June 28, 2007 1:44 PM
The Democratic forum -- WE HAVE A WINNER!
Eight Democrats took part Thursday night in an "All-American Presidential Forum" on PBS.
But the real action was here on the back roads, where an ALL-STAR PANEL of bloggers from Colorado and Iowa joined forces to provide lively heckling in real time. With one eye on the television and one eye on the computer screen, here's the cross-eyed, instant analysis from what was dubbed the "Colorado Coordinated Couchblog":
The group's consensus: Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson did not do themselves any favors.
Said Jason Bane of ColoradoPols.com and ColoradoConfidential.com:
"The story of the night for me is Obama. I have a feeling he may have really blown a big opportunity tonight. He was in front of a crowd that was just WAITING to explode in support, and he completely bombed."
Said Louella Pizzuti of Campaigns of the Future:
"Could Richardson have spoken more dispassionately about the need for a Prez with passion?"
But there also were plenty of highlights.
Lynda Waddington of the Essential Estrogen blog and www.IowaIndependent.com said:
"What will we see all day long tomorrow? Chris Dodd being compared to Paris Hilton. And, considering his poll numbers, it might actually benefit him."
John Deeth of John Deeth Blog and www.IowaIndependent.com, observed:
"I think I've heard one mention of 'renewable fuels.' Can you tell they aren't in Iowa?"
Our 250th comment-poster, columnist Mike Littwin of the Fair and Unbalanced blog has posted his takes HERE.
Guest cynic Mike Hlas of "A Year in Iowa" and IowaCaucus.com, broke away from NBA draft-watching to observe:
"I'm not being snide here, but this just didn't matter. Relatively few people in this country watched tonight's debate. Most of those who did already have their minds made up. I'd guess only a few of the undecided got some sort of an awakening."
Yes, yes.
And yet, we at the "Back roads to the White House" blog are ready to declare a winner.
A drum roll please...
.
And the winner, for maybe not the best, but certainly one of the more edgy, eyebrow-raising non sequiturs of the night...
...a participant called noneed4thneed, who just might be found at Century of the Common Iowan:
"Where's P. Diddy? Did he forget to vote and die?"
CLICK HERE if you don't know what that means.
THANKS to all who participated.
Y'all come back now, ya hear?
To read the instant analysis, just as it unfolded, read the COMMENTS section from the bottom-up.
June 29, 2007
8:01 AM
casey writes:
Celebrating the 251st comment!
I tried to comment last night but the backroads blog was jammed with action and i couldn't get in.
Most bizarre moment: Biden on AIDS, condoms, testing, Africa, etc. A total WTF response.
Draft night was a complete bust. The Pacers traded all of their picks and watched from the sideline. I thought Donnie and Larry were going to engineer some kind of deal, but nope. Craig Biggio's 3000th hit (snore), ditto Frank Thomas's 500th homer.
June 29, 2007
12:16 AM
mike littwin writes:
A quick Thursday night recap, courtesy of PBS, ESPN, and your Fair & Unbalanced blogger:
Hillary Clinton hits every mark in the Democratic presidential forum at Howard University. Bill Richardson is, sadly, still swinging.
Houston's Craig Biggio gets his 3,000th hit against the Rockies. The Rockies get what seems like their 3,000th consecutive loss.
Joe Biden, possibly for the first time in a presidential debate, says he had been tested for AIDS. Barack Obama says he has been tested, too - but not with Joe Biden (not that there would be anything wrong with it).
Bill Richardson considers boycotting the Beijing Olympics. Chinese basketball star Yi Jianlian considers boycotting the Milwaukee Bucks (who drafted him No. 6).
John Edwards resists the temptation to mention Ann Coulter even once. Mike Gravel forces every self-respecting commentator to repeatedly mention Admiral Stockdale.
And these scores just in:
Immigration reform loses 53-46 in the Senate. And school integration programs lose a 5-4 squeaker to the Supreme Court.
Courage.
June 28, 2007
9:23 PM
J. Dean writes:
Well, I've written a few books, gone on the lecture circuit, occasionally I'll show up on a cable news program; the usual post-beltway life.
June 28, 2007
9:14 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
J. Dean: What have you been doing since Watergate?
June 28, 2007
9:07 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
THE LIVE-BLOGGING CONTINUES until 11 p.m. COLORADO TIME -- AND YOU CAN POST REACTIONS TO THE FORUM ALL NIGHT TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT.
