been deeply disturbing to me. Republican or Democrat alike, my question and concern for the candidates is what positive steps they will take to help us take our nation back, and then to take it forward as a people with a common purpose and a shared vision.
Posted by: Ross Burke | January 5, 2008, 7:33 pm 7:33 pm
Well, as usual we get to miss another debate. The local ABC affiliate has decided that “Classic Skiing” is more important than a debate by presidential candidates.
Posted by: Roger M | January 5, 2008, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm
Governor Hucksterbee: “Why would you choose Richard Haas, PRESIDENT of the GloBAAList Council on Foreign Relations, as your Chief Foreign Policy Advisor?”
+++
Time Magazine recently reported that Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas Governor and current Republican Presidential Candidate, has been widening his circle of advisers when it comes to foreign policy. This may come as a relief to some who have seen his famous congratulatory words to Canada on the preservation of their National Igloo. Who has Huckabee turned to for wisdom regarding America’s position on the world stage?
Meet Richard Haas. You probably have not heard of him, but he is very influential in the world of international politics. With Richard Haas’ guiding, Mr. Huckabee has written a scathing attack of President George Bush’s “bunker mentality”. This article will run in Foreign Affairs, a magazine published by the Council on Foreign Relations. Richard Haas is the President of the CFR.
To understand what sort of advice Mike Huckabee is receiving from Richard Haas, one needs only to read his published papers. One such article is entitled “Rethinking Sovereignty.” Here are some excerpts.
“Our notion of sovereignty must therefore be conditional, even contractual, rather than absolute.“
“For 350 years, sovereignty – the notion that states are the central actors on the world stage and that governments are essentially free to do what they want within their own territory but not within the territory of other states – has provided the organizing principle of international relations. The time has come to rethink this notion. “
“Moreover, states must be prepared to cede some sovereignty to world bodies if the international system is to function. “
“Globalization thus implies that sovereignty is not only becoming weaker in reality, but that it needs to become weaker. States would be wise to weaken sovereignty in order to protect themselves, because they cannot insulate themselves from what goes on elsewhere. “
In a cursory investigation of Mr. Haas’ work, one can surmise he is a globalist with no regard for national sovereignty as we would define it. It is troubling to think that Mr. Huckabee does not check the views of his advisers. It is more troubling to think that he did investigate– and agrees.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm
Rudy is about to take a hit from Rommney on illegal immigration.
Posted by: Barry E. Magee | January 5, 2008, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm
We’ve spent trillions of dollars on a post cold war mentality of feeding those war dogs and the large corporations that are so exasperated that the world has a chance to come together on a few issues (global warming for instance), and those who deplore isolationism in protecting jobs yet won’t share in the responsibilities as a world partnership. Yea.
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm
Ruby: “Ronald Reagan…blah blah blah”
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
You say, “Unfortunately, we at the network can’t make a live stream available until all our ABC affiliates (including those on the west coast) have aired both debates.”
Unfortunately, we don’t get to see the debates in the Reno, NV area. KOLO 8 has decided that a Classic Skiing program is more important.
Posted by: Roger M | January 5, 2008, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
Democrat observation: Only one truth teller in the entire Republican field on the cause for Islamic terrorism – Ron Paul. The rest are engaging in a George Bush lovefest
Posted by: Joetex | January 5, 2008, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
Principles? Rudy is giving a resume of 9/11. Mitt is talking about his great family. John at least makes sense about his guiding principles and is consistent. But John, if you believe “we are all created equal,” I hope you can keep those principles.
Posted by: Jeff | January 5, 2008, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
Both McCain and Romney responded well. McCain is the Uncle sam of the United States. romney suggests Mom’s stay home with the kids….I agree. when social security covers a stay at home Mom, we will have more of them.
Posted by: JudyTJ | January 5, 2008, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
Love this format so far as long as they don’t talk over each other.
Posted by: Jolene | January 5, 2008, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
Are they all going to read the constitution? Then let’s not CHANGE this great document they revere. What do they think about an ammendment on marriage?
Posted by: Jeff | January 5, 2008, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
Was it Global *Warming* or Global *Cooling* this decade? I forget…
Nice one Charlie! Every single one of the Council on Foreign Relations quisling candidates are FLIP FLOPPING LIARS and then there’s Ron Paul.
Here goes Hucksterbee wrapping the cross in our flag again…anyone that has seen Huck’s record knows he’s as big of a fraud as anyone running.
He raised taxes on Arkansans more in 10 years than Commie Clinton did in 12!!
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:41 pm 7:41 pm
Judy,
SOCIAL SECURITY and the like ARE FOR SOCIALISTS.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm
They have ganged up on Ron Paul, cut him off, and have not given him a fair chance or equal time to speak. After being attacked in a piggy back fashion by Romney and then Giuliani was unfair. Gibson did not give Paul a chance to rebut. This gang of neoconservatives are just talking over, cutting off, and mocking Ron Paul. They are unwilling to let his positions be heard because they know if they let him get his point and historical facts and principles translate they cannot respond. They will have nothing to say so they just speak over him.
Posted by: Eugene I | January 5, 2008, 7:43 pm 7:43 pm
Ron Paul: “You can’t pay LIP SERVICE to the Constitution without obeying it!”
As the CFR quislings smirk!
rEVOLution or Revolution.
Either way, it’s coming…
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:43 pm 7:43 pm
Can I just say that this is very irritating. I’m sitting here watching the ABC world news – NOT the debate. Why on earth couldn’t you air the debate live nation-wide? Why do we have to watch it delayed by an hour!!???
Posted by: April | January 5, 2008, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
Ron Paul is not going to be the nominee, but he is controlling the language of the debate.
Posted by: William | January 5, 2008, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
Ron Paul A+ on the Constitution for sure…
Posted by: Dave | January 5, 2008, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
They didn’t answer Gibsons question on whethjer they would listen to the american people thru focus groups or polls when making decsions. THEY DIDN’T ANSWQER THE QUESTION…………… Do they have the bunker mentality?
Posted by: Dave | January 5, 2008, 7:45 pm 7:45 pm
That’s right Eugene. Ron Paul skeers the p**p out of the NEOCONs.
He’s the only decent person, straight talking, honest and Constitution-loving candidate in this race.
Ron Paul is the best candidate I’ll have the opportunity to vote for so far in my roughly 40 years on this earth.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm
My forebears came to America in 1756. They were revolutionaries who chose to define a nation in terms of who we could become and not who we have been. The recent politics of divisiveness has been deeply disturbing to me. Republican or Democrat alike, my question and concern for the candidates is what positive steps they will take to help us take our nation back, and then to take it forward as a people with a common purpose and a shared vision.
Posted by: Ross Burke | January 5, 2008, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm
It would be nice for those of us who are not politacally savy but trying to learn if ABC would post the names of the candidates as they speak . . .
Posted by: Janice | January 5, 2008, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
Dave, the NEOCONS are GloBAAList w##### that will throw all of the lip service away once one of them gets in office.
They are beholden to powers higher than anything or anyone in America.
That’s the fact.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
No one seems to see how important it is to strengthen this country from WITHIN. (Except possibly by “strengthening the family”. But how?) They are sucking the life out of the core of this country. Our fragile outer shell is going to crack.
Posted by: Ann Fleming | January 5, 2008, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
I wonder how “healthy” John McCain is?
Posted by: Jolene | January 5, 2008, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
Ron Paul rules. Compared with him, the other candidates sound completely uneducated.
Posted by: Dennis K | January 5, 2008, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
I hope the people watching in person at the debates are quite when the Democrats are on, no noisy, rowdy Obama supporters, throw the bums out if they are.
Posted by: Lee | January 5, 2008, 7:49 pm 7:49 pm
I’m a lifelong dem but i’ll give Huck credit for giving the best principled answer. He actually sounded presidential for a few seconds.
Posted by: Paul | January 5, 2008, 7:51 pm 7:51 pm
Ron so far makes the most sense…if the other children would let him finish talking. This isn’t a debate its a circus.
Posted by: Nathaniel | January 5, 2008, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
Rudy says we have the best health care what a joke. All I see here fom McCain is being a Bush wannabe. Rudys playing the Ronald Regan hero, they are all jokes.
Posted by: Barbara | January 5, 2008, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
How does Fred make the leap that all the rest of the world has worse health care than us because they’re using Gov directed care??? Are more people dying in England from the same diseases our poor and middle class are dying from because the insurance companies won’t pay…ha
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 7:54 pm 7:54 pm
I am an independent voter and have had the opportunity to hear some of the debate. I wonder if all the candidates have their own personal insurance coverage?
Posted by: Ericka | January 5, 2008, 7:54 pm 7:54 pm
You sound very biased against Ron Paul. Youo should try not to be so obvious even if you are.
Posted by: Howie | January 5, 2008, 7:55 pm 7:55 pm
I want to know what health care coverage each candidate has and where they get it from?? Have they ever had to worry about paying for their child’s MRI, surgery, the large co-pays?
Posted by: K.G. | January 5, 2008, 7:56 pm 7:56 pm
These republican candidates are awful, how can any republican remain loyal to these guys. Mean anti-human people. And they pretend to be religious, give me a break.
If everyone was rich, no one would be worried about getting get healthcare, these guys are living in a fantasy world.
Posted by: Lee | January 5, 2008, 7:56 pm 7:56 pm
Huck, will YOU support the Health Freedom Acts so that Big Pharma and the FDA don’t preclude Americans from obtaining vitamins, minerals and other naturopathic remedies without a PRESCRIPTION?
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:57 pm 7:57 pm
Lee,
Do some homework and put America first.
Ron Paul is your candidate.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 7:58 pm 7:58 pm
It’s great having Ron Paul part of the debate. His presence exhibits the need to include multiple views. An actual debate on foreign policy and, yes-Fred, bringing home the phalanx of troops around the world would enable the U.S. to pay for healthcare!
Posted by: Terri | January 5, 2008, 7:58 pm 7:58 pm
After watching the way these candidates for president laugh at Ron Paul the image of teenage bullies came to mind. None of them are coming across like grown responsible men, and they want my vote. I,m not impressed.
Posted by: mark | January 5, 2008, 7:58 pm 7:58 pm
Health care costs have risen because of government involvement. Let the market do its thing and watch the costs plummet.
Posted by: j. schafer | January 5, 2008, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm
Ron Paul is by far , more intelligent than anyone on that stage. Romney is rude and without manners. He interrupts to laugh and mock Mr. Paul. Guess he thinks Americans will be impressed. Well intelligent people see him for what he is, empty….
Posted by: vickie | January 5, 2008, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm
Now we see why Moloch-Murdoch is too skeered to have Ron Paul in the Fox (Faux) News GOP Debate, even though Rasmussen today has Ron Paul getting 14% of GOP in New Hampshire overnight…
+++
Mitt Flip Romney shilling for Big Pharma.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
Republicans who are watching, I hope you now realize, you will get eight more
years of GW Bush, these guys are clones.
Vote for a Democrat namely John Edwards
you will not regret it.
Posted by: Lee | January 5, 2008, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
HSAs can’t exist apart from a High Deductible Health Insurance Plan… which you have to buy. They are cheaper then regular plans, but they can’t include prescription coverage, and have VERY high deductibles. Also, most doctor visits you pay full price, not a copay.
Posted by: Julie | January 5, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
I’m sick of people complaining about not having insurance! I know A LOT of people without health insurance and it’s a personal choice for them. They would rather drive new cars, have a couple cell phones and cable TV with high speed internet, then flush a few hundred a month down the toilet towards health care. It’s a matter of misplaced priorities. They can afford it – they would just rather NOT buy it. They’ll take their chances instead.
Posted by: April | January 5, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
I love how some said we have the best medical system in the world!! LMAO!!! Have any of them EVER been to Scandinavia??? We don’t even come close to those nations!!
Posted by: Aaron | January 5, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
Senator McCain: If your state is doing it so well, why the heck don’t you in the Senate pile together all the good things, dump the special interests (eek) and try a plan you swear is golden? My God, won’t you all ever do anything but keep isolating the problems and solutions and never bring them together for a successful outcome?
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
So if we didn’t spend a trillion dollars in Iraq we would have more money here for health care? Fred Thompson is a genius.
Ron is winning!
Posted by: Dennis K | January 5, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
this is lame. abc news is lame for not broadcasting this. trying to get on the facebook bandwagon to “appeal to the youth”…pathetic.
Posted by: dave | January 5, 2008, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm
Ron Paul is the only canidate up there who is actually seeing the world’s and nation’s problems for what truely they. He is not the loudest or most brash speaker but he speaks the truth without fear of losing votes or being laughed at, which so many of the other Republicans next to him tonight are rude enough to do. I plan on voting for Obama but I have to say of all the Republicans up there tonight Ron Paul is the only one I would vote for. On a side note, Mitt Romney needs to get off his high horse and show some respect for his fellow canidates.
Posted by: mary england | January 5, 2008, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
I am a volunteer for Ron Paul. I too think he is doing well, but I think he has gone a little too easy on them, particularly Rudy. He gave Guiliani a reading assignment, and apparently G. did not do his homework. Paul usually cites the official 9/11 report and the head of the CIA’s Osama Bin Laden report to back him up, among others.
The other candidates discredit themselves with the childish snickering at Ron Paul. I hope the voters see through that. It is hardly presidential.
Posted by: Jive Dadson | January 5, 2008, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
I wish they would address those of us that are uninsurable – what options exist? Best debate I’ve seen to-date – love the format….
Posted by: Lori Childers | January 5, 2008, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
The discrepancy in health care received in the United States is obscene. All of these people talking about it receive wonderful health care coverage for themselves and their families – but they don’t want to make sure that all people are as comfortable in this regard. They don’t seem to have to make a decision about whether to feed their families or seek medical attention or as in many cases simply carry around the knowledge that they or a loved one may die without medicine or medical aid and not be able to do a thing about it. Their inability to outline a solution is sad – for so many in so many ways. My parents always said that necessity is the mother of invention – perhaps they should voluntarily give up health care benefits for themselves and their families until such a time as necessity brings out their more creative side.
Posted by: Lizette | January 5, 2008, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
Dr. Ron Paul is certainly the only one qualified to speak on healthcare. Both parties included.
Posted by: David | January 5, 2008, 8:05 pm 8:05 pm
gREETINGS:
All of these men are missing a major cause of high health care costs: technology. In Canada technology is government regulated – there cannot be , e.g., 5 MRI machines in a town of 30,000. Even if a doctor’s office can affaord to buy one. Distribution of such expensive equipment is prioitized by need.
Thank you.
Posted by: Marian | January 5, 2008, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm
Charlie Gibson better ask these kinds of tough questions to the Democrats. Bi.g money he won’t
Posted by: Greg B | January 5, 2008, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm
Thompson gave at least 2 wonderfully substantive answers tonight:
1 – An explanation of federalism.
2 – An explanation of MAD v. preemption in foreign policy.
Unusual in the age of the sound-byte.
Posted by: Brian | January 5, 2008, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm
“Health care costs have risen because of government involvement. Let the market do its thing and watch the costs plummet”. Oh yea, isn’t that what we have today with so called health insurance? Got an existing condition…no insurance for you..it won’t crank our profits!…In perfect health…come on board…toot toot.
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 8:07 pm 8:07 pm
Eveytime Mitt opens his silver spoon mouth I want to throw up. It is so obvious that he is completly out of touch with the reality of real peoples lives-Mitt get a grip
Posted by: grey | January 5, 2008, 8:07 pm 8:07 pm
OMG! Is there any one there besides Romney…just and observation.
After I picked my jaw up off the floor I have to tell you these guys reak of all the reasons they will be voted out this year. THEY JUST DON’T GET IT!
To say we need health savings accounts to be able to pay our own way is ridiculous! One trip to Urgent Care would wipe you out much less a stay in the hospital.
Where public needs are met with profit mongers especially in health care we MUST go to a non-profit health care system.
Thanks though because they are validate the way the country feels about them all and that is they support all that is breaking our bank accounts not to speak of our backs.
Posted by: Martha Richkas | January 5, 2008, 8:08 pm 8:08 pm
Why did they sit huckabee next to romney? Are they hoping for a nasty fight here or what?
Posted by: April | January 5, 2008, 8:09 pm 8:09 pm
I have a prediction for you. Ron Paul will finish ahead of Huckabee in New Hampshire. I thought McCain would come in first, but if New Hampshire is watching tonight, and if they have been reading the news this week (100 years), that’s now in doubt. Romney is not doing too well either. It is hard to defend the indefensible. But someone has to win. Ron Paul would have to almost triple his polling numbers to do it.
I guess I say, McCain/Romney/Paul for the trifecta.
Posted by: Jive Dadson | January 5, 2008, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm
I am a RN and I hate to admit it but it really scares me the government taking control of the health care system. The VA system should be the best in the nation and it’s not. I take care of several VA pts. and they tell me horror stories. The wait time to have procedures done is outrageous! The problem is there should be restrictions to insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Romney just stated, “don’t go after the pharm. companies.” There are so many people who cannot afford to pay for their drugs that are very crucial to their survival, there are ways to help them and that is put cost restrictions on drug companies, especially!!
Posted by: Pd | January 5, 2008, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm
What they are ALL ignoring about illegal immigration is that these people are TAXPAYERS, they pay billions in sales taxes and all the candidates here will take their sales taxes but give them zero representation.
Taxation without representation. A central tenet of the Republicans?
Matt
Posted by: Matt | January 5, 2008, 8:11 pm 8:11 pm
John McCain talking about Amnesty (he’s a friggin liar on this issue; inside McCain’s Amnesty was a fast track for SPP/The North American Union!!!!); there’s NO DOUBT that McCain’s plan was BUSHAMNESTY!!!!
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
All of these men ar missing a major point: the high cost of medical care is influenced by the cost of technology. In Canada, technology is regulated, e.g., there cannot be 10 MRI machines in a town of 30,000. Technology is allocated by need in various areas. Even if a doctor’s office can afford its own machine, they cannot just go out and buy one.