June 28, 2007
9:00 PM
J. Dean writes:
for some reason cnn.com is leading with Biden's condom answer
June 28, 2007
9:00 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
I saw Richardson at his first stop in Iowa in February and I wasn't very impressed with his performance. He was awkward and bombed a couple questions including one on NCLB. I want to give him another chance and see him again, but his performances in the debates have been less than stellar.
June 28, 2007
8:59 PM
John Deeth writes:
This was fun, thanks all and signing off from the People's Republic of Johnson County
June 28, 2007
8:52 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
That's it for me. G'night to all.
June 28, 2007
8:51 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
and Louella has an interesting site at:
onlinecampaignoffice.blogspot.com
June 28, 2007
8:48 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
and don't forget noneed4thneed, whom you can find at commoniowan.blogspot.com
June 28, 2007
8:47 PM
John Deeth writes:
O. Kay nails it: "The Bill Richardson I saw tonight is not the Bill Richardson I see on the campaign trail."
June 28, 2007
8:46 PM
John Deeth writes:
Close between Clinton and Edwards, but Clinton gets the nod for the one best answer. But nothing hear really shuffles the deck.
June 28, 2007
8:46 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Outside of Gravel's last comment which drew the ire of the audience, this event was love fest both of the candidates to one another and of the candidates to the focus group.
June 28, 2007
8:46 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
I say the news, if there is any, won't be about who won (no one did). It will be about Obama's loss.
June 28, 2007
8:45 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Major thanks to all our participants tonight. YOU'RE ALLOWED AND EVEN ENCOURAGED TO KEEP TALKING ALL NIGHT.
It was great to get some new voices on the back roads. Y'all come back now, you hear?
Mike Gravel fans can contact Mike Hlas at "A Year in Iowa" blog and IowaCaucus.com.
NBA teams can reach Jason Bane at ColoradoPols.com and ColoradoConfidential.com.
Lynda Waddington can be found at www.essentialestrogen.com and www.iowaindependent.com.
John Deeth can be found everywhere in Iowa -- like, jdeeth.blogspot.com, or www.iowaindependent.com.
June 28, 2007
8:42 PM
John Deeth writes:
This was almost more a "forum" or "joint appearance" than a debate.
June 28, 2007
8:42 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
It must be past Yepsen's bedtime.
June 28, 2007
8:42 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
My final thoughts, courtesy of the Von Bondies:
Is it safe to say? (c'mon c'mon)
Was it right to leave? (c'mon c'mon)
Will I never learn? (c'mon c'mon)
(c'mon c'mon c'mon c'mon)
June 28, 2007
8:39 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
I'm sitting here shaking my head... Deeth, you're really giving the debate to Clinton? I just can't see that.
June 28, 2007
8:39 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Of course nobody watched the debate, but it still matters because blogs and journalists are going to report on it and people will read the reaction.
June 28, 2007
8:38 PM
John Deeth writes:
It's nice to watch Iowa Press without The Overrated One
June 28, 2007
8:38 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Jason Smith of Colorado State TRADED from the Miami Heat to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Poor kid.
June 28, 2007
8:37 PM
John Deeth writes:
What do you think, JJ?
June 28, 2007
8:37 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
AP's Mike Glover just said on Iowa Public Television that Obama is going to get "panned" for his debate performance yet again.
June 28, 2007
8:34 PM
John Deeth writes:
The bite of the night: Hillary's AIDS answer.
Third tier winner: Kucinich did better in this more equal format. I think part of his "hysteria" in the othetr two debates was simply fighting for a turn. GraVEL just had longer versions of The Rant.
Second Tier: Biden was more forceful than a still-solid Dodd. (In a field like, say, 1988, Dodd would be a player.) Richardson was off.
First tier: This should have been Obama's night but wasn't. Edwards held his own. Clinton had a couple wonky answers but when she connected, she connected. Give it to Hillary.
June 28, 2007
8:34 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
I'm not being snide here, but this just didn't matter.
Relatively few people in this country watched tonight's debate. Most of those who did already have their minds made up. I'd guess only a few of the undecided got some sort of an awakening.
If Ron Paul can get excluded from a debate, why can't Mike Gravel? He wasn't a voice of dissent, he was just a voice of cranky old man.
June 28, 2007
8:34 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
Edwards and Dodd gained ground. Hillary held her own. Obama and Richardson lost ground.
June 28, 2007
8:34 PM
Jason Bane writes:
If I had to pick one winner, I'd go with Dodd because of how much he had to gain. I think Edwards and Clinton are #1A because they both are starting to separate from Obama; judging on this debate alone, Obama clearly isn't in the same class as Edwards and Clinton.
June 28, 2007
8:33 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
I'm not a native Iowan and have gone through elections in a different state where I never saw a candidate in person. It is interesting to me how differently my perceptions vary from seeing one on television as compared to seeing one in person.
In particular, I was pleasantly surprised when I met Clinton in person. In contrast, I think Obama does his best work over the airwaves.
June 28, 2007
8:31 PM
Jason Bane writes:
My Final Thoughts...
The story of the night for me is Obama. I have a feeling he may have really blown a big opportunity tonight. He was in front of a crowd that was just WAITING to explode in support, and he completely bombed. I've heard the criticism about Obama's lack of policy chops, and his performance here was downright embarassing. I don't know if he answered a single question with a specific answer. Obama is about to become a punchline, and I can see Saturday Night Live now - with one of the actors just responding to every question with the same answer.
I was impressed with Edwards and Clinton. Both gave specific answers and spoke passionately. I was surprised with Dodd - he was strong and had several interesting ideas.
Kucinich is great in this kind of environment. I wasn't as impressed with Biden as everyone else. I think Richardson came off as unprepared; he was often flustered and seemed like he wasn't really sure what he was saying as he was saying it.
I think the headline tomorrow is that Obama bombs.
June 28, 2007
8:30 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Craig Biggio got his 3,000th his tonight, vs. the Rockies.
Just sayin'.
June 28, 2007
8:29 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
THE SHOW IS NOT OVER:
Each of you now has 30 minutes to tell us who won. That way, the Colorado audience -- which is watching on a tape delay -- can prepare to cheer and boo at the appropriate moments.
Who gained ground?
Who lost ground?
Who has explaining to do?
June 28, 2007
8:28 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
This debate won't register on tomorrow's morning shows.
Not Regis and Kelly,. anyway.
June 28, 2007
8:27 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Who lost ground? Obama, Richardson
Who gained ground? Dodd, Biden & even Kucinich
June 28, 2007
8:26 PM
John Deeth writes:
OMG they ARE going to have the Republicans. I won’t miss THAT
June 28, 2007
8:25 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Ha! I was kidding, but Obama really did say that we need to invest in Africa. He's like a one soundbyte robot.
June 28, 2007
8:25 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
What will we see all day long tomorrow? Chris Dodd being compared to Paris Hilton. And, considering his poll numbers, it might actually benefit him.
June 28, 2007
8:25 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
Gravel needed to add on his last comment "because they voted for the war in Iraq."
June 28, 2007
8:25 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Goodnight and goodbye, Mike Gravel. We'll not see the likes of you again.
June 28, 2007
8:25 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Gravel just evoked memories of Admiral Stockdale. I thank him for that:
"No mic, you can't hear me???"
June 28, 2007
8:25 PM
John Deeth writes:
I'd like another half hour of this
June 28, 2007
8:23 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Hey -- they are short-changing Dennis and Mike!
June 28, 2007
8:23 PM
Jason Bane writes:
$10 says Obama suggests that we invest in Darfur's communities.
June 28, 2007
8:23 PM
John Deeth writes:
In Iowa City the Richardson staffer told him “one more question”—and he took eight.
June 28, 2007
8:23 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Richardson: I believe fighting genocide in Darfur is more important than sport. excellent
June 28, 2007
8:22 PM
J. Dean writes:
Is Richardson done talking yet?
June 28, 2007
8:22 PM
John Deeth writes:
Richardson: "Fighting genocide is more important than sports." Gets cut off AGAIN.
June 28, 2007
8:22 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
NEWS FLASH: We just passed the 200 comment mark!!!
June 28, 2007
8:22 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Biden knocked this one out of the park. "Stop the carnage."
June 28, 2007
8:21 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
WE'RE IN THE FINAL MINUTES.
That's when the fun begins here. Before you log off for the night I'm hoping each of you will give us a longer take on who gained ground, who lost ground and who has some explaining to do.