Posted by: Marian | January 5, 2008, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
whats wrong with the whole health care system as well as the economy can be summed up with 2 words! Illegal aliens! We pay their way for employment,food, shelter, and yes, Healthcare. Our fore Fathers came here and earned their own living. They did not live off the government! Toot Toot
Posted by: Ida | January 5, 2008, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
why are we forced to go on medicare when we carry other insurance ? retired from goverment service and carry own group insurance, because i do not work medicare became my primary insurance carrier, my regular insurance only pays 20% of what medicare approves. if our goverment said if you carry insurance then it stays your primary just think of the billions of dollars the government would save
Posted by: phillip edwards | January 5, 2008, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
Why not have a real debate?
Posted by: Bill Johnson | January 5, 2008, 8:16 pm 8:16 pm
Ah Mitt and John: shut down the employers…jobs go away…so do the illegals…it may be a bit slow, but it darn well will be sure. That’s the primo reason they came..
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 8:16 pm 8:16 pm
Forgive me, I’m an hour behind in the debates. Not my fault, but Guilliani just said that the patriot act and electronic surveillance are VERY VERY GOOD. WHAT??? Yikes. Communist. Big brother.
Posted by: April | January 5, 2008, 8:16 pm 8:16 pm
I think Rudy is mentioning Reagan more tonight that 9/11!
Posted by: Ann | January 5, 2008, 8:17 pm 8:17 pm
immigration…blah, blah, blah. Why not just do what Arizona’s has done – go after the employers. The illegals are leaving Arizona fast
Posted by: Lori Childers | January 5, 2008, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm
Oooh, I can’t wait to see this McCain/Romney fight in an hour. I better make popcorn for that!
Romney deserves it. He’s a liar, he’s slimy and he thinks that he can buy the oval office.
Posted by: April | January 5, 2008, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm
They’re competing over who hates Mexicans more. This is sickening.
Posted by: Dennis K | January 5, 2008, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
“All of these men are missing a major point: the high cost of medical care is influenced by the cost of technology.”
SAY WHAT? Every other form of technology is dirt cheap. Cell phones, flat screen TV’s, computers, GPS, you name it. The first computer I worked on cost millions, filled a large room, and was not nearly as powerful as your Blackberry. Those products compete in free markets. Health care technology is expensive because and only because it is heavily regulated.
Posted by: Jive Dadson | January 5, 2008, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
Charlie Gibson has lost total control of the Republican debate. He has failed miserably to keep folks on point and on topic.
Posted by: John Stewart | January 5, 2008, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
The candidates all are trying to toot their own horns. Health-care us very frightening to me. I am 48 yo female with Type 2 Diabetes and I have it under control, but I CAN’T GET COVERAGE!
I have been denied by several insurance
companies, I am not trying to get others to pay my medical but being denied what am I suppose to do? You candiates need to help us who are trying to help ourselves and TRYING to pay our own way!! What are you guys gonna do for me?
Posted by: MS JEANNIE | January 5, 2008, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
Jolene,
I think McCain has a skin condition, but
he’s got good healthcare, so I wouldn’t worry about his physical health. But his mental health, in my opinion is in question.
Posted by: Lee | January 5, 2008, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
Here’s a novel idea regarding the illegal alien invasion and the American Traitors that have drawn them here:
Just start enforcing the law and CUT OFF THE BENNIES!!!???
Instead, the US Chamber of Quislings (Commerce) allows these wahoos to socialize the costs and privatize the profits.
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
Well, now this is what I call a debate. It’s interesting how ABC splits the screen when the candidates fighting with each other.
Posted by: Jolene | January 5, 2008, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
Hey giuliani, its not complicated, just follow the law. deport all the illegal aliens, yes McCain get rid of Grandma, deport her.
Posted by: vickie | January 5, 2008, 8:20 pm 8:20 pm
Dr. Ron Paul hold the high card on this debate. The others fight against each other and call names. Ron Paul speaks the issues, and is direct. We love the guy!
Posted by: christianflorida | January 5, 2008, 8:20 pm 8:20 pm
April said:
Romney just accused 47 million Americans of choosing not to pay for health insurance. I guess that means the Republican plan for healthcare is “be rich or die”?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Romney is a spoiled rich kid with the smug smile that explains why he was so vocal in standing up for Bush earlier tonight. They’re both privileged white boys who think the world is covered with suburban perfection, or should be.
Posted by: Charles Carreon | January 5, 2008, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
I am frustrated with the response regarding healthcare. Yes, we live in a country that provides the best in healthcare…but only to those who can afford the premiums of healthcare or to those who are blessed to be wealthy. It seems to me that everyone is missing a HUGE piece of the puzzle to resolving healthcare…why is a third party providing the answer to this problem? Everyone is looking to providing INSURANCE as the answer when in fact INSURANCE is part of the problem!! Insurance Companies are HUGELY PROFITABLE and decide what procedures their customers will get. When did we decide it was the wise thing to do by giving the insurance companies our monies and the power for our healthcare? We have lost our way from the purpose of what the medical field SHOULD BE doing and what they ARE ABLE to do for us. HEALTHCARE IS BIG BUSINESS and until the American people understand that is it their RESPONSIBLITY to demand major change within the system, we will be debating this issue in all the future presidential debates! Come on people…do what is right, not what is profitable! Talk about our ETHICS! How can we take care to the rest of the people in the world when we can not provide care for our own people!
Posted by: JM | January 5, 2008, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
Bill
I somewhat agree w/ u. We should not shut down the employers, but they should be hit w/ a hefty fine for everyday that they employ an illegal immigrant instead of giving these large companies tax break after tax break, how about some of those breaks for the working class society.
Posted by: Shante | January 5, 2008, 8:22 pm 8:22 pm
Not one person is willing to say that employers of illegal immigrants should be fined????
Posted by: Lizette | January 5, 2008, 8:22 pm 8:22 pm
So, the argument is that a socialized health insurence program would be the downfall of our health system, but I fail to see how this propaganda is at all probable. If our current private, money-grubbing, capitalistic insurance companies have not caused the downfall of the health system I strongly doubt that an affordable government-run insurance program (that does not exclude people with previous health problems and that doesn’t refuse to pay costly treatments)could bring about this “downfall”. Doctors are doctors no matter who pays them. They will still go to the same schools, receive the same education, and work for the same employers. The difference between privitised and government-provided health insurance is that middle and lower income families will be able to feel secure knowing that they and their children will not be refused treatment due to an inability to pay or a weak private insurance policy.
Posted by: West | January 5, 2008, 8:22 pm 8:22 pm
Jive: The equipment that hospitals use is expensive because …the companies can get it! Tell them no thanks…prices go down. If the gov gave those tests for free, wow would those prices go down!
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm
Mitt seems intent on castigating McCain’s position on immigration, which sounds remarkably like Rudy’s. Mitt seems to think he can send 12 million home. Baloney.
Posted by: Rich | January 5, 2008, 8:25 pm 8:25 pm
Fred Thompson- The change America needs is to retrieve our money back from Iraq so we can put that into our school systems. If education is the key then why everytime the government makes changes another program is cut from the schools.
Posted by: Shante | January 5, 2008, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
Don’t forget tha that is OUR MONEY they are spending! It is our money not the USgovernment. They take are money and are giving it to those who have never paid into the plan!!
Posted by: Ida | January 5, 2008, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm
Wow I didn’t realise it until that last shpiel by Romney that this debate was biased in his favor. His seating position means he adresses the camera and not the interviewer and looks directly at the viewer.
Posted by: dmstewar | January 5, 2008, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm
McCain..blah Blah Blah… I have National Sec. experience…
Posted by: Fonedoc | January 5, 2008, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm
WOW! Someone actually pointed out Barack Obama’s incredibly liberal positions. You think Gibson and ABC will ask him about it? Highly doubt it.
Posted by: Greg B | January 5, 2008, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm
Kent: If you haven’t notices, the government is run by private companies, not doctors and nurses on the gov payroll. Get real. It’s all outsourced to private companies and if you think about it, it was a lot better before Ron Reagan’s free for all.
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm
They all say, “Tax and fine the illegals” what about fines for the employers? The law is on the books, I know as a payroll manager, I have to keep my I-9′s up to date. Guess I am completing this procedure for absolutely no good reason!
Posted by: Lorna | January 5, 2008, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm
The TRUTH is we DON’T have the best healthcare. The poor in Great Britain get better care than the richest Americans.
Whereas the poor here get under-treated, folks with insurance, or those lucky who can pay healthcare out of pocket, get over treated, over operated on and over tested resulting in even more problems.
None of these yokels have a clue. Iowans confirmed it when Democrats out caucused them almost 2:1.
Posted by: maggiesboy | January 5, 2008, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm
Ron Paul is the only one who shows any understanding of the history of American jingoism in the middle east and elsewhere.
Posted by: Dennis K | January 5, 2008, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm
Ash them what a conservative is and who best is a conservative?????????????????
Posted by: fonedoc | January 5, 2008, 8:32 pm 8:32 pm
I want to congratulate ABC for running the only decent candidate show of the season, with the sole exception of the one on PBS that most of the candidates dodged. After the latest CNN fiasco, and the Fox debacle before that, I had about given up on the old media. Even the previous ABC debate came up short. This one is very well done.
Posted by: Jive Dadson | January 5, 2008, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm
Ron Paul on Gas prices: “We went to Iraq, Oil was $27/brl; now it’s roughly $100/brl”.
Score!
http://www.RonPaul2008.com
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 8:35 pm 8:35 pm
I hope they ask this oil price question to the Democrats.
Posted by: Jolene | January 5, 2008, 8:38 pm 8:38 pm
Beautiful…
Paul: Obama and I are both radical change agents, but he will change things in a liberal way, and I will change them in a traditionalist way.
Posted by: Charles Carreon | Jan 5, 2008 8:34:03 PM
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 8:38 pm 8:38 pm
McCain and Rudy is ticket – they speak as Presidents. Republicans want the Office these men together is the only way
Posted by: RickeyMikey | January 5, 2008, 8:38 pm 8:38 pm
Big oil company stocks only gained only 30% or less this year. I have much bigger winners. The last thing we need is a tax on the companies that go prospecting for oil when we need it the most. When I was typing that, Thompson made a good point. (It can happen.) There hasn’t been a new refinery in this company in 30 years. Hahaha. Rudy just said that as I was typing it. The bad guys are not completely clueless.
Posted by: Jive Dadson | January 5, 2008, 8:39 pm 8:39 pm
Gas prices is a puppet on a string. When the Holidays come around, days that consumers are expected to travel a lot, and when the weather calls for some type of storm the prices sky rocket and then drop a few pennies.
When in history have you ever seen the prices fluctuate as they have. We don’t regulate profits, but the government will step in and tell us what we can and can not eat or threaten to fine companies who do not adhere to governement standards.
How about we spend the $80 million plus dollars we sent to Iraq to figure out how we can reduce gas prices.
Posted by: Shante | January 5, 2008, 8:39 pm 8:39 pm
I am an Asian american and I do not understand how some candidates can allow illegal immigrants to stay in american when some people wait years to immigrate legally and do it the correct way. I wish this portion of the issue was brought up more. Letting an illegal imigrant stay is just like letting a thief come into your house, raid it, and take your valubles and then say keep all my valubles and don’t buy them yourself or give them back. Illegals use our resources pay no taxes and now want us to forgive, forget, and now are demanding to stay. This is fundamentally wrong and agianst the American belief of our justice system. How can we reward a criminal!
Posted by: Bryan Huey | January 5, 2008, 8:40 pm 8:40 pm
I have to give it up to ABC and this debate.
Not perfect, but better than most and they weren’t skeered of Ron Paul!
Kent
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 8:42 pm 8:42 pm
Hooray for ABC!
Posted by: Jive Dadson | January 5, 2008, 8:42 pm 8:42 pm
I agree, this debate format was great.
Posted by: Jolene | January 5, 2008, 8:43 pm 8:43 pm
Would someone tell me what connection illegal aliens have with terrorism? The 9-11 terrorists were all in this country legally. I don’t know of one instance of terrorism here by illegal aliens, although U.S. citizens blew up the federal building in Oklahoma City some years ago.
Posted by: Carla Mulehouse | January 5, 2008, 8:45 pm 8:45 pm
Well, that was a fun time…now, let’s move on to more fun.
Posted by: Jim | January 5, 2008, 8:45 pm 8:45 pm
Everybody got on so well at the end, dems and republicans alike.
EVERY SINGLE US SENATOR IN THE 20th CENTURY WAS A MILLIONAIRE.
What makes that fair?
Hmmmm.
Coincidence?
Matt
Posted by: Matt | January 5, 2008, 8:45 pm 8:45 pm
Edwards, just because the other people hug doesn’t mean you have to… did you see him hug Thompson, can you say akward….
Posted by: Nick H | January 5, 2008, 8:46 pm 8:46 pm
Why is it that those that want to get married that are on SSI have to take a 25% pay cut two can not live as cheap as one these days, this needs to change everyone should have the right to get married, ( WE THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE ) Right !!!!!
Donna J Miracle
Augusta< GA
Posted by: Donna Miracle | January 5, 2008, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm
Women Rock!!!! He,he,he,he
Posted by: roe chelle | January 5, 2008, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm
I just want to know, since Huckabee is so adept at quoting the Constitution and all being equal, does that include Mormons? He has made us feel like we have to go to the back of the bus because we are not as worthy of the blessings of the liberty guaranteed by our Constitution as he and his evangelicals are.
I want a person who will include us all, not one like Huckabee who will not. I also want a person who is not so strident in their beliefs, like John McCain, that they cannot change that they act like the know everything about everything. I appreciate that Romney has said, honestly: “I was wrong” on this or that, that he is willing to learn and change as needs be.
Posted by: Mike Thompson | January 5, 2008, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm
Karla,
Like Pearl Harbor, like September 11th…your government had a part to play in the OKC bombings.
Tim McVeigh’s bombing buddy Terry Nichols was working with foreign agents to blow up our people.
On Sept. 11th, we had foreknowledge of the attacks and stood NORAD down, allowing it to occur.
Go do some research if you don’t believe me.
Kent
Posted by: K | January 5, 2008, 8:48 pm 8:48 pm
Fred Thompson shot ‘em down…one by one like clay pigeons.
(Hell, let him participate in the Dem sandbox…that would be FUN!)
Posted by: Frank Morris | January 5, 2008, 8:54 pm 8:54 pm
Enough of this political nonsense…. “If elected I will…..”
Anyone can cite problems and state that we need to come up with a solution.
RON PAUL is the only candidate on the platform with any logical, sensible solutions.
Posted by: Andrew J. Donati | January 5, 2008, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm
Ron Paul looked so old. Old.
Matt
Posted by: Matt | January 5, 2008, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm
In all of the campaigning, I have yet to hear one candidate speak of “We the people…”. Instead it has been “I want”, “I believe”, our nation can no longer withstand this kind of self centered, personal/political agendas.
I’d rather write in Mickey Mouse when I cast my vote!
Enough with the phony presentations using movie stars and talk show hosts. I want a leader that represents all of us based on their own merit-not someone else’s. “We” don’t have a future, if “we” don’t start working together right here on our own soil! There is no excuse for the mess this country is in given the amount of money that politicians collect(tax dollars). Where is the accountability? When do you hear one of the politicians campaigning talk about how they will prove their accountability to the “we” in this nation? Everybody is talking is a good talk, but do they really know how to walk it? There is enough lip service out there. Unlike many politicians out there, you can not mandate a change of heart, how foolish some people were to think that by going to war and putting us into poverty even more would work. Bottom line is that you can not change hatred that has been in third world countries for hundreds of years.
Posted by: Renee | January 5, 2008, 8:56 pm 8:56 pm
Think that the real issue is not health insurance but rather healthcare delivery in the US. The only candidate who addressed that issue in this debate was Mike Huckabee who spoke about prevention. Health care in urban areas via ERs builds on an economy of scale, but rural areas suffer from a lack of nearby basic services, thus when they finally get to see a healthcare professional, their problems are worse. Recent article in the Sunday NY Times Magazine re docs who did health fairs in rural areas was most enlightening. What good is having health insurance if there’s no one there to deliver health care.
Posted by: Alice | January 5, 2008, 8:57 pm 8:57 pm
Will, I heard him say that too!!!!!
Posted by: Robert | January 5, 2008, 8:57 pm 8:57 pm
Posted by: Martha
Okay. One problem I have with the terminology. We are coming up on the Democrat Party debate, not the democratic party.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ROFLMAO – I’ve been a Democrat since I could say the word, and a member of the “Democratic Party” since I could vote. Only Republicans refer to the “Democrat Party.”
Posted by: Charles Carreon | January 5, 2008, 8:58 pm 8:58 pm
Change the header, it’s time for the DEMS!
Posted by: Brandon | January 5, 2008, 8:58 pm 8:58 pm
I dont care what they look like, but they better know how to speak, treat others with integrity, and know the issues facing this country which needs a lot of help..
Posted by: Voter | January 5, 2008, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm
Amazing.. Not ONE of them could give an honest straight answer. Interesting that they blame the Dems for ALL our problems when THEY have had control for several years.How stupid do those clowns honestly think the American people are!They ARE the enablers of greed, failure and fear! Those that follow any one of them, deserve what they get!
Posted by: CW Montroy | January 5, 2008, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm
Paul and Huckabee seemed sincerly interested in saving America from the traitors that have destroyed it for the last 8 years. The rest seemed like they just want to get elected and will say anything to get a vote.
Posted by: Paul m | January 5, 2008, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm
Fred Thompson really impressed me. Do to low exposure I was rather unsure of him and his stance (other than what is reported…not a first hand account).
I’ll need to further research him and his camp.
Guiliani for US MAYOR.
Don’t let any opinion on these blogs sway you Research candidates on your own. Look up their voting records and look for those jst saying what you want to hear.
Posted by: DC | January 5, 2008, 9:00 pm 9:00 pm
John McCain I felt was a little over the top in his attacks on Romney. At first it was funny then I felt his laughs and snickers became cruel. You can laugh with someone but laughing at them is cruel. Are you 10?
Posted by: Bruce Taylor | January 5, 2008, 9:00 pm 9:00 pm
I thought the format was very real and exposed the actual thought patterns that these candidates use. Confirms my thoughts on who their real allegiance is to…not us. not the rest of America.
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 9:00 pm 9:00 pm
Is Rick Klein not blogging the Democratic debate?
Posted by: Brian | January 5, 2008, 9:00 pm 9:00 pm
Does Huckabee believe the Canadian border should be sealed also.—-didn’t the 9/11 terrorist come into this country via Canada?
Posted by: Phyllis Arthur | January 5, 2008, 9:01 pm 9:01 pm
It’s interesting that every candidate was caught and called on flip flopping on their issues…except Ron Paul. He stands firm on the issues just like he will stand on improving America. He is the obvious choice. No one else even came close to matching his honesty and intelligence.
Posted by: Ted | January 5, 2008, 9:01 pm 9:01 pm
You know, it is amazing at how these guys come at each other with all these personal and negative comments. The only canidate that I feel was the most respectable was Mike Huckabee. I’m a democrat and I was impressed with his integrity.
Posted by: Jerome | January 5, 2008, 9:01 pm 9:01 pm
Does Huckabee believe the Canadian border should be sealed also.—-didn’t the 9/11 terrorist come into this country via Canada?
Posted by: Phyllis Arthur | January 5, 2008, 9:01 pm 9:01 pm
The real news in this republican debate is that the environment was even mentioned at all by this party. It was only 8 or so years ago that all the then presidential candidates were questioning the existance at all of global warming. A sea change? Probably not.
Posted by: Mark Bellonby | January 5, 2008, 9:03 pm 9:03 pm
Yes, PAUL does have a chance in the election.
His poltical philosophy is his best advertising method.
Posted by: Andrew J. Donati | January 5, 2008, 9:03 pm 9:03 pm
The most important issue facing our nation is the National Debt. I would like to know how does each candidate plan to eliminate the National Debt?
Posted by: Joe | January 5, 2008, 9:03 pm 9:03 pm
What a contrast! 6 old white men versus a four different tastes of America!
Posted by: Brandon | January 5, 2008, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
We waged a pre-emptive war on Iraq. As we found out – completely unjustified (no WMDs, no terrorist connection) so our fall back justification was that we got ride of a really bad guy. Now – as a result of the war – Al Qaeda has come into Iraq. We are our worst enemy. This whole war on terror is upside down and the Republicans are upside down on this critical issue.
Posted by: Marc Lebel | January 5, 2008, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
Ron Paul was the only one who made any sense to me as a traditional Republican.
He was so on target with respect to the eeconomy, the dollar, real American security, understanding that we don’t need Big Brother for security, while protecting human rights, and really understanding the individual rather special interest that back the candidate in Big Money Washington.
Ron Paul is the only one that understands that we need to respect other countries and their personal beliefs, while doing business with those who only respect human rights.
A true Republican!!!
Wake up,America! Ron Paul is the only oone telling the truth! Thank you, Dr. Ron Paul!!!!
Posted by: Mary | January 5, 2008, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
Ron Paul, the clear winner in tonights debate. No lies, no degrading remarks, no flip flopping. Only the truth from an honest Constitutional leader, Not a corporate robot like the others.
Posted by: Ted | January 5, 2008, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm
here we go. Why a different audience? To get more folks in or what?
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm
On issue of health insurance: How will people with pre-existing conditions (which you or your relatives may have)be assured reasonable rates under your plans and not be excluded from coverage by denial or inflated costs? What about people who already are happy with their health insurance through earned employee benefits,including government employees?
Posted by: Connie | January 5, 2008, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm
Why is ABC propping up Hillary? Because of George working for Bill? This is pathetic. You show all the Hillary supporters outside, but no one else. You talk about Hillary, Hillary, Hillary. Be fair about this ABC. This is not the first time that you have done this either. It’s been going on for a long time.
Posted by: Carolyn Grace | January 5, 2008, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm
i can’t believe they excluded Congressman Kucinich from this debate. ABC is shameless.
Posted by: Dennis K | January 5, 2008, 9:06 pm 9:06 pm
Is age a bad thing?
What a phony reason to dismiss a candidate as not credible.
Posted by: Andrew J. Donati | January 5, 2008, 9:06 pm 9:06 pm
Yea Brandon, and those are four of the nastiest tastes in America.
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:07 pm 9:07 pm
Seems like some of the Dems are falling asleep on stage.
Posted by: Alice | January 5, 2008, 9:07 pm 9:07 pm
Ron Paul may have it right when it comes to domestic issues, but the guy doesn’t seem to understand foreign policy at all. He is scary when it comes to foreign policy.
Posted by: April | January 5, 2008, 9:07 pm 9:07 pm
As long as there is a war machine going—which I believe our military personal should be protected—our economy will continue to be a total mess
Posted by: Phyllis Arthur | January 5, 2008, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm
Ted believes Huckabee was the good one? Do you not remember him as the first one to attack when he turned to Romney and began attacking him? This guy is smooth, but he is sleezy. It shows. Of course, you as a Democrat, would want to see Huckabee win, as then any Democrat could be elected, even a yellow dog.
Posted by: Mike Thompson | January 5, 2008, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm
Biggest Surprise??? That it started so early. Charlie told us on World News Friday that it would start at 7pm all over U.S. I tuned in at 6:25 and the Republican part is almost over. !!
Posted by: Yvonne | January 5, 2008, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm
I had the same thought when they showed all the supporters outside
Posted by: keita martin | January 5, 2008, 9:09 pm 9:09 pm
Ron Paul surprised me. He made the most sense out of all of them. I want to hear more from him.
Posted by: Pat | January 5, 2008, 9:09 pm 9:09 pm
I find it interesting how the media likes to completely ignore Congressman Paul. If anyone noticed ABC had a representative for every GOP candidate except Ron Paul.
Posted by: Nicole | January 5, 2008, 9:09 pm 9:09 pm
These guys would not go get anyone, not even Obama, they are all lying. Dems are weak spined.
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:09 pm 9:09 pm
All the Republican canidates seem totally out of touch with the real situation with the average American wage earner. I was leaning toward Mit Romeny before this debate, however, only Ron Paul seemed to have any concern for middle class America.
Posted by: Edward Stine | January 5, 2008, 9:09 pm 9:09 pm
i can’t believe that it’s 2008 and we can’t watch the presidential debates live online. anyone else having any luck?
Posted by: molly | January 5, 2008, 9:10 pm 9:10 pm
I am a CPA. I got an HSA, and went into the marketplace to compare prices for services. NOT ONE medical office would quote me a price for an office visit or a procedure.Every one said “it depends”. The purpose of HSAs is to get medical providers to compete and bring down the price of health care. It simply doesnt work. Additionally, most lower income folks cannot afford even the reduced premiums that come with an HSA, nor do they have the cash flow to fund an HSA.
HSAs were created by Republicans.That should tell you who theywere trying to help!
Posted by: Alice | January 5, 2008, 9:10 pm 9:10 pm
Why is ABC propping up Clinton?
Answer:
They are biased like every one else.
Nice cheap shot at Governor Richardson.
(NOT)
Posted by: A. J. Donati | January 5, 2008, 9:10 pm 9:10 pm
Nice, John Edwards, maybe we can give free haircare to all that need it.
Retard – This guy is clueless, I’d vote for Jan Brady before I’d vote for John Edwards.
Sheesh.
Posted by: Anexio | January 5, 2008, 9:11 pm 9:11 pm
I was embarrassed by the behavior of McCain. Laughing, making snide remarks. The only adults in the republican party were Huckabee and Ron Paul. They were precise and intellengent. The rest might as well go home. We do not need immature, childish behavior as our President of the United States.
Posted by: mary | January 5, 2008, 9:11 pm 9:11 pm
I was embarrassed by the behavior of McCain. Laughing, making snide remarks. The only adults in the republican party were Huckabee and Ron Paul. They were precise and intellengent. The rest might as well go home. We do not need immature, childish behavior as our President of the United States.
Posted by: mary | January 5, 2008, 9:11 pm 9:11 pm
where do i click to see the debate on my computer? why not a big “here” button, I have been searching for quite a long time.
Posted by: Alfie | January 5, 2008, 9:12 pm 9:12 pm
what is Richardson talking about? dodging the question
Posted by: keita martin | January 5, 2008, 9:12 pm 9:12 pm
Okay. One problem I have with the terminology. We are coming up on the Democrat Party debate, not the democratic party.
Posted by: Martha | January 5, 2008, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm
Fred Thompson showed that he is a viable candidate tonight. He responded to questions in a presidential manner. His ability to be a leader was evident. Why aren’t the networks following his campaign more closely? For example, comments were made at the end of the debate by the correspondences following Republican candidates. However there was not a representative from the Thompson camp on hand to give their perspective. He came in third in Iowa, the same as Hillary. The American voters need to have this candidate’s view represented equally. I want to learn more about him after seeing him in action tonight.
Posted by: J Young | January 5, 2008, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm
When Obama bin Laden attacked the US, the dems played like they were in this, but sure enough, theri greed for power overruled their loyalty to the US.
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm
April,
Why are you scared about Ron Paul’s foreign policy?
It’s what is allowed by the Constitution.
Are you skeered of the Muslims, too?
Read the Constitution and your Bill of Rights and get back to me.
Kent
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm
Oh Geez, let’s take over Pakisan too.
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm
How absurd it is for romney and thompson to insist that illegals go home. I live in Storm Lake, Ia – my wife is a teacher and it is absurd to insist that all illegals go home. This naivte is enough for me to not support politicians that even imply that is a solution. Only those of us that live in a diverse community understand how rediculous this approach is. Mccain and Guilani outlined the pragmatic approach. Secure the borders – stop the problem from growing – find and evict the criminals and give the rest of the illegals a reason to step forward so we can get our hands around the problem. These people are here because our federal govt has allowed the problem to grow. They are here and we need to move frorward. We have to treat them in our health care system – we must educate them or the problem gets worse – we must bring them out of the shadows in the event of crimes against them.
Posted by: rick peterson | January 5, 2008, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm
Sorry I disagree with Ron Paul though I Like him. I feel like OBAMA IS OUR GUY
Vote 4 OBAMA THE ROBERT KENNEDY & MLK KIND OF Candidate.
http://www.barackobama.com
http://www.myspace.com/barackobama
http://www.youtube.com/barackobama
Posted by: Cherry | January 5, 2008, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
None of the candidates have the guts to say something to get ready of Hugo Chavez who is a real threat to the USA – just like Nicaragua was in the 80′s during the Reagan years.
Come on America is time to take the country back and tell these candidates close the congress/white house doors to the lobbyist groups and take care of this country
Posted by: Luis Petit | January 5, 2008, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
It’s seems all the republicans suggest that the free market system is the best way to solve health care. If that were true, why are so many people infuriated by the current health care system. Also, is our government so inept that it couldn’t handle universal health care.
Posted by: Ron Armstrong | January 5, 2008, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
No one is debating each others stances. Everyone is being way too polite.
Posted by: Jolene | January 5, 2008, 9:16 pm 9:16 pm
By the way, I lost respect for Rudy after I found his firm represented worked with Chavez government and represented here.
Posted by: Luis Petit | January 5, 2008, 9:17 pm 9:17 pm
They moderator started out with Obama’s dumbest remark — that he would attack terrorists in Pakistan if he had “actionable intelligence.” By falling into the trap of using soundbites developed by militarists, he fell into being accurately characterized by the moderator as a believer in the “Bush Doctrine” of preemptive war. What is proven? Obama is in fact not ready to be President.
Edwards effectively broadened the issue to embrace a policy of worldwide nuclear disarmament. However, he should drop the effort to use “red meat” appeals to “destroy bin Laden.” Giuliani’s anti-Islamo-fascist rhetoric is death. Stay shet of it.
Richardson talks with knowledge about something few Americans understand – the corrupt Musharraf regime. I see a Secretary of State here, but not for Clinton.
Clinton is totally committed to militaristic conduct in foreign policy. Clever of her to consider that US Missiles striking Pakistan might spark a Pakistani nuclear strike on India. She also wants to use Musharraf as a puppet as long as he gives us “control over the region.”
Posted by: Charles Carreon | January 5, 2008, 9:17 pm 9:17 pm
Ron Paul weak on foreign issues????????/
Which is more threatening to our prosperity and liberties ? Domestic issues such as the economy, personal liberties (freedom of religion, speech, etc.) or ALLEGED threats from international terrorism?
Posted by: A. J. Donati | January 5, 2008, 9:17 pm 9:17 pm
Did Bill R. just say that the US backed the dictator who took over after the Shah of Iran?
Posted by: Alice | January 5, 2008, 9:17 pm 9:17 pm
FOX news barred Ron Paul from tomorrow night’s debate….boycott FOX!!!
Posted by: Dennis K | January 5, 2008, 9:17 pm 9:17 pm
Why is so bad to ask the illegals to go home, eventually they will get caught and sent home. You could ask them to leave and if they do and they wish to become an American, they could be put on the top of the list, while the ones who refusre to go home after being caught would be blacklisted so they could never get legal papers
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:18 pm 9:18 pm
Excuse me, are we on to the next debate or still on the Republican one?
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm
Sorry Ed, we’re enthralled by Ron Paul, and this is lacking because Congressman Kucinich was excluded.
Posted by: Dennis K | January 5, 2008, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
We have heard so much about candidate who is Morman, candidate who is “retired” Baptist minister and who evangelical Christians are voting for. Am I mistaken or is Obama Muslum and if so why have we not heard much about this? Do we want a Muslum president in the uproar the world is currently in?
Posted by: Sharron | January 5, 2008, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
Time for Richardson to go home.
Hillary and Obama look terrible tonight… so tired… making the Republicans look exciting…
Posted by: Brandon | January 5, 2008, 9:24 pm 9:24 pm
Okay, I object to this question about “What would we wish we’d done the day after a nuke goes off in a US city?” That’s a tremendous unlikelihood that this would happen at all. To assume that it would happen, and during a Democratic administration, is tantamount to asking, “After we catch you beating your wife, what excuse will you give us for your conduct?”
The followup question — assuming that a nuclear attack would come from a “stateless terrorist group” is also slightly ridiculous, and has caused every candidate to launch into a blather-fest.
Posted by: Charles Carreon | January 5, 2008, 9:25 pm 9:25 pm
Thats right!!!!
Ron Paul is the only consistent conservative candidate in the entire contest.
Go Paul!!!!!
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 9:25 pm 9:25 pm
I’m falling asleep. The democratic candidates are not interacting much with each other.
Posted by: Jolene | January 5, 2008, 9:26 pm 9:26 pm
Andrew: Maybe our medical care will recover…maybe? Great, lets experiment a bit as if the other industrialized countries in the world haven’t already done this?
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 9:27 pm 9:27 pm
Who said Obama is Muslim?
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 9:27 pm 9:27 pm
The Dems are all tip toeing around trying not to hurt anyones feelings
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:27 pm 9:27 pm
Obama is a Christian and a Sunday School teacher in Chicago. A born again believer is a member of the Church of Christ his pastor is Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright. We have to keep our facts right.
Posted by: Troy | January 5, 2008, 9:28 pm 9:28 pm
Obama, an agent of change with former Clinton staffers? That’s a Clinton continuation. His support from Independents who can vote in Democratic primaries does not guarantee a general election victory for him. With a possible Mike Bloomberg Independent candidacy, I am sticking with Hillary clearly the Democratic party choice and will not be fooled by Independents who come general election will not vote for Obama.
Posted by: Iffy | January 5, 2008, 9:28 pm 9:28 pm
What a beach ball Gibson gives Hillary Clinton. Does he work for her campaign?
Posted by: Larry | January 5, 2008, 9:29 pm 9:29 pm
Obama was a muslim and some say did spend some time in a madrassa in his youth.
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:29 pm 9:29 pm
Obama is not a member of the Church of Christ, rather the liberal UNITED Church of Christ. Most of his stands related to abortion and same sex marriage is not biblical.
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 9:30 pm 9:30 pm
Ed,
Take a trip to these so-called Industrialized nations and take note of the quality of their socialist-based medical care.
Is it really any better than this half-socialized system in America?
RON PAUL Hope for America!
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 9:30 pm 9:30 pm
Mr. Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ. The whole Muslim thing is classic dirty politics.
Posted by: Ron Armstrong | January 5, 2008, 9:31 pm 9:31 pm
It is time for Richardson, Paul, McCain, Romney step out of this. Too many debater.
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:31 pm 9:31 pm
Okay, now we are talking. Obama and Clinton going at it.
Posted by: Jolene | January 5, 2008, 9:31 pm 9:31 pm
This is what is in the “about us” section of the church that Barack Obama attends.
“We are a congregation which is Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian… Our roots in the Black religious experience and tradition are deep, lasting and permanent. We are an African people, and remain “true to our native land,” the mother continent, the cradle of civilization. God has superintended our pilgrimage through the days of slavery, the days of segregation, and the long night of racism. It is God who gives us the strength and courage to continuously address injustice as a people, and as a congregation. We constantly affirm our trust in God through cultural expression of a Black worship service and ministries which address the Black Community.”
Posted by: Nicole | January 5, 2008, 9:32 pm 9:32 pm
Charlie Gibson is ignoring John Edwards. I’m really sick of corporate media and their creatures blacking out the most original and concise voice and the best ideas in this campaign. The real change is in Edwards’ plans for this country. Wake up.
Posted by: Julie | January 5, 2008, 9:32 pm 9:32 pm
Hi Charlie,
whay can’t you ask the same question like social security and Nuclear weapons question to GOP candidates?
Posted by: jamres | January 5, 2008, 9:32 pm 9:32 pm
If spending money on oil is “giving” money to the terrorist then why are we not drilling for oil in America when we know we have locations to do so????
Posted by: Maggie | January 5, 2008, 9:32 pm 9:32 pm
Here comes the mud slinging from Hillary and trying to draw Edwards in as her ally
Posted by: keita martin | January 5, 2008, 9:33 pm 9:33 pm
Yea Rick, a Muslim….that’s why his opponents haven’t raised this nor have the republicans or the media. They are way too decent, right?
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 9:33 pm 9:33 pm
Clinton: Blah blah blah blah.
Give us a break.
We already have had enough with the Clintons from the 1990s.
RON PAUL Hope for America!
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 9:33 pm 9:33 pm
The live video link online is still not working for me. I find it amusing that state basketball is aired on tv instead of the Presidental Debate.
Posted by: Pilar | January 5, 2008, 9:33 pm 9:33 pm
i have been searching for a long time too – can’t watch it on our computers I guess
Posted by: molly | January 5, 2008, 9:33 pm 9:33 pm
Make health care available to me Type 2
diabetic and affordable and I will buy it. Mandate for childrens coverage what about the parents who need it so we can care for our children? Republican-Democrate,SOMEONE MAKE A madate for all.
OB not all of us have a choice, do your research. Look deep at the underwriters who make these decisions for all, I bet they have coverage!!
Posted by: MS JEANNIE | January 5, 2008, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm
Re- Bryan Huey in regards to illegal immigrants–
Great point- thank you
My opinion- I think the candidates etc.. are too scared to talk about sending them back across the river because they are scared of losing votes-it is ridiculous of them- You made a great point
Posted by: aimee | January 5, 2008, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm
I wish I had health care that Obama has as a member of the government which he said that we should all have. I am a native born American, I am self employed and I do not have the health care privileges that illegals have. In fact I have no health insurance because I can’t afford it. I can’t wait to be old enough to have Medicare. I only hope that my health holds out and I live a few more years to be on Medicare!
Don’t even ask me about the benefits that illegals have. My family came here years ago from Germany and entered legally. I don’t know why we can’t enforce the borders as we always have. If people attempt to come here now from Italy, Germany, Ireland, etc, they have to go through the legal process. Hello!
Posted by: sharron | January 5, 2008, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm
as far as social security running out in the years to come. it would not run out if you would take the money that is given to foreign countries and apply that to the system, and pay back what has been borrowed.
Posted by: carl morrison | January 5, 2008, 9:35 pm 9:35 pm
As one who lives in an area that Hillary represents, she has done NOTHING to change our area. She is incapable of making change and seems to alway fail.
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 9:36 pm 9:36 pm
Why is it that Obama is called Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton is called Hillary? Sexism?
Posted by: Wayne | January 5, 2008, 9:37 pm 9:37 pm
no ed, some including hillary have pointed it out, but most are just scared as it is not politically correct. I am obviously presidential material so I have nothing to lose.
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:37 pm 9:37 pm
Hillary sounds mad now, no need to yell!
Posted by: Jolene | January 5, 2008, 9:37 pm 9:37 pm
I was disappointed with the answer to President Bush’s question as to what principals guide them. They all instead gave a list of goals rather then guiding principals.
Posted by: james Du Bocq | January 5, 2008, 9:38 pm 9:38 pm
John Edwards is such a hater! He came second with less delegates than Hillary Clinton. Let’s not forget that Hillary got more delegates than Edwards.
Posted by: Iffy | January 5, 2008, 9:38 pm 9:38 pm
Democrats have real big ideas on healthcare for everyone and to prove it just look at the improvements each one has made to the Veterans Administration hospitals and the VA in general. They have set the standard for all health networks to follow. Each and every socialist country envies our VA because of the Democrats involvment now don’t they.
Posted by: K Saal | January 5, 2008, 9:39 pm 9:39 pm
These folks are all funded by special interests. Its funny to hear them say they are agains special interests.
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 9:40 pm 9:40 pm
Obama avoided all votes that may be powder keg votes as he did not want to go on the record as to his opinions
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:40 pm 9:40 pm
Edwards has some serious points about lobbyists and their influence and special interests. They have to go and to get them out quickly and level the playing field is so important. They are so tainted and therefore can’t participate in their current state. Therefore real “change” is clearing the page, starting new.
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm
Is it me or is the camera giving Hilary close-ups an trying to make her look favorable? maybe Charlie’s calling her Hillary to keep from making her appear so mean. Even though we all know…
Posted by: Paul | January 5, 2008, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm
Clinton, Edwards, & Obama talk about fixing this so called wrecked American healthcare system.
What experience do they have on this issue that should make us vote for them?
Well, Clinton failed along with her husband back in the 90s.
Ron Paul. Hope for America!
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm
by the way…is the surge US troops or really Blackwater allowed to go in and do whatever?
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 9:42 pm 9:42 pm
Edwards is the most interesting speaker, with the strongest voice. Ronald Reagan has been cited a lot by Republicans — but they never mention his most powerful asset — his voice. His argument, that we are fighting “for the future of the middle class,” against corporate manipulators, is also broadly appealing.
Hillary’s voice is argumentative and strains to convince. She is not able to claim that she has confronted corporatists, lobbyists, and the other forces that foment corruption in government. That is because these folks are, sorry — her friends.
Richardson’s speech on reducing the acrimony and showing respect for political achievements of others is rather sensible. He is not, however, punchy.
Obama speaks generally, as if he is trying to preserve all his options. That suggests to me, that under it all, he is not entirely clear what to do. He will accept the advice of others, who will be clever flatterers and sycophants.
Posted by: Charles Carreon | January 5, 2008, 9:42 pm 9:42 pm
Hey Paul, if dems get what they want, gas prices will double or triple after you look at their tax increase on “big oil” as big oil will just pass the tax increase on to us.
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:42 pm 9:42 pm
So, it looks like Sen. Clinton and others want the Iraq government to get along better than our own congress!! They are afraid to support our winning troops.
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 9:43 pm 9:43 pm
So, it looks like Sen. Clinton and others want the Iraq government to get along better than our own congress!! They are afraid to support our winning troops.
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 9:43 pm 9:43 pm
Hillary’s answer to the Iraq surge question was excellant
Posted by: keita martin | January 5, 2008, 9:43 pm 9:43 pm
It is pretty clear tonight that Romney is between the devil and the deep blue sea. He has no clear messages and no wonder he is full of running negative ads. How in the world, will Romney send the 12 million illegal immigrants back to their respectives country. He must be kidding !!I am not surprised he lost in Iowa and he’s about to loose in NH.
Posted by: KO | January 5, 2008, 9:44 pm 9:44 pm
Andrew: So what experience does Ron Paul have on health care? Huh?
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 9:44 pm 9:44 pm
You don’t believe that America could do socialized medicine better than any country in the world?
Posted by: Ron Armstrong | January 5, 2008, 9:44 pm 9:44 pm
It is unfortunate that most of the candidates only talk about Health Care in generalities, only Romney appears to have a more in-depth understanding of health care. Most Americans want solutions to health care not simple statements.
Posted by: Teresa | January 5, 2008, 9:45 pm 9:45 pm
John Edwards is aligning himself with Obama’s “change” message, and contrasting himself from Clinton’s so-called status-quo status, to remind us, “I’m number 2, I’m number 2,” not exactly a winning formula. It’s transparent and silly.
Posted by: Sue | January 5, 2008, 9:45 pm 9:45 pm
Why wasn’t Gibson on his soapbox when he was “moderating” the Republicans?
Posted by: Terri | January 5, 2008, 9:46 pm 9:46 pm
Obama is right the bar is low, if this country actually thinks he is presidential material
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 9:46 pm 9:46 pm
I was disappointed with the answer to President Bush’s question as to what principals guide them. They all instead gave a list of goals rather then guiding principals.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Yes! Everyone in my living room agreed with you!
Posted by: Charles Carreon | January 5, 2008, 9:47 pm 9:47 pm
Gov. Richardson: Bring the troops home inorder to cause change for the better.
AMEN !!!
Obama: we have spent billions of dollars on the war.
Thats right.
This war is crippling our economy.
Enough about this superior morality that the U. S. has as it polices its empire.
Ron Paul. Hope for America!
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 9:47 pm 9:47 pm
Jolene, Nobody should sit down and be talked down on the way John Edwards just talked to Senator Clinton. Gov. Richardson noticed, and so should us viewers. They are scared stiff of Senator Clinton’s courage. I praise her bravery on that sexist stage.
Posted by: Iffy | January 5, 2008, 9:47 pm 9:47 pm
LOL!
You Socialists are so goofy!!
Kent
Posted by: Kent Anthony | January 5, 2008, 9:47 pm 9:47 pm
dennis4president
Posted by: Dennis K | January 5, 2008, 9:48 pm 9:48 pm
Dan, this debate/blog is not really to talk about Bush- but now that you mentioned him- I am glad we went to war because now Saddam Hussein and his nasty sons are DEAD!!!! Less women are being raped and less people are being tortured by those pigs!!!! Dang, look at the good that has arisen.
Posted by: aimee | January 5, 2008, 9:49 pm 9:49 pm
I have to admit I was torn between Duncan Hunter and Mitt Romney until tonight. Romney came across great. Fred Thompson was a great surprise and I have more respect for him now. McCain showed why he cannot get along with anyone, his nasty snide remarks and laughing throughout the whole debate. He has a superiority complex and thinks he knows everything. Maybe Huckabee’s superiority complex will rub off on his and he will also think he is called by God to lead America. Huckabee was just plain out of his league tonight. Only Ron Paul was worse. How did he ever get there?
Posted by: Mike Thompson | January 5, 2008, 9:49 pm 9:49 pm
There is NO POLITICAL PROGRESS IN AMERICA!! Why do we expect it in Iraq??
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 9:49 pm 9:49 pm
Ron: we could do it better than anyone else, but $$ are keeping it from happening due to special interests. Public financing and term limits need to be a part of any improvement.
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 9:50 pm 9:50 pm
I have to admit I was torn between Duncan Hunter and Mitt Romney until tonight. Romney came across great. Fred Thompson was a great surprise and I have more respect for him now. McCain showed why he cannot get along with anyone, his nasty snide remarks and laughing throughout the whole debate. He has a superiority complex and thinks he knows everything. Maybe Huckabee’s superiority complex will rub off on his and he will also think he is called by God to lead America. Huckabee was just plain out of his league tonight. Only Ron Paul was worse. How did he ever get there?
Posted by: Mike Thompson | January 5, 2008, 9:51 pm 9:51 pm
Bill Richardson is the only civil voice on stage….could it be that he is more interested in the VP slot with Senator Clinton?
Posted by: Wendy | January 5, 2008, 9:51 pm 9:51 pm
I thought Romney defended his positions very well tonight and I like this format of debate because misconceptions and twisting of remarks could be rebutted immediately. McCain is a jerk and has no real substance to his remarks. Huckabee is rehearsed. Giuliani is only running in the parts of the country where he thinks he can win. Paul and Thompson aren’t in contention anymore but at least they do have some lucid moments. The Dems repulse me so much I can’t even listen to them–talk about phony!!!
Posted by: Linda | January 5, 2008, 9:51 pm 9:51 pm
Earlier, and actually throughout all campaigns, the candidates look at their opponents as being weak for changing their positions and how they feel and think about a specific topic. Personally, I would be happy to hear that my candidate has the ability and STRENGTH to change his/her mind. It is SO important to admit when we are wrong, or to recognize that perhaps what we thought before isn’t what’s appopriate now. The world is constantly changing, we need to be able to change and adapt to those changes as we go. That means that our minds will most likely change about various topics. When we LISTEN and LEARN our thoughts and positions will aboslutely evolve and change. That’s okay. That’s GOOD! It’s so important to be willing to change your mind.
Posted by: Jen Malaguti | January 5, 2008, 9:52 pm 9:52 pm
Ed,
Answer the question! What experience do the Democrats have. A little failure? God help us if they win.
As to Paul,
He has NEVER voted to increase spending
for failing government programs.
Besides, HE is a medical doctor himself.
(Ron Paul M. D.) He has been around the block a little with regard to healthcare.
The others have had more high-profile government positions with little to show.
RON PAUL. Hope for America!!!!
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 9:52 pm 9:52 pm
It looks like two possibilities for democratic tickets… either on the right Clinton/Richardson or on the left Obama/Edwards… I wonder if they were seated that way on purpose… does anyone else see that
Posted by: Paul | January 5, 2008, 9:53 pm 9:53 pm
Pardon me? … Senator Clinton claimed that she has worked for change for “35 years.” She has only been a senator, in elected political office for that matter, since 2000. Is Senator Clinton practicing her own form of “fuzzy math” now, or is she incorporating the entire breadth of her husband’s political career into her own personal timeline?!?
Posted by: Political Junkie | January 5, 2008, 9:53 pm 9:53 pm
First of all I would love to be called middle class. But that would take a big increase in my income. the fact that they think clinton should not bring up the flip flop voting is sexist.
They just don’t want to have it come out into the light.
Posted by: Susan | January 5, 2008, 9:54 pm 9:54 pm
The Democrate debate is being done with class unlike the Republicans, all they did was raise their voices and didn’t allow each other to speak. Way to go Democrates.
Now use some of this positive energy and do something positive for us Americans.
Posted by: MS JEANNIE | January 5, 2008, 9:54 pm 9:54 pm
Did I just hear Hillary say if you are looking for change she is change because she would be the first female president? I am a female and what a STUPID comment.
Posted by: sharron | January 5, 2008, 10:07 pm 10:07 pm
Vote for Clinton if you want higher taxes and lower quality healthcare like Reason states.
Clinton kicked butt all right, she put her foot in her mouth before kicking herself in the rear!
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 10:07 pm 10:07 pm
Well Kent, I respect Obama for having a strong ability for diplomacy, respecting humans choice to make the dificult decision to have an abortion if they feel that the potential baby cannot be cared for properly, and his belief that a government can be used in a manner to help people recieve a better life style, education, and health care. If you are so affraid of those things then you can hide in your bunker, with your semi-automatic rifle, and shoot every non-christian, non-white, liberal, person that walk past you. Your day of judgement will come, in an American court of justice. I’m checking out on this conversation because debating with people like you is futile, have fun being paranoid.
Posted by: west | January 5, 2008, 10:08 pm 10:08 pm
If we get more oil from our two border countries than from middle eastern countries, ya think thats why the border fence is not being built. Also, what do you think the candidates will do now that oil production has possiblly peaked or some fields are running dry.
Posted by: joe | January 5, 2008, 10:09 pm 10:09 pm
I’m seeing two groups on the screen. The two old ones on the right, and the two young ones on the left. On the right I see entrenched ideas that they just can’t let go. On the left I see strong new ideas, ready to take off.
Posted by: Julie | January 5, 2008, 10:09 pm 10:09 pm
Perhaps Richardson is keeping his options open of being Obama’s vp since he wouldn’t say youth was a detriment
Posted by: Peter | January 5, 2008, 10:09 pm 10:09 pm
John… please stop …. stories.. and stop the 400$ hair cut
Posted by: paul | January 5, 2008, 10:10 pm 10:10 pm
I wish I saw this eirlier and remembered the time of the debate ontime. This debate just clearified made stronger the positions they stand for and I still hope the right person will win all the hearts of all the americans.
Posted by: Dale Bulthuis | January 5, 2008, 10:11 pm 10:11 pm
What credence does the fact that Clinton’s gender is female have on her competence as a politician?
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 10:11 pm 10:11 pm
I would like to ask the democratic panel this question. If after 3 years in office and our troops are still in Iraq, our health care is “unchanged”, and our social security and medicare is still on the ropes, what will be your excuse?
Posted by: G.H.Coffey | January 5, 2008, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
West,
Killing children because you can’t care for them properly is not a humane thing to do to people. Abortion is killing people. Millions want to adopt children.
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
John Edward you did nothing when you are in senate 4 years…
Posted by: paul | January 5, 2008, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
I already have higher taxes! The more dollars I pay out, the more taxes I pay. I pay more for everything thing since these wonderful tax cuts :{. My tax cuts don’t last 3 months.
Posted by: Ron Armstrong | January 5, 2008, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
Watching both the debates, I can’t help but feel that I wish Charlie Gibson were running! He is just so damn credible and knowledgeable. He opens his mouth and you know he speaks the truth — fair, honest and extremely likeable! That said, I STILL WANT OBAMA!
Posted by: Didi | January 5, 2008, 10:13 pm 10:13 pm
Obama is winning this debate hands down. I hope he wins the Democratic nomination.
Posted by: B Williams | January 5, 2008, 10:13 pm 10:13 pm
Perhaps it’s the hour and not the company, but the Repub candidates seemed far more interested and animated than the Dems who are now on stage. The Dems, with the exception of Senator Obama, seem far less animated and very tired.
Posted by: Alice | January 5, 2008, 10:13 pm 10:13 pm
It’s a sign that people are tired of the same old policies…corporate greed, lack of immigration enforcement and medical insurance.
We are tired of being spied on and tracked like we are the enemy criminal illegal immigrants roam among us and Bin Laden is still on the loose.
We are sick of our tax dollars going to rebuild Iraq while our Bridges fall and cities are slow being rebuilt after Natural Disasters.
We are tired of being so preoccuppied with keeping up with the Jones and for some just keeping a roof over their heads and not being able to focus on policies being made that affect our daily lives.
We are tired of being told to live in FEAR and that we must sacrfice privacy….HEAR our prayers GOD because we are TIRED of what is happening to our country.
Posted by: Taylor | January 5, 2008, 10:14 pm 10:14 pm
The real question is – who has their nails in the oil industry?
Posted by: voter | January 5, 2008, 10:14 pm 10:14 pm
Nick, what does Obama’s skin color have to do with anything? His father (left him as a child)was African his mother was a Midwest white woman (is dead). Just like you he had a mother and father, problems in life, happy days and sad days. I hope you don’t vote on race, I was hoping our country could finally move past that.
Posted by: west | January 5, 2008, 10:15 pm 10:15 pm
The format used for tonights debate was vastly superior to that used in previous debates. All future debates must allow free discussion between the candidates – not the timed sound bite responses of previous debates.
Posted by: R.J. Fridrich | January 5, 2008, 10:15 pm 10:15 pm
Hillary is having a reality break. Not really sure what that might be all about.
Posted by: Mike | January 5, 2008, 10:15 pm 10:15 pm
You can’t see a clear loser? Richardson.
Posted by: Jeff Winchell | January 5, 2008, 10:15 pm 10:15 pm
Edwards is such a wuss..couldn’t vote for him. Obama would make a good preacher..all emotion, no substance. Clinton-Richardson would make a great ticket. Experience does count !!! If Hillary didn’t start the health care debate years ago they wouldn’t be talking about it now.
Posted by: Marilyn | January 5, 2008, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
I just wanted to ask Senator Obama when are we going to get to what is going on here in the United Sates of America its seems to me the only thing that this administration is concerned with is war and this war is taken away whats going here in the United States
Posted by: David Johnson | January 5, 2008, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
We have to elect a strong, centralist candidate because we can’t take care of ourselves anymore. We aren’t the people of the Constitution days. We simply aren’t capable of self-rule and need HILLARY to establish more safety nets.
Do you people realize that chaos will reing if welfare is cut off? There will be riots and loss of security. Ron Paul is scary – he thinks we can go back to days when people had to take care of themselves.
Hillary 2008!!
Posted by: Morris Deason | January 5, 2008, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
West,
Ever consider the choices the unborn could have as a dignified human person in respect to their lives and their surroundings?
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
Hillary hasn’t had 34 years only the years in the Senate – she need to stop thinking she was governor and president. Where is her husband Bill? Absent spouse when everyone else has theirs there!
Posted by: Karen | January 5, 2008, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
Talk about snap, Rick; Hillary just snapped Obama with his energy bill vote. Can you say hypocrisy?
Posted by: Patty | January 5, 2008, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
I have been wondering why the United States job market is at an all time low during a war time situation. In years past war unfortunately was good for the economy. Industries thrived, were at the point of being short of personnel, yet during the “War on Terror” all these jobs are being done overseas. These jobs are being done in countries like China and Pakistan. These are countries that it’s not in our best interest to throw millions of dollars in their direction. Why is it that this is an issue that hasn’t been addressed during these campaigns or debates?
Posted by: Joseph Quinn | January 5, 2008, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
fight for it hillary. listen to real talk folk…go hillary go…
Posted by: art | January 5, 2008, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm
Is Hilary so weak a candidate that she has to rely on attacking Obama?
Posted by: West | January 5, 2008, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm
It seems to me that if a candidate in a debate will call a competitor Senator or Congressman, they should give the same respect to the President and call him President Bush and not George Bush.
Posted by: Jerry | January 5, 2008, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm
Hillary is having a reality break. Not really sure what that might be all about.
Posted by: Mike | January 5, 2008, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm
You hear Hillary say this junk about, “…the first woman president…” and looks to the audience for applause. You don’t see the consummate professional, Obama, play this card, “… first African American president…”
Posted by: B Williams | January 5, 2008, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm
it’s gotta be Hillary…Obama and Edwards can’t win a general. I agree they’re the most likable, but that’s not what this is about. C’mon people, wake up!
Posted by: boynla, LA, CA | January 5, 2008, 10:18 pm 10:18 pm
Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. Those double eyebrows are very creepy looking on Hillary. Is she sick or something? She needs to go to a spa. Maybe after she loses NH and then SC, she’ll be able to go home to Arkansas and spend some time at the hot springs spas. ;-O
Posted by: April | January 5, 2008, 10:18 pm 10:18 pm
You really think a great country like ours should be run by a woman? Ha! Not a chance!
Posted by: daryl | January 5, 2008, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm
Pres. Clinton ONLY balanced the budget after the Dems were run out of congress in ’94. It is amazing that Clinton tries to take credit for balancing the budget when he fought it all the way.
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm
Johns Edwards is a threat to corporations and greed.
Posted by: Taylor | January 5, 2008, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm
Edwards enough of yourself rightousness
Posted by: MS JEANNIE | January 5, 2008, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm
Edwards:
You have to say NO
NO to lobbyist money
NO to PAC money
That was clear!
Posted by: Charles Carreon | January 5, 2008, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm
Hillary when you raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations, especially on corp, the corps will just pass the taxes on the us, the average American. All dems, like to say this crap, but don’t think about or care what happens in the end
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm
Deason,
Paul never said he would cut off social security to all americans.
Only to those who are ruining our economy by not getting off their lazy butts and get a good job.
RON PAUL. Hope for America !!!!!!!
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 10:20 pm 10:20 pm
Could ABC have set Hillary up better? Charlie literally argued with the Republican candidates. He seems very passive with the Democrats. The WMUR guy scewered the Republicans and everyone but Hillary. With his question to them about how they’d run against Sen. Obama, he was basically having them do Hillary’s dirty work for her. His question to Hillary was the biggest softball I’ve heard in the campaign. You can’t have a fair debate when Hillary has the moderator in her camp. Another plant?
How about change in the media. Watch the post debate talking heads. “Hillary hits a homerun!” will be the overarching theme.
Posted by: Rom Anderson | January 5, 2008, 10:20 pm 10:20 pm
“Tax Hike Mike” Huckabee needs to stop riding the “Im a baptist minister” story and people need to wake up and realize what an awful governor he was and how he is anything but a true republican.
When Ron Paul finished 2nd in NH where will the mainstream news media be then? Remember Ron Paul spent little to no time in Iowa and got 8-9% higher than any polls had him at. TIME FOR A REAL REVOLUTION!! Ron Paul 2008!
Posted by: Jason | January 5, 2008, 10:20 pm 10:20 pm
The last thing this country needs is a trial lawyer that is responsible for the high costs of medical mal-practic insurance, as our president.
Posted by: April | January 5, 2008, 10:20 pm 10:20 pm
Go Andrew!
Posted by: Jim | January 5, 2008, 10:21 pm 10:21 pm
I was amazed that Hillary could clearly articulate her understanding of what is required to make change in Washington. Richardson should, but his responses seemed a bit muddled. Obama and Edwards seem to have no idea of the difficulties required and seem quite naive.
Posted by: c. soltesz | January 5, 2008, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
Jason, Ron Paul is an idiot when it comes to foreign policy. He is puddy in the hands of terrorists.
Posted by: April | January 5, 2008, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
I saw nothing but the blame put on someone else.SEN Richardson said on health care,that if it weren’t for the war every one could have had health care they could of took the money and used it for health care. What did the Clinton administeration do for 8 years he was in office.If Sen Edwards get president i see that we will not have any way to defend ourselves.He want’s to do away with necular weapons.Give me a brake.
Posted by: Paul | January 5, 2008, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
I am very suspicious of Obama’s “hope” spin. Reminds me too much of inspirational speeches. Bush gives those.
Posted by: Charles Carreon | January 5, 2008, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
I saw nothing but the blame put on someone else.SEN Richardson said on health care,that if it weren’t for the war every one could have had health care they could of took the money and used it for health care. What did the Clinton administeration do for 8 years he was in office.If Sen Edwards get president i see that we will not have any way to defend ourselves.He want’s to do away with necular weapons.Give me a brake.
Posted by: Paul | January 5, 2008, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
if not Obama/Edwards what about Obama/Richardson in the general either way Obama’s got a far better chance in the general then Queen Hillary the Great
Posted by: Paul | January 5, 2008, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm
Ron Paul is only considered a “outlier” because he is above and beyond mainstream political nonsense.
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm
Obama is talking platitudes — Edwards platitudes with passion. Neither seems to have much substance.
Posted by: PLR | January 5, 2008, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm
Here comes the voice of reason…Gov Richardson, trying to distance himself from the Washington insiders. But, he was a Congressman and a Sec’y of Energy. Was he on the outside looking in all those years?
Posted by: Wendy | January 5, 2008, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm
Rick, you’re too biased to be blogging here. Why won’t you cut Hillary a break? Your snide remarks are the exact unfairness she’s responding to. I don’t blame her for getting mad.
Posted by: Patty | January 5, 2008, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm
Rom Anderson, Hillary DID hit a home run.
Posted by: Jim | January 5, 2008, 10:24 pm 10:24 pm
Senator Obama is clearly the leader as among these four candidates. Mrs. Clinton has 35 years of leadership? That trumps Governor Richardson or even Senator Obama? Absolutely Not!
Posted by: David Hoak | January 5, 2008, 10:24 pm 10:24 pm
All the Republican canidates seem totally out of touch with the real situation with the average American wage earner. I was leaning toward Mit Romney before this debate, however, only Ron Paul seemed to have any concern for middle class America.
Posted by: Edward Stine | January 5, 2008, 10:24 pm 10:24 pm
I would like to know, if we are spending more then a trillion dollars for iraq. why are gas prices soaring out of control.why as tax payers do we have to pay for a war to save the Iraqi government at our expense with no price reduction in oil sales from iraq to the people of the united states. we have given our money,lives,reputation and military support to them and they have increased oil prices so that middle class Americans that pay for the war go bankrupt. Please charie gibson ask these questions. thanks for your time . eric christ concerned american
Posted by: Eric Christ | January 5, 2008, 10:24 pm 10:24 pm
What will each candidate do to protect Americans from the “FISA Abuse of Executive Power”? Prosecutorial Misconduct and FBI cover-ups of reporting false data that destroy a person character? What protection or recourse will you use to address this problem? The corruption within the American Government Justice Dept. labeling innocent invividuals as terrorist?
Posted by: Victoria | January 5, 2008, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
that what i like all the hillary haters yo, get over the clintons.. they beat you every time…
Posted by: art | January 5, 2008, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
These guys and gal LOVE taxes. This is the first time I have EVER heard about a tax they do not like. Amazing.
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
Ron Paul is not an idiot. Quit the ad hominum attacks.
Again, a responsible foreign policy cannot exist without a sound economic policy here at home.
RON PAUL Hope for America!!
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
Well, well. Mr Change Obama, the head of your NH campaign is a lobbyist. some change. wake up NH, he’s all style no substance. hillary’s the candidate with the substance and is ready to be President.
Posted by: boynla, LA, CA | January 5, 2008, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm
Rick: thg corps pay less than 20% of the taxes and strive to pay 0%. They shouldn’t have much to say about anything as their only goal is to have the freeest ride possible because that’s their mandate…to make as much money as possible. That’s not a bad thing…it just can’t be balanced against those of us that actually pay the bills!
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm
Patty, am I too biased because I said something that is a fact about your Dear Hillary.
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm
Reason, yes millions of people want to adopt, my sister is one of them. But if you research the process of adopting a American child it costs atleast $50,000. My sister can’t afford this, and most people in this country can’t. I don’t see people as rich as Bush adopting children, he sure preaches a lot about it though. Until the Adoption and foster care system in this country is fixed, so that every child put up for adoption is given a decent life and not a life of poverty and abuse, preventing abortion will only cause more misery amoung parentless children. Have you gone out and adopted a child? You could even offer aid to a single mother who is working 60 hours a week to afford rent, you could help her with your time or money so she can afford to keep her child and not have him or her starve or get shot because she can only afford to live in gang ridden slums. I agree abortion should be a last resort. But why don’t you start worrying about the children who are already born instead of worrying about an embryo.
Posted by: West | January 5, 2008, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm
Talk about being on point with ideas. GO HILLARY! GIVE THEM A RUN FOR THEIR MONEY!
Posted by: Iffy | January 5, 2008, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm
Patty, ABC will be on your side. Obama and the others deserve objective coverage.
Posted by: Rom | January 5, 2008, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm
Lets not forget it was words by MLK, JFK,RFK and Regan that inspired people to action@!!
Posted by: brad | January 5, 2008, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm
Where did she get “35 years of experience”? Is that how long she has been married to Bill? Is she saying that her marriage has given her the political experience necessary to run the country?
Posted by: Toni | January 5, 2008, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm
c. soltesz – Really? Hmm GW’s own 9-11 commission report backs everything RP is saying. British have pulled out, Afghanistan is under Warlord terror. The surge is not working, several high ranking commanders have said so. We are borrowing trillions from China to fund this nonsense while America and our dollar goes down the toilet. When are we going to protect America and its people first???? Get real and read some real facts. Huckleberry has no shot thats why right wing Faux News likes him, and exactly why left wing CNN likes him. Obama will trounce him worse than Reagan did mondale.
Tax Hike Mike!
Posted by: Jason | January 5, 2008, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
Hillary is keen on leaning against her husband’s accomplishments and says little about her proven inability to get health care done (be any means) when she had the stage and the executive backing to do so. Reality check … In the primary project she was tasked with in those eight years, she failed. That’s experience?
Posted by: Jim | January 5, 2008, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
so ed, how do you tax the corps more and force them not to pass the increase on to the consumer. If you force them you are nearing a communist state were free market dies.
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
Edwards is right – I just wish he would differentiate between “the American people” and corporations (national & multinational). It’s a difference between real people vs “imaginary persons”. Real people are taxed and have to obey laws. Corporations pay lawyers and lobbiests to evade taxes and write laws.
Posted by: john | January 5, 2008, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
We do NOT need another republican in office, we need a democrat. I love Hilary because she is the only woman up there that is just awesome. Edwards has some good views, and also Obama. I am torn , but I think i am leaning towards Hilary, sorry guys! But I am just amazed that after all of these years a woman is finally taking a stand!! Go Democrats.
Posted by: Baylynne | January 5, 2008, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
As I sit here listening to the Republicans and Democates debating and talking about terror in the world I wonder if someone has ever asked the questions, “Have you read the 911 commission report.” It is rare I have heard anyone speak about that report.
Posted by: caroline | January 5, 2008, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm
Hilary would do much better in the Senate. Let her become the leader of the Dems there. Obama worries me because he is so inexperienced and I don’t know if he has the fight to do what he says he wants to too. Edwards has a lot of fight. He knows what it is like to work hard and not have ot handed to him. He has faced crisis in his life and has came out on top. He has the passion to be president. The winning ticket for the Democrats is Edwards – Obama. We have two candidates that are wanting to fight for change. Edwards has won change, Obama is a work in progress. Go Edwards!!!
Posted by: Coleen | January 5, 2008, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm
Anderson I think you’re absolutly right.
Having the republicans gang up on Obama was essentially Charlie doing Clinton’s dirty work, He’s calling her Hillary to make her come off friendly but everytime she speaks she cuts people off and looks evil they can’t help her too much…
Posted by: Paul | January 5, 2008, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm
Andrew: Ron Paul may have some points, but that is for people that lived 100 years ago. We can’t go from being on the dole to off the dole in a year. Our whole society will collapse if you simply pull the government out of things (gov jobs, welfare, farm subsidies, etc.). There’s no going back. We need more taxes and people willing to give up more from a personal perspective to keep our society going. Sacrifice…….. “Ask not what your county can do for you…”
Hillary 2008
Posted by: Morris Deason | January 5, 2008, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm
How can Obama state that he wants change.When he will get most likely the same incumbents from both parties in both houses.
Also how does he plan to have the Iraqis pass oil sharing when the sunnis
have no oil or real power in the goverment,The kurds seeking autonomy along with the shiets contriolling the oil and the goverment.
He plans to do a phased withdrwal, Supposedly while presuring the Iraqi goverment to change.Why should they listen when they have made better relations with Iran and syria there goal
His energy policy plan is carters old plan,He does not call for forcing the oil and energy companies to add new renewable sources at their gas station distribution networks that they own.
He is great at oratory skills but i find his health plan,foreign polcy plans and his nuclear disarmenent plan s to be very lacking.
Posted by: MIKE | January 5, 2008, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm
I have been watching the debate in NH, I am still undecided in whom I will vote for. I will say the diplomat of this debate has been Richardson. He may just be what the American People need. And Hillary is right this can Not be a popularity contest, this has to be a choice we all make for the better. Which candidate will help our country Prosper, not slip into a depression.
Posted by: Laura Finney | January 5, 2008, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm
What I can’t take is Clintons hateful attitude she has a rotten attitude. Not nice at all. Such a know it all. Obama/Edwards would be a great team.
Posted by: Karen | January 5, 2008, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm
hear we go again, 2 americas, blah blah blah
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm
Are we there yet? I am about ready to turn off the television because I am beginning to hear the same things over and over again, especially from former Senator Edwards.
Posted by: Alice | January 5, 2008, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm
West,
Abortion is murdering of the young. I have two adopted children that I got through an organization that funds the entire cost. Killing your own children should NEVER be an option, I don’t care what the age.
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 10:32 pm 10:32 pm
The Democrats all get traction when they talk about the domestic economy. Hillary spoke clearly and cogently about how to fix the economy. Edwards is accurately focussing on corporate thievery and outsourcing. The country is going down the tubes like beer down a frat boy’s throat.
Posted by: Charles Carreon | January 5, 2008, 10:32 pm 10:32 pm
I have been amazed as I have listened to the candidates. I expected to spend all of the time clarifying for myself some questions on the stances held by Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. However, what has struck me most is Richardson’s voice of reason and Edwards’ decisiveness and passion.
Posted by: Lizette | January 5, 2008, 10:32 pm 10:32 pm
Rick: I totally disagree, from here in Michigan, John Edwards is coming across as a broken record, answering every question the same…
Posted by: Brandon | January 5, 2008, 10:32 pm 10:32 pm
Someone pointed out something too funny the other day…Hillary screams “Change” yet on the stage with here is none other than Billy, Madeline Albright, and 4 other former Clinton aides. You mean change, or time machine back 12 years? Who wants to live through that nightmare again. Obama wins easily on the dem side.
Posted by: Jason | January 5, 2008, 10:33 pm 10:33 pm
OMG…..some of these people need to ask for some cheese with their whines……Where is Newt? Dang we need him
Posted by: Jerry | January 5, 2008, 10:33 pm 10:33 pm
REPUBLICANS ARE JUST LOOKING FOR A SOFT BALL FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION! WE CAN’T FALL INTO THAT TRAP WITH AN OBAMA CANDIDACY. INDEPENDENTS DON’T CARE ABOUT LOYALTY!
Hillary is the GIRL!
Posted by: Iffy | January 5, 2008, 10:35 pm 10:35 pm
Deason,
The economy will not run forever on a huge deficit. Increasing government programs do not bring about beneficial change. How long do you think our nation will run with a large debt while CHINA is gaining an ever increasing surplus because it is turning from socialism towards a free-market society.
Socialism does not work !!
America, specifically your precious Clinton should take heed.
RON PAUL. Hope for America!
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 10:35 pm 10:35 pm
Does Hillary think she’s running against
George Bush? That seems to be all she
can rant against.
Posted by: Laura | January 5, 2008, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
Hilary is rich. How much money has she invested in the oil industry? She stayed married to bill so she could be the first woman president – look no further than that. Is she really the best choice?
Posted by: voter | January 5, 2008, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
When Charlie Gibson asked Obama about the what the Republican’s said about Obama during the debate, didn’t Obama claim to not have seen all of the the Republican debate because he was “flipping between the debate and football” – watching Washington play. Charlie asked him who won and I recall he said Washington. I looked at the score and Seattle won – scoring 21 points in the last 6 minutes of the game. Was Obama lying when he claimed to have been watching football – and didnt see the end of the game when he said that Washington won (as they were winning 14-13 with 6 minutes to go). He must have picked the one that he thought would win the game since IF he said he didnt know who won, he would have appeared to be lying that he was flipping over to the football.
Posted by: Greg M | January 5, 2008, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
hillary always avoids the frigging questions
Posted by: keita martin | January 5, 2008, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
Reason:
Abortion is murder of a potential living human person. I agree.
You have a great deal of reason.
Posted by: Andrew | January 5, 2008, 10:37 pm 10:37 pm
Wow Rick, we’re just not watching the same debate. Edwards effective? He’s a political drone: corporate greed, middle class, this is personal for me, corporate greed, me, me, me, I, I, I …
Posted by: Patty | January 5, 2008, 10:37 pm 10:37 pm
Hil would be a soft ball for the repubs. Half the country already said they would NOT vote for Hil, no matter who she runs against.
Posted by: Reason | January 5, 2008, 10:37 pm 10:37 pm
I applaud you Reason for adopting those children, but those are 2 out of thousands. The fact that you had to go such a organizaiton proves the point that our coutries adoption and foster system is screwed up. I hope you support politics that try to change the system. Also, could you tell the name of the organization you used so I can pass it on to my sister?
Posted by: WEst | January 5, 2008, 10:37 pm 10:37 pm
Posted by: Lizette
However, what has struck me most is Richardson’s voice of reason and Edwards’ decisiveness and passion.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Couldn’t say it better myself!
Posted by: Charles Carreon | January 5, 2008, 10:38 pm 10:38 pm
Obama is right…their is a diference in the Democrat message and the Republican…Dems want ALL of our money
Posted by: Jerry | January 5, 2008, 10:38 pm 10:38 pm
ABC/Rick Klein – Thanks for the blogging.
WMUR – Thank you for running the live video.
Great job by both!
Posted by: David Hoak | January 5, 2008, 10:38 pm 10:38 pm
If John Edwards talks about being the son of a mill worker one more time or refers to one specific deceased girl one more time. I guess if the story works once…then the 127th time is good too.
Posted by: jeff | January 5, 2008, 10:39 pm 10:39 pm
Rick: the answer is in balancing the load. They constantly cry jobs will be lost yet they canned them as they sent jobs overseas for cheap labor. Then they said they would be forced to close down and they set up their corps on a Bahamian island and pay no taxes. So give them all the breaks and they just take more. You call that communinism? ha.
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 10:39 pm 10:39 pm
very well said jerry
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 10:39 pm 10:39 pm
I want to know how is it that we can do tranplants on prisoners but we can’t do a transplant on one of the children of our future. I work in the medical field and I want to know what our senators have to say about this? I treat these prisoners frequently and we as taxe payers are flipping the bill to feed and keep these people alive. The cost of transplants is outrageous not to mention the cost of the medications to keep them alive after transplant. What is wrong with this picture. But we couldn’t help Natalie. I am sick of it.
Posted by: marcia | January 5, 2008, 10:40 pm 10:40 pm
I have been reading your live blog during the debates. I most frustrated with the debate among the Democratice candidates about lobbyist influence. Why must the American people do something about this problem? We vote in people to Congress that we trust will be honest. It seems to me a simple solution. Fire or arrest all those who take special interest money. I would be fired from my job if I betrayed my employer. These representatives are Employed by we Americans. Fire all their butts if that is what it takes and start over!
Posted by: J Blood | January 5, 2008, 10:40 pm 10:40 pm
Richardson was very good in that last self deprecating comment. Edwards was setup for that one and so planned anyway. Hillary could not think fast enough to be funny at the end, but liked her ability to laugh a bit earlier about having her feelings hurt and being likable.
Posted by: jeff | January 5, 2008, 10:41 pm 10:41 pm
Here we go! “Hillary really ‘engaged’(not attacked) Sen. Obama. She looked presidential. She did herself so much good. ”
Did anyone notice ABC cut to a picture of Chelsea when she got the question about being nice?
Posted by: Rom | January 5, 2008, 10:42 pm 10:42 pm
Hillary dominated that debate. I appreciate her sort of scolding the media perhaps the public outcry for a “likeable” candidate by mentioning Bush as the “beer buddy” president. How completely true. And Obama immediately proved her right by making a quip about watching football backstage. I’m not looking for an Oprah’s book list president, I want someone with experience and intelligence. I see that in Senator Clinton.
Posted by: Julianna | January 5, 2008, 10:42 pm 10:42 pm
I don’t think any country could survive listening to Hillary Clinton for four years.
Posted by: Steve Fought | January 5, 2008, 10:43 pm 10:43 pm
Joseph Quinn, the reason for the bad economy is all of the ungodly demands unions, aflcio (small case on purpose) have demanded while shop stewards, Union Presidents have pushed harder and harder for more hourly raises, and all the time giving up perks. GM workers, I believe were at $54 an hour on the average. Ford followed with $49 an hour; until Ford and Gm said, “Hey, Mexico will work for $14 an hour no perks, and that is one country who is more than happy to work without a damn UNION! I worked for the US goverment and saw the union fight for jobs, and win; over drunk on the job, excessive absences, aggravated theft, wrongful dismissals. Gradually you have a Goverment agency paying out wrongful terminations $, thefts in the millions of $ were dismissed, for a fact. All with back pay of @ 2 years in arrears. Why go else where to people who are happy to work for less than half, and most never steal from Dodge, Ford, etc.
Posted by: daryl | January 5, 2008, 10:43 pm 10:43 pm
It would seem to me that Hillary Clinton spends much more time planning her strategy to “Blame it on Bush”. She could certainly use that time in more positive responses. After all, much of what “W” has worked with was inherited………!!!!!
Posted by: Donna Gruel | January 5, 2008, 10:43 pm 10:43 pm
I believe that if you work hard, and fly staight, you would have to be pretty stupid or very unlucky to not make it in this country, why else are all the illegals coming here, they know of the american dream, unfortunately not enough american are familar with it. they are just waiting for the government or someone else to help them make it. That is what is wrong with dems
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 10:43 pm 10:43 pm
I noticed that same sex marriage or gay rights was not brought up in either debate except for Huckabee declaring that issue as one that would distinguish him from Obama. BUT the pundants did not pick up on it or follow up.
Posted by: Jeff | January 5, 2008, 10:44 pm 10:44 pm
People in this country need to wake up!!! Ther ARE 2 americas one that wants change that will help make the country better for their children, and one that wants to keep things the way they are and see their children live under worse circumstances than what we are now. It is the 21st century people! We live in AMERICA, you know that counrty that is suppose to be full of opportunites, not walls stopping us from progress. Edwards and Obama are willing to fight for that. I’m not saying Hiulary is a bad person, but I feel she would be more powerful in the Senate. RIchardson would be a great Secratary of State. Edwards and Obama in the White house!!! It is a time for a change!!!!
Posted by: Coleen | January 5, 2008, 10:44 pm 10:44 pm
It would be interesting to know which candidate actually gave a direct answer to a direct question.
Posted by: Tom | January 5, 2008, 10:44 pm 10:44 pm
Let’s try to figure out what Edward’s main issues are. Did he ever say anything outside of special interest? This guy scares me as much as Romney.
Overall, I think it’s still up in the air – but have to say that I was actually impressed (for the first time) with McCain, Thompson and Richardson…it’ll be interesting.
Posted by: John | January 5, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm
Let’s try to figure out what Edward’s main issues are. Did he ever say anything outside of special interest? This guy scares me as much as Romney.
Overall, I think it’s still up in the air – but have to say that I was actually impressed (for the first time) with McCain, Thompson and Richardson…it’ll be interesting.
Posted by: John | January 5, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm
why did Charlie Gibson let Hillary and Obama slide without answering the question of “what they would recant from any previous presidential debate”. They side stepped the question entirely and good ethical journalist should challenge these folks to answer the question.
Posted by: jason | January 5, 2008, 10:46 pm 10:46 pm
I think the point no one gets is that we need an inspirational leader. One can pick a Cabinet and other managerial personnel who have the experience and the vision that our leader desires.
And yes, we want someone who is likeable–not polarizing.
Posted by: Carol Wandrey | January 5, 2008, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
MCCAIN IS PRESIDENTIAL. RUDY/THOMPSON ARE VICE PRESIDENTIAL. ROMNEY IS A ROBBER BARON, YAAAH THAT’s THE TICKET. HUCKABEE IS A GOOD SECRETARY OF STATE. P
Posted by: RickeyMikey | January 5, 2008, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
Richardson was the only one to have the guts to admit something specific that he would like to take back. The others essentially avoided that question.
Hmmm, what does that say about the so-called front-runners?
Posted by: DanKalb | January 5, 2008, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
I like them all—Thank God for Richardson’s sense of humor….but I am so tired of Dems going for the person sounds good, only to loose in November. We need someone who can get elected—and once elected, go like gangbusters to right Bush’s wrongs. Hillary is the woman for the job.
Also, I hope those women (and men) under 30 know what a huge deal it would be to elect a woman president!
Posted by: Mary Casey | January 5, 2008, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
Rick, listen carefully. Obama said he was SWITCHING BETWEEN the football game and the debate.
As you know, Seattle came back at the very end of the game.
SWITCHING BETWEEN the game and the debate. Not exclusively spending time on either.
Been speaking English long?
Matt
Posted by: Matt | January 5, 2008, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm
greg r u serious?…lmao..u really thought that out didnt you?..lol
Posted by: keita martin | January 5, 2008, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm
EDWARDS WINS!!! RICHARDSON SECOND!
Posted by: Coleen | January 5, 2008, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
Hilary has a misunderstanding about change. The people want change that is bold and heartfelt, not arrogant and aggresive. We want the kind of change that was happening in 68′ not a simple controlling party switch.
Posted by: JG | January 5, 2008, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
Well, thank goodness it’s over for tonite! This election is the most interesting in a long while because it’s the first in a long time where there is no heir apparent. Perhaps the caucases and primaries will not yield a clear winner and the conventions will once again become more interesting contests rather than scripted coronations of candidates. Perhaps a third party will arise given that each of the candidates running for the Rep and Dem nominations each seem to lack one or more ingredients that would make them really viable candidates. I will continue to look for the candidate who can break through the partisan gridlock in Washington and unite the country. Thus far, that person seems to be Senator Obama.
Posted by: Alice | January 5, 2008, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
Voter: Don’t forget Hil and Bill went broke because of the constant hazing from the hypcritical extreme right over Bill’s idiotic actions while in the White House. They are far less “rich” than those who throw your and my IRA into a tailspin because they want to have a bit of fun after a nice lunch and a giggly cocktail. I wouldn’t castigate them over having a few bucks that ultimately, they earned. That’s a far shot over what Bush Dubya has done as an oncore….
Posted by: Ed K | January 5, 2008, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
Thanks ABC for such a wonderful look at the candidates. I am an Independent, and WOW!!! The Debates were great, with some winners and not so bad candidates. I loved the discussions in the Debates for both the Democrats and Republicans. My thoughts are for the Republicans – Huckabee and McCain. And for the Democrats – Edwards and Obama. Great JOB!!!
Posted by: Sharon Marshall | January 5, 2008, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm
Gov. Richardson said during the debate that Presidents need a line item veto (to balance the budget, I guess). Perhaps he’s forgotten that the Republican Congress gave the President one during the 90′s. President Clinton exercised it. It led to a Supreme Court case in which the Supreme Court, for very good reasons, ruled the line item veto unconstitutional. In order to get a line item veto, with a Court unlikely to reverse itself on this question, getting a line item veto would require a Constitutional amendment. It’s extroardinary that a candidate for President wouldn’t know this.
Posted by: Dr. Paul R. DeHart | January 5, 2008, 10:52 pm 10:52 pm
Clinton was an amazing tonight. It’s realism (from a history of idealism) versus idealism without realism (i.e. Clinton v. Obama — b/c I feel that Edwards is out of the race (all talk, can’t walk the walk)). Go Hilary. You’ve convinced me tonight. Thank you.
Posted by: bette N | January 5, 2008, 10:52 pm 10:52 pm
“10:20 pm: Obama’s retort to Hillary’s best line: “The truth is, words do inspire.” Here’s the thing: it’s more fun to vote for optimism than realism — I didn’t say it’s smarter, necessarily, just that it’s more fun.” (Klein)
Pro-Hillary, are we? You are are claiming that Obama is unrealistic, without giving arguments whatsoever! What is unrealistic about believing that talking about issues, putting them on the map and starting public debates over them can very well initiate change? You claim: Hillary=realist and Obama=optimist. However, it can as well be put: Hillary=Pessimist/sceptic/nihilist and Obama=pragmatic idealist.
Posted by: Thomaso88 | January 5, 2008, 10:52 pm 10:52 pm
Wasn’t ABC’s political director, George Stephonopolous Bill and Hillary’s press secetary? How does she do it? Softball questions, getting the Republicans to do her dirty work by attacking Sen. Obama, then having one of her husband’s spinners in charge of the post debate.
Posted by: Rom | January 5, 2008, 10:52 pm 10:52 pm
Bill Richardson won!
Posted by: Ro Cinante | January 5, 2008, 10:53 pm 10:53 pm
Thanks to ABC and to all the democratic candidates for an excellent debate this evening. Most of the questions were actually intelligent, and the candidates’ responses were passionate and respectful to American citizens and to our democratic process, unrivaled in today’s world. Our Democratic party candidates are all smart, and are all inspirational American leaders. No matter who is nominated, the democrats will offer a formidable candidate for president. I wish we could take the gifts that each of them offer, and jumble them together. We would have a leader to surpass all in history. These four candidates reminded me this evening how proud I am to be an American. Many thanks to Senators Clinton, Edwards and Obama, and to Governer Richardson for offering us your experience, your wisdom, your intelligence and your capacity to inspire hope!
Posted by: lois | January 5, 2008, 10:54 pm 10:54 pm
Hillary dominated that debate. I appreciate her sort of scolding the media perhaps the public outcry for a “likeable” candidate by mentioning Bush as the “beer buddy” president. How completely true. And Obama immediately proved her right by making a quip about watching football backstage. I’m not looking for an Oprah’s book list president, I want someone with experience and intelligence. I see that in Senator Clinton.
Posted by: Julianna | January 5, 2008, 10:55 pm 10:55 pm
Does Senator Clinton seem angry? To me she does. I feel like she wants to have a debate in the 90s style of that cnn show crossfire. She may be a bit tone deaf on what we as young voters want to hear from our political leadership. Obama articulates it best, and if Edwards could calm down a bit he’d be good too.
Posted by: Wadell Muhammad | January 5, 2008, 10:55 pm 10:55 pm
Nice work Rick!
Posted by: Tom in Indy | January 5, 2008, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
ro, no one was attacking bill richardson, he was able to sit back a act diplomatic. he has no chance so why bother
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
The best format and gave the voters a chance to see all the candidates. A great educational show for our young people to get involved in learning about elections and what we need to listen to. Thanks for this great effort from all.
Posted by: Judy | January 5, 2008, 10:59 pm 10:59 pm
Tonight in New Hampshire, John Edwards turned in the best debate performance I think I have ever seen.
That, friends, is how it’s done. No question he should be the Democratic nominee to run the Republicans out of the White House.
Posted by: Steve Fought | January 5, 2008, 10:59 pm 10:59 pm
Monetary policy. Ron Paul is the only one who has a clue. This country is on it’s way out. Spread yourself to thin and you’re gonna crash. Homeland Security needs an alert level for our economy because it’s on RED!
Wake up America! The Constitution is calling you home!!!
Posted by: Jimmy | January 5, 2008, 11:01 pm 11:01 pm
I think that Obama, clinton, and edwards would be a nightmare for this country, Richardson seems like a decent guy, the others are all liars and crooks.
I would prefer Thompson if he would wake up and be like he was tonight, every night
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 11:02 pm 11:02 pm
I am embarrassed at the way Ron Paul is being treated by the other candidates. How disrespectful.
Posted by: ann | January 5, 2008, 11:02 pm 11:02 pm
All the talk by the Democrats of raising taxes and starting health care scares me. The government can’t run a darn thing right and is totally disfunctional on most everything it does. We’re also going to have to PAY for all they propose. The candidates don’t seem to realize that they have to get thru the Congress and Senate to get things done. They sound like it’s so simple! News for them……it’s NOT!
Posted by: Darlene | January 5, 2008, 11:03 pm 11:03 pm
This was the best debate for Democrats
Thank you Charlie Gibson
again
I was so impressed with the democrats responses. This is was one of the best democratic debates I have seen, Obama finally was open more on change, The rest of the candates should so much and expressed there background experience here in this debate and that matter so much in change who has the back ground means very much in change also. as I also mentioned in face book as well my comment.
Posted by: Gloria | January 5, 2008, 11:04 pm 11:04 pm
This was the best debate for Democrats
Thank you Charlie Gibson
again
I was so impressed with the democrats responses. This is was one of the best democratic debates I have seen, Obama finally was open more on change, The rest of the candates should so much and expressed there background experience here in this debate and that matters so much in change who has the back ground means very much in change also. as I also mentioned in face book as well my comment.
Posted by: Gloria | January 5, 2008, 11:04 pm 11:04 pm
For all those that think that Hillary is a media darling, they’re wrong. The media hates Hillary. She’s not an underdog story, she an anti-climax. However, I don’t feel that Obama showed anything different tonight. He seemed distant and, in some ways, arrogant. Yes, he may have the most liberal voting record. However – does he have a record of pushing bills through Congress? What bills have he initiated that have tried to make change? Yes, I appreciate Obama for his willingness to bring issues to frankly to the table, but I also think that Clinton out-matched him in responding pragmatically. Unless Obama can put together an all-star, cross-party cabinet, government will be stalled his first 2 years in the White House. Clinton can hit the ground running.
Posted by: bette N | January 5, 2008, 11:05 pm 11:05 pm
I don’t know why, i’m not a politically astute person, but I really like sen. obama. he is very wise, very intelligent, and he is star material,and by “star”, I mean, he is like a shining supernova, whose light will remain as brightly lit throughout his presidency. He is someone I can depend on, and I know that I can go to bed, secure in the knowledge that he will stay up, and make sure that i will be taken care of,that i have nothing to worry about while he is my president.
Posted by: joanne mckeag | January 5, 2008, 11:06 pm 11:06 pm
Experience is not all it is cracked up to be..After all Barack has years more experience as an elected official than Hillary. Barack has opened himself to the public if she wants to do the same how about coming clean with her White House records tomorrow to let everyone know what she says she has done and compare it with the official record.
Posted by: Kim | January 5, 2008, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
Kudos to Charles Gibson and ABS News Network for a new concept in Presidential debate format!! How refreshing to at least FEEL a bit of personal insight into the candidates as human beings. The fatigue was noticable at times, but conveys the humaness of them as people. I appreciated the moment of all candidates on stage, even if only a token. I thought the mudslinging btw McCain and Romney was out of line and very un-becoming. Overall I agree with Dem panel comments about the sharp contrast btw party debates. And yes, I feel better informed and prepared as a voter. I do think Barack is very tuned in to where many of us in the American public, middle and lower classes live our lives. I am a divorced 54yr old female in lower W. Michigan. It will be interesting to see how the rest of it all unfolds. Thankyou ABC Network.
Posted by: Mary Jane | January 5, 2008, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
wow cherry, you worked hard on that. i hope you are wrong and any republican or bill richardson wins
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 11:08 pm 11:08 pm
Jennie – your post is INCREDIBLY offensive. and ignorant. Please do some reading and research and get A CLUE. The war in Iraq is NOT A “WAR ON TERROR”. It is a war that has just created MORE TERROR.
Posted by: bette N | January 5, 2008, 11:10 pm 11:10 pm
Jennie – your post is INCREDIBLY offensive. and ignorant. The Obama comment is disgusting. Please do some reading and research and get A CLUE. The war in Iraq is NOT A “WAR ON TERROR”. It is a war that has just created MORE TERROR.
Posted by: bette N | January 5, 2008, 11:11 pm 11:11 pm
Hillary was on target tonight. After Hillary gave examples of recent changes she was able to bring about that were recently signed into law. Obama was quick to pat himself on the back for being an agent of change. As an example, he touted a Congressional bill he authored and made it sound like it passed. Hillary immediately took him to task and indicated that it was not passed into law – his bill passed the Senate but died in Congress.
It’s one thing to ‘talk the talk’; it’s quite another to ‘walk the walk’.
Posted by: Babs | January 5, 2008, 11:12 pm 11:12 pm
As a former secretar in the U. S. Senate it really, really bothers me that not one candidate, Republican or Democratic, or any moderator or associate has mentioned one time the single issue that is truly likely to have the most affect on all of our lives —— the fact that the next President will have 3 appointees to the U. S. Supreme Court. Has anybody even thought about that and when, oh when will someone actually ask the canidates about that. Voters better seriously consider that NOW during the primaries before the final two candidates are selected.
Posted by: Pat Timberlake | January 5, 2008, 11:12 pm 11:12 pm
This election is about:
1. Not compromising our national security with illegal immigration, while protecting the right of immigration via ADULT (not anchor baby)SPONSERSHIP. Deportation without regard to race, color, .etc.. of illegals is in order & economic suffering arising from such is simply an Inconvenient Truth
2. Corporate Greed & lobbyist corruption.
3. Global warming
4. Dealing with radical Islam.
Posted by: Ted Cooper | January 5, 2008, 11:12 pm 11:12 pm
You can always judge a person on how they will lead by how they handle pressure, Hillary just told you!!!!!!!!
Nowhere!!!!!!!!!
Barak Obama 08
You keep pushing his button Hillary and he is going to put you in your place one day .
Posted by: nupe942001 | January 5, 2008, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
Thanks to ABC for a debate that at least had a few more moments for real discussion…the sound bite business we’ve had is useless!
I was amazed at how the Republicans spent their time attacking each other…Ron Paul was the only sane voice there.
Posted by: Heather | January 5, 2008, 11:14 pm 11:14 pm
Jennie – your post is INCREDIBLY offensive. and ignorant. Please do some reading and research and get A CLUE. The war in Iraq is NOT A “WAR ON TERROR”. It is a war that has just created MORE TERROR.
AMIEE- U R TOTALLY CORRECT & JENNIE U R SO IGNORANT & ANYONE ELSE WHO BELIEVES OBAMA is a Muslim he is NOT & there is nothing Wrong with Muslims Stop being Bigots
Posted by: Cherry | January 5, 2008, 11:14 pm 11:14 pm
I was able to watch only an hour of the Republican debate and was very impressed with the questions that were presented to them. When I watched the debate of the Democratic nominees, I was very upset that the imigration issue was not brought up. This is a very important issue to me, as well as it is to many others. I am a life long Democrat who wants to know how my party looks at this subject. Why were the questions not a mirror of the Republican questions so that we who vote for the person, not just the party. I am really VERY disappointed with Charles Gibson & the ABC network for not giving us a clear picture of where each of the persons stand, Democrat & Republicans alike.
Posted by: Vickie | January 5, 2008, 11:16 pm 11:16 pm
The Repulicans are talking about health care. I feel very stongly about this. I am a Republican and an RN. We have a wonderful health care system. We that work in it don’t look at who can pay or not. The problem I see is the insurance companies. The CEO’s make so much money it’s incredible. I did work for a limited time in insurance and we were termed cost saving contingent. That’s denying for experimental or anything so that they don’t have to pay. We pay 800.00 dollars a month for 2 of us and have a 400.00 deductable and then they pay 80% if they have pre authed whatever services that were medically necessary. I really think that I would rather pay 800.00 in per month….to help pay so that everyone is insured. The problem is that everyone can’t afford insurance and medical does not cover everything it hurts health care and doctors by not paying them enough for the services they give. I can’t see more privatazation….the insurance companies would get bigger and deny more.
Posted by: Patricia Bradley | January 5, 2008, 11:16 pm 11:16 pm
President Bush’s comments about running the Iraq war by watching the polls was clearly aimed at the Democrat candidate’s pandering to the radical left of their party. Why do you think ABC chose to use it against the Republicans?
If the the polls had shown American support for the war, Hillary would have been taking credit for it.
Posted by: Rom | January 5, 2008, 11:17 pm 11:17 pm
The most appalling aspect of the Democratic debate is the on-going gender bias in America. Senator Clinton has repeatedly referred to her colleagues with their titles, while they have referred to her as “Hillary.” If we want CHANGE in American–we must elect Senator Hillary Clinton, because she has the experience to BRING ABOUT THE KIND OF CHANGES WE NEED!
Posted by: Dr. Lori Anderson | January 5, 2008, 11:18 pm 11:18 pm
I thought Hillary did well under pressure. She was incredibly brave. It’s time for a woman. Anyhow, all those things have already been said. My last word is — it shouldn’t freaking matter if Obama *was* a Muslim. Please. everyone just pretends to have religion. Ethics and goodness should be all that we need to prevail.
Posted by: bette N | January 5, 2008, 11:18 pm 11:18 pm
WOW !! It was NOT even close. Hillary was way more direct, articulate, honest and factual. The smoke is clearing on the truth. Of course those of you that live in greed,failure and fear feel differently. Hillary was CLEARLY the ONLY Presidentual candidate on stage tonight!
Posted by: CW MONTROY | January 5, 2008, 11:19 pm 11:19 pm
There’s no doubt that Hillary did the best job. I was more than happy to see her get angry. It’s about time. And Edwards talks about the statues quoe Hillary took on the S.Q. when trying to pass her health bill back in “93″ She did and has challeged the S.Q. So Edwards does’nt have dibs on that. Hillary is the best and smartest choice for President, and I like her… greg
Posted by: greg | January 5, 2008, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
Premonition fast-forward January 20, 2009—–
I Barack Obama do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Oooh…sounds so Goood…..
Posted by: Winter | January 5, 2008, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
Wow! I can’t help but notice that the whole “minute by minute” breakdown was oozing with McCain love! Is he the MSM’s new guy? Rudy ~ history, Huckabee ~ joke from the get go, Romney ~ killing his own campaign. Why enough of Ron Paul? Probably, because with Ron Paul as president, we would have a truly unbiased free press as intended.
Posted by: Dawn Beattie | January 5, 2008, 11:22 pm 11:22 pm
Clinton sure looked tired.
Posted by: WAYNE | January 5, 2008, 11:27 pm 11:27 pm
clinton also accused barack osama of being a drug dealer
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 11:29 pm 11:29 pm
VOTE MCCAIN FOR OUR FUTURE
Posted by: RickeyMikey | January 5, 2008, 11:31 pm 11:31 pm
what the hell is a barack
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 11:31 pm 11:31 pm
After watching this entire debate I feel that Hillary and Edwards were the strongest for the Dem side, and that Romney completely dominated the Republicans. If the Rep candidates had not attacked Romney so hard and so personal maybe we could have heard more from the other candidates. I believe they attacked Romney so hard because he is their biggest threat! Huckabee and McCain both took personal shots that seemed very inappropriate for a Presidential debate. Romney stood his ground very well!
Posted by: Steve | January 5, 2008, 11:32 pm 11:32 pm
Every debate show Obama will be the person who will change the history of U.S.A.
I’m latin and White who believe we have to finish y the war and brings our boys backhome. Obama can
Posted by: oscar | January 5, 2008, 11:32 pm 11:32 pm
Why does it have to be Dems. Vs. Reps.??? Can we all not just get along. I think Obama can solve some of the rift that divides our nation. It is encouraging to enemy nations to see us so divided. I admit in the past I have voted strictly republican because that was the “christian” thing to do. This year I am supporting Obama! We need a leader who will unite, not divide. Just listen to Hillary she is all about “democrats and democrats policy”. She would not support any republican policy even if it were better for our nation. She is too prideful. We need someone with less of the D.C. experience. We will all have to concede some in our views and meet in the middle of the road. Please!!!
Posted by: lbruce | January 5, 2008, 11:32 pm 11:32 pm
What happened to partisianship? How about Obama for President with McCain as VP to assist with foreign relations?
Posted by: Terry | January 5, 2008, 11:34 pm 11:34 pm
Every debate show Obama will be the person who will change the history of U.S.A.
I’m latin and White who believe we have to finish the war and brings our boys backhome. Obama can
Posted by: oscar | January 5, 2008, 11:35 pm 11:35 pm
Rick, the question is not “what is a Barack”, it is what does Barack mean? And, his father being from Africa, Barack in Swahili means “Blessing or Blessed”. Stop being so elementary.
Posted by: west | January 5, 2008, 11:36 pm 11:36 pm
ibruce I agree. Hillary and her War Room are just more of the same. It is time to turn the page in the Democratic party. There are many other better choices for the future than Hillary’s retro politics which have gotten us no where.
Posted by: Rom | January 5, 2008, 11:40 pm 11:40 pm
Why do we keep making the same mistake? This time let’s value intelligence, commitment, work ethic, and experience over likeability. We need to be smarter this time around and elect Hilary, the one with the passion, expertise, and the heart! She is all about change–it’s been her life’s calling!
Posted by: Beth | January 5, 2008, 11:41 pm 11:41 pm
Someone asked how can you be a Christian and support abortion? I am a Christian, and do not support abortion per se. However, that is the law of the land that is upheld. As a Christian I am not a “fanatic”. I can only pray that women see that indeed they are carrying a child, but I will not judge them, nor will I confront them. I do not know their lives. I wish abortion would go away, but it will not. You cannot legislate morality. If abortion were to “go away” because laws were changed the abortion “fanatics” would claim Victory…but would abortion really “go away”? No they would go underground. This detrimental to mom and baby! Middle ground for abortion could be a “more informed” abortion. As with any medical procedure all facts are on the table. It should be this way with abortions. A counselor as well should be present. Many clinics do not give “choices”. You walk into a clinic for an abortion…you get it and go on. Middle ground…give her a 4D sonogram. Show her the cycle of life book that graphically shows what the child looks like inside her body at that time of her pregnancy cycle…counsel her. Let her make an informed decision. Middle ground…lots of options with any issue.
Posted by: lbruce | January 5, 2008, 11:42 pm 11:42 pm
I think that America is just afraid to have a woman president. And the excuse of her being menstrual is not an option I mean for real people lets get serious. She’s probably way past hot flashes and cramping. You’re all just insecure in thinking that she will mess up our economy, how much worse can our economy get after Bushe destroyed it and ran us into the ground with billions of dollars on a war.
Posted by: Jamie401k | January 5, 2008, 11:43 pm 11:43 pm
Edwards behaved like a frat brat. Obama was churlish and not so nice when a lady complimented him.
Posted by: PM | January 5, 2008, 11:47 pm 11:47 pm
Well said Ibruce!! Now if others would just listen.
Posted by: west | January 5, 2008, 11:48 pm 11:48 pm
There are a lot of women I would vote for for President. Hillary isn’t one of them. Remember this little tid bit from the Clinton Administration… after two years of Bill and Hill the country handed the congress to the Republicans for over a decade.
Posted by: Rom | January 5, 2008, 11:48 pm 11:48 pm
Middle ground for illegals?…hmmmm I agree we cannot deport them all. It is easy to jump on the bandwagon and say LEAVE!!! But, I do know some illegals, personally. really how can we split up families? It is not fair to the children. Lets make them productive citizens. If they feel inferior to American citizens they will only resent our nation more and demand for us to change for them…as we see it now. How about an illegal immigrant tax taken out of their paychecks to pay for some of the extra burden they have placed on our society. Let them stay and work, with a work visa ID. Pay a fine. No social services. Secure the border…something.
Posted by: lbruce | January 5, 2008, 11:52 pm 11:52 pm
Hm that’s strange because I happen to find your post very offensive…I wonder why that is. Hmmm…
Last time I checked America has not been attacked since 9/11. Why? Because it IS a war on TERROR we are fighting them there and not here. And if it were not for all of the liberal babies in congress we would have been able to do our job in Iraq and been out a long time ago.
The only reason it seems like there are so many liberals out there is because you are the loud, obnoxious, whiney, very unhappy people in this country.
Bette…unfortunately in the end ethics will not be enough to “prevail”. Hopefully YOU will get a CLUE about that before it is too late.
Posted by: Jennie | January 5, 2008, 11:53 pm 11:53 pm
I think one point all the Democrats missed .. and you can forget the Republicans who don’t eve nknow how to pronounce the word environment..lol
Every one talks of conserving resources& making “sacrifices”..
Until companies figure out a way to produce alternatives to fossil fuel in a way that will earn their companies money, the environmental movement won’t really take off.
Look at the Internet as a perfect example…
You do have a segment of the web that’s “open source’.. and alot of websites are free..
But.. look at all the ads on line & look at the valuation of some of these firms… their worth millions of dollars.
Until environmentally friendly companies can make money in the marketplace, we’ll never really achieve our goals. The costs will simply be to high….
Posted by: Robert | January 5, 2008, 11:54 pm 11:54 pm
I know illegals as well, the guys that i know are good people who are looking for a better life, the funny thing is if you ask them, the illegals that i know, they will tell you that most of the illegals are nasty people that they would not want to have anything to do with. they don’t wnat do live near them or anything. I am referring to mexican illegals down here in texas. these are not my opinions, they are the opinions of my illegal mexican friends
Posted by: Rick | January 5, 2008, 11:57 pm 11:57 pm
go hillary go..
Posted by: art | January 5, 2008, 11:58 pm 11:58 pm
Mr. Smith….please be informed before you place judgements! Obama is NOT a muslim. His father was, and then his father became an atheist. Obama is belongs to the Church of Christ. Check out his website.
Posted by: lbruce | January 5, 2008, 11:59 pm 11:59 pm
lbruce — Actually– his mama was an atheist. Obama went to a Catholic school and a Muslim school.
Posted by: aimee | January 6, 2008, 12:01 am 12:01 am
Rick — I know not all illegals are good. Yes, they broke our laws. However, there are many Americans who I don’t think are entitled to be Americans that are nasty as well.
Posted by: lbruce | January 6, 2008, 12:02 am 12:02 am
Hillary is a win, win for the Republicans. If she is the Dems’ choice for President, Republicans get a Republican President if she loses or they get a Republican congress if she wins.
Posted by: Rom | January 6, 2008, 12:02 am 12:02 am
I think John McCain looked old & worn out & the media is simply accomodating him out of respect for his years.
Posted by: TRC | January 6, 2008, 12:03 am 12:03 am
I don’t understand why more Iowans did not vote for Ron Paul. Far and away the most educated and consistent positions.
Posted by: Ed V. | January 6, 2008, 12:04 am 12:04 am
My prediction for NH:
Dem: Edwards
Rep: Mcain
Posted by: Robert | January 6, 2008, 12:05 am 12:05 am
I was leaning towards obama but after this debate I think we need the leader with experience who can deliver on the promise. Making promise of change and galvanizing support to bring them out are two different tasks.
Posted by: PKS | January 6, 2008, 12:06 am 12:06 am
Yea ibruce, i bet you like to get rid of all those republicans
Posted by: Rick | January 6, 2008, 12:06 am 12:06 am
ABC should ask the candidates about the U.S. energy policy. If Al Gore and his envirnomental group have their way, we will have to drastically reduce our carbon emmissions thereby costing our economy billions of dollars. We are unable to drill for, or use, oil from the continental shelf; however, the Chinese are going to drill 50 milles south of Key West. They get the oil and we don’t. Why not?
Posted by: Bill T. | January 6, 2008, 12:06 am 12:06 am
The following comes directly from Obama’s website: http://www.barackobama.com
And I speak with some experience on this matter. I was not raised in a particularly religious household, as undoubtedly many in the audience were. My father, who returned to Kenya when I was just two, was born Muslim but as an adult became an atheist. My mother, whose parents were non-practicing Baptists and Methodists, was probably one of the most spiritual and kindest people I’ve ever known, but grew up with a healthy skepticism of organized religion herself. As a consequence, so did I.
It wasn’t until after college, when I went to Chicago to work as a community organizer for a group of Christian churches, that I confronted my own spiritual dilemma.
I was working with churches, and the Christians who I worked with recognized themselves in me. They saw that I knew their Book and that I shared their values and sang their songs. But they sensed that a part of me that remained removed, detached, that I was an observer in their midst.
And in time, I came to realize that something was missing as well — that without a vessel for my beliefs, without a commitment to a particular community of faith, at some level I would always remain apart, and alone.
And if it weren’t for the particular attributes of the historically black church, I may have accepted this fate. But as the months passed in Chicago, I found myself drawn – not just to work with the church, but to be in the church.
Posted by: lbruce | January 6, 2008, 12:07 am 12:07 am
I agree with you Ed V. Ron Paul really is connected with our current problems and doesn’t simply throw out propaganda like the rest of them do. I think not many people knew much about Ron Paul for the Iowa caucauses. If I was a Republican I would definatly vote for him. I hope after tonight New Hampshire and the rest of the Nation notices him. The Facebook poll of “Which republican seemed most presidential during the debate” ended with Ron Paul winning with 43%.
Posted by: west | January 6, 2008, 12:07 am 12:07 am
RE:MEDICAL INSURANCE
So far, I’ve seen only the Republican responses and suggestions about the health care and coverage problems in the United States. However, from what I have seen I get the impression that the candidates believe that Americans are making a choice to not buy insurance because they can’t afford it or would rather use their discretionary income on other things. What about the millions of Americans who are denied coverage for a myriad of inane reasons. If insurance companies were required to insure all that would be a HUGE step in the process of healing our health care system.
In addition, this is not an issue of rich and poor; I know a well to do Psychiatrist who cannot start his own practice because he is concerned he will not be able to get family health coverage because he has in the past tried and been denied because his son has diabetes. I also know a woman who is poor, worked many jobs cleaning houses, is now on social security and medical and gets the better health care that any ‘rich’ people I know and pays significantly less for prescription medicines.
Posted by: katie - santa barbara | January 6, 2008, 12:08 am 12:08 am
Rick — I am a Republican!! Always voted that way. However, I am ready to change for our nation. I see the need to find a middle ground.
Posted by: lbruce | January 6, 2008, 12:10 am 12:10 am
Illegal means illegal…good/bad…nice/mean…it doesn’t matter. If you want to live in our country FIRST learn English and second…come hear legally and then there will be nothing to worry about. All of the illegals knew they were coming here ILLEGALLY in the first place! It is extremely ignorant to think it was some sort of mistake we should just forgive them for! I’m sick of supporting all the lazy cheaters in this country.
Posted by: Jennie | January 6, 2008, 12:11 am 12:11 am
I was leaning towards obama but after this debate I think we need the leader with experience who can deliver on the promise. Making promise of change and galvanizing support to bring them out are two different tasks. I think I made change today.
Posted by: p k smith | January 6, 2008, 12:12 am 12:12 am
ibruce, how can he support abortion, you know, being a christian. i don’t get it. if dems changed their stance on that issue they would never lose another election. I don’t understand why a dem has to be for abortion and higher taxes, and repubs have to be for no abortion and low taxes, what a a dem came up and said he is against abortion and for a strong defense and meant it, he would never lose
Posted by: Rick | January 6, 2008, 12:12 am 12:12 am
what does change mean, we could use a tweak here and there, but change sounds like Europe to me, I don’e want that kind of change and that is what the dems/ obama are offering
Posted by: Rick | January 6, 2008, 12:16 am 12:16 am
Why wasn’t the Deomcrats asked about Illegal immigrations or the high gas prices. I enjoyed the questions you asked the Republicans. The Democrats was only change and no lobbist in the White House. Issues I care about is immigtations, high gas prices, health care, the economy, and winfall profits by all large companies.
Posted by: Nancy Scott | January 6, 2008, 12:16 am 12:16 am
It would be a good time for Hillary to drop out of the race, rather than continue to make a fool of herself.
Posted by: julianbook | January 6, 2008, 12:16 am 12:16 am
Jean-it is pure media bias. Plain and simple. The dem candidates are too unintelligent to answer hard questions like that anyway…but it would have made for a good show!:)
Posted by: Jennie | January 6, 2008, 12:17 am 12:17 am
Why didn’t ABC show the Facebook polls on which Republican and Democratic candidates were the “most presidential” (whatever that means). Why ask for an opinion if you’re not going to acknowledge it? You know, if people saw the polls they might become more involved in politics and assume their role as citizens. Ron Paul and Obama’s overwhelming support on the Facebook polls might earn them more national backing. It could have gained the Dr.Paul more legitimacy, too, as it were.
Also, the responses to the Diane Sawyer question (on what was most surprising about the debate) were completely distorted. Her question was presented in poll format, meaning users choose a set of pre-chosen options and didn’t actually get to SAY what they believed was most surprising. What users did choose as most surprising (“Romney says drug companies aren’t the ‘Bad Guy’”) was just listed among the other options as if they were opinions of some Facebook users- They didn’t portray the responses as what they were: poll results.
I feel like ABC.com is twisting the words of the youth (the predominate Facebook users) when they were supposing to be providing a venue for their opinions to be heard. Many users were upset by ABC for these reasons. There was talk of boycotting this network if they keep up these antics.
Posted by: Elisabeth | January 6, 2008, 12:18 am 12:18 am
Charles Gibson and ABC are doing a great job with the format and tone of the debate. I appreciate the effort to restore/enforce civility and respect among the candidates.
Posted by: cp | January 6, 2008, 12:20 am 12:20 am
Why do you think the Democrats won’t go on FOX or attend a debate put on by FOX. I think it makes the Democratic candidates look weak and afraid of playing on the Republican’s turf. The Republicans weather the storm of network and cable news bias. Why won’t the Democrats take on all comers?
ABC’s sense of fair questioning is asking Republicans why they are so evil, then turning to the Democrats, to be fair, and ask them why the Republicans are so evil.
ABC is All aBout Clinton.
Posted by: Rom | January 6, 2008, 12:26 am 12:26 am
Just first scrutiny and obama was speechless. Is he that “Change”.
Posted by: s bhatt | January 6, 2008, 12:29 am 12:29 am
Hillary is really good, solid candidate to become the president.
Posted by: H M pandya | January 6, 2008, 12:37 am 12:37 am
I don’t really care about the debates, unless a candidate blows his or her top and shows how poorly they handle pressure. And I honestly don’t think it matters who ends up being our president. When it comes to foreign policy, they’re all the same, saying one thing during their campaigns but doing another once they’re elected.
But not all hope is lost. I’ll vote Republican this time, for whichever candidate supports the FairTax. That’s the only issue where there’s any difference. I’m sick of the IRS, the Internal Revenue Code, all the confusing paperwork I have to fill out every year to render unto Caesar. It’s really about the only issue we voters can really change in this election anyway, so what the hey.
Posted by: Heather Czerniak | January 6, 2008, 12:52 am 12:52 am
Enjoyed the so called “debates” tonight and thought they were the best so far. I was impressed with Clinton, Obama and Edwards tonight on the Democratic side and think all three would make fine presidents or at least worthy cabinet appointees. On the other hand, the only Republican candidate worthy of any real consideration was Ron Paul. He made the rest of the rude, laughing hacks look infintile and totally out of touch with the common man. After the last 6 years of the worst president and administration in our nations history, they all stood miles above GW.
Posted by: tom | January 6, 2008, 1:25 am 1:25 am
We need true leadership in order to be the once prosperous nation we were. None of these candidates have what it takes. We need to start from scratch. The first step is to undertand that there is no “I” in team. I am still swaying towards Mickey. A truer American icon than any of these candidates.
Posted by: renee | January 6, 2008, 1:31 am 1:31 am
I am disappointed. I would like to know where the Democrats stand on illegal immigration and the Republicians on the environment. It appears the debate was slanted. Each group should have addressed the same issues
Posted by: John | January 6, 2008, 1:45 am 1:45 am
My impression from the debates is:
The Republicans speak to the head
and
the Democrats speak to the heart
Posted by: trc | January 6, 2008, 2:08 am 2:08 am
Kent, please get a grip on yourself. Our current poor excuse of a president and administration has created more destruction to our way of life than all the previous Republicans or Democrats combined. It’s people like you that make me sick, ones who voted for GW twice and look what it has gotten us. If ever two men deserved impeachment our current president and vice-president certainly do. In fact they should both be deported for crimes against the nation! Good riddens when they are gone.
Posted by: Tom | January 6, 2008, 2:14 am 2:14 am
You can hear the concern for this country in his voice. The new President for 2008——OBAMA!!! Someone who cares about more than winning——OBAMA!!!!! Someone who can/will bring our troops home—OBAMA!!!!! Someone who cares about healthcare for families and the ederly—-OBAMA!!! We need someone who understands and have been through what we have and not had a silver spoon in their mouths all their lives to win the election for 2008!!
Posted by: Cherry 4 Obama | January 6, 2008, 2:30 am 2:30 am
Our national security is compromised by
several issues, but the flood llegals is the most pressing. The integrity of the only presumed national identification data base, ie, the Social Security System, is threatened when we make offers to include illegals in that system. The same holds true with respect to issuing drivers licencss to illegals. Without these, there is no way of telling an illegal from a legal citizen. In addition, the flood of illegals distracts from making it easier to track terrorists. The lack of adequate border security exemplifies how easy it is for a terrorist to enter this country. So illegal entry into this country is indeed a national security issue.
Beyond that, arguments that they are essential to our economy are highly questionable, because they create an atmosphere of unfair competition against those employers who hire legal immigrants. If employers need cheap labor, then there are plenty of low risk prison inmates to go around who could be put to work. Those argueing on behalf of cheaper labor need to face another Inconvenient Truth, ie, they are not playing fairly. The pre-civil war South also argued on behalf of the effect on economy in the same manner. For those who say but these are not slaves they do not acknowledge that human trafiking is going on today, only in a different form. For these & other reasons, a clamp down on employers who knowingly hire illegals is deemed appropraite.
With respect to current immigration, it would seem reasonable to support legal immigration based upon sponsership by an ADULT CITIZEN, AND NOT A CHILD. Along the same lines, it seems reasonable to insist that a child born in this country maintain the citizenship of at least one of its parents, and not be granted citizenship based solely upon the fact of birth in this country.
The deportation of illegals (regardless of race, color, creed, religion, etc) can occur over a period of time & not necessarily be a huge roundup. But it must ultimately occur to be fair to all legal immigrant citizens & not cause deep seated long lasting resentment.
Illegal entry into this country is trespassing & we must not turn a blind eye away from it, lest all property rights be forfeited to occupation.
Posted by: TRC | January 6, 2008, 3:11 am 3:11 am
It is all about substance when I try to pick a president. Hilary Clinton came across as a very knowledgable, capable leader. She was not confrontational, she raised legitimate questions against Obama and Edwards records – Edwards tenure – 6 years in the Senate with not much to show for it(The only bill Edwards pointed to as his biggest accomplishment in the senate had not actually become law), Obama talking about getting the special interest/lobbyists out of Washington, well his campaign manager is a lobbyist. Edwards and Obama had nothing to say to these contradictions. I had my concerns about Hilary before but for me she made a convincing case, she is my choice for president.
Posted by: Terra | January 6, 2008, 4:51 am 4:51 am
People, have we been watching the same debate? I am tired of the media pushing Obama as the agent of change and not scrutinizing what he says. No one seems to be digging beyond the words. What strikes me as interesting is the use of the word “folks” by Obama over and over again. Sounds familiar? Well Bush uses that a lot to give this image of a folksy person, likable, trustworthy, the guy next door. Well, I don’t want to be fooled by words. I don’t want to elect a preacher or an orator or another likable homey guy. I want a president who is smart,understands the issues, and can make inteligent decisions not one who will refer to unelected advisors working in the background. Yes, Obama is likable and a great orator but doesn’t have the depth and command of the issues to run our great country. My vote is for Hilary for president.
Posted by: Harold | January 6, 2008, 5:01 am 5:01 am
We have an opportunity to break the glass ceiling, electing our first woman president. Women and Men, this is a historic opportunity to get behind a superbly qualified woman and usher in a new era. Whether you like Clinton on a personal basis is not the issue, the issue is whether she is qualified and she is more than qualified to be effective president. This will send a stong message to the rest of the world that there is equality in the US and women’s rights across the globe will be significantly affected in a positive way.
Posted by: Maris | January 6, 2008, 5:12 am 5:12 am
SO FOR THE PAST 35 YEARS HILLARY NOT BILL CLINTON, IS RESPONISBLE FOR “CHANGE” IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY! Either I am delusional, or I missed something in last night’s debates but since when does being the WIFE of a politcian give you bragging rights for their accomplishments? Oh I guess Hillary Rodham Clinton wants US to know who REALLY WORE THE PANTS, OR PERHAPS WHO REALLY HAD THE BRAINS IN THAT RELATIONSHIP???
I think she should stick to only talking about WHAT she is clearly responsible for since SHE has been a sentor, not a GOVENOR’S WIFE, OR A PRESIDENTS WIFE. Otherwise we should have Mrs. Edwards, or Mrs. Obama tell us what THEY think of health care and Iraq. Riduculous.
Posted by: realitycheck | January 6, 2008, 5:23 am 5:23 am
I hear that in discussions with Oprah, Obama stated he is a member of Trinity United Church of Christ.
Among other things it states:”A congregation with a non-negotiable COMMITMENT TO AFRICA.” America is not even mentioned. If this is true, and it appears to be, I certainly do not want him as my president.
Posted by: N. Myers | January 6, 2008, 9:59 am 9:59 am
As I have been reading comments from others,I find one common thread in all of them. Those Americans that truely want change, hope, and a better way of life are asking the right questions and demamndiong accountability rather than believing a lot of smoke blowing.
I’m tired of living off of lies between each pay. I want something to leave my grandkids someday besides debt,false hopes,and a decayed society. Some people should really start questioning these candidates and stop believing everything they think they want to hear. “We” need to ask ourselves what can I do to make my country a better place. “We” need to embrace the kind of change needed by holding politicians accountable. Are we guilty of the same thing these candidates are? All talk and no action.Question and dig deep when you do America!
Posted by: renee | January 6, 2008, 6:46 pm 6:46 pm
The Republicans are asked about domestic issues, the Democrats about nuclear terrorism, foreign policy.
Posted by: tinatina | January 6, 2008, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
RENEE,
EXACTLY!
I’m not here much longer, but I want my grand kids to have what I have know & better.
This is not about Republicans & Democrats.
This is about REAL LEGITIMATE ISSUES.
Posted by: TRC | January 7, 2008, 1:33 am 1:33 am
wel this is one crazy election most likley its gunna be hilary i don’t see why obama should be presadent so far all iv sen him do is get votes off advertiseing
Posted by: vince | February 6, 2008, 9:01 am 9:01 am
YOU HAVE LOST MY VOTE, BARACK OBAMA !! Barack Obama was so, but so weak challenging Hillary Clinton. No arguments, only defensive. His true color has unveiled. He was frustrated and bitter a pure reflection of the way he sees people. It was his disgrace as a candidate and as a person. His attitude towards the opposite sex was obvious, of dissmissivenes. He wss not confortable with himself. His self assurance were in the negative and placed him on from of the precipice. The result was arguably one of Mr. Obama’s weakest debate performances. He at times appeared annoyed as he sought to answer questions about his former pastor, his reluctance to wear an American flag pin on his lapel and his association in Chicago with former members of the Weather Underground, a radical group that carried out bombings in the 1960s that were intended to incite the overthrow of the government.
Posted by: JOSEPH | April 17, 2008, 11:16 am 11:16 am
Last nights debate gave us a real look at what Obama is made of, and it appears he does not have what it takes to be a real leader, one we could count on as Commander in Chief. I personally have never trusted his words as they never do seem to be backed up with any action to match his words. The more time that goes by the more we begin to see the real and weak Obama. He is surely not the one this country needs and shame on us if we as Americans allow this to happen. I fear the worst for this country and it’s people if we let this happen. My vote is definitely for the stronger, more experienced candinate who is without question Hillary Clinton.
Posted by: Anthony M. Verdugo | April 18, 2008, 3:56 am 3:56 am
Hi,
So many has commented.But We need someone who can get elected—and once elected, go like gangbusters to right Bush’s wrongs.
Posted by: positive material identification | December 17, 2008, 4:31 am 4:31 am
i have been looking all over for stuff like this. thanks
Posted by: Omar Yasseen Deeb | October 2, 2011, 2:22 am 2:22 am