Also: What one moment do you predict will lead the morning news shows?
June 28, 2007
8:20 PM
Jason Bane writes:
We'd have more time in the debate if DeWayne didn't take 5 minutes to ask every question.
June 28, 2007
8:20 PM
John Deeth writes:
I think I've heard one mention of "renewable fuels." Can you tell they aren't in Iowa?
June 28, 2007
8:19 PM
J. Dean writes:
Darfur-- that's Biden's turf
June 28, 2007
8:19 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Last question -- Darfur. They should all clean-up on this one.
June 28, 2007
8:19 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Obama: We need a strategy to invest in communities.
For God's sake, man! Answer a question once in a while!
June 28, 2007
8:18 PM
John Deeth writes:
Dennis zings Bill Clinton on NAFTA
June 28, 2007
8:18 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
My picks -- Dodd, Biden, Edwards
June 28, 2007
8:17 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
HLAS: That's called rice pilaf. I used to make it at a restaurant where I worked in high school. Rice and almonds.
June 28, 2007
8:17 PM
J. Dean writes:
Richardson keeps talking and talking and talking.... I though Biden was supposed to be the loquacious one.
June 28, 2007
8:17 PM
John Deeth writes:
NEWS FLASH John Edwards is the son of a millworker
June 28, 2007
8:16 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Richardson wants to create 250 science and math academies. I have no idea what that means.
June 28, 2007
8:16 PM
John Deeth writes:
Not a word on immigration yet. At GOP events that's all you hear.
June 28, 2007
8:15 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Gravel should raise hell about that photo just over his shoulder.
Good points from Dodd.
Nothing new from Clinton until the last sentence where she plugs global warming.
Biden does very well with his "realist" role. He should ask McCain for the old Straight Talk Expresses buses.
June 28, 2007
8:15 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
Where's P Diddy? Did he forget to vote and die?
June 28, 2007
8:15 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Edwards just said New Orleans residents and New Orleans companies need to be in charge -- and get the funding -- for rebuilding New Orleans.
Obama picks up the thought, says exactly the same thing, but in a different style.
Now Dodd is saying something very, very similar. Now Clinton is saying something very, very similar. Biden says "I agree with everything that has been said here..."
The best debates illuminate DIFFERENCES among the candidates. This one -- and, to be fair, most debates -- merely point out stylistic differences. I wish the debates could zero in on areas where the candidates might disagree. Voters need to see the good, honest disagreements to make decisions.
June 28, 2007
8:15 PM
J. Dean writes:
Biden has by far been the one with the most competent, cogent answers, and a tremendous amount of passion to boot
June 28, 2007
8:14 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
With the 25th pick in the NBA draft, the Utah Jazz take Morris Almond of Rice.
I'm not making this up. Morris Almond of Rice.
June 28, 2007
8:14 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Seriously, Ruben's head is incredible.
June 28, 2007
8:13 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Am I the only person who thinks there's something wrong with Edwards' eyes?
I give the right to return to New Orleans question to Biden. Excellent, excellent points. "This isn't a New Orleans problem, this is an American problem."
Second goes to Obama (first time I'd give him any points tonight)
June 28, 2007
8:13 PM
John Deeth writes:
Obama gets a good N.O. answer with "the assumption people would just jump in their SUVs"
June 28, 2007
8:12 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Losers thus far: Richardson and Obama. Richardson is confusing himself, and Obama could be replaced by a tape playing the same thing over and over again.
June 28, 2007
8:12 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
They sure are name dropping African American politicians such as Rep. Rangel, Rep. Water. Who will be the one to name drop Rep. John Conyers?
June 28, 2007
8:11 PM
John Deeth writes:
Losing so far is Richardson which is too bad because he was red hot in Iowa City this week, he can’t seem to get that across on TV
June 28, 2007
8:10 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Sen. Clinton has said what that audience wanted to hear. I think Biden has shown he's capable of getting cogent thoughts across in short time-limits. It's almost as if the best debate performers are in their order on the stage, left to right as the audience sees them.
June 28, 2007
8:10 PM
John Deeth writes:
Winner so far: PBS Howard and the moderators for a great format.
OK that's a copout.
Hillary's AIDS answer is the soundbite so far.
June 28, 2007
8:10 PM
Jason Bane writes:
My leaders thus far: Dodd, Clinton and Edwards.
June 28, 2007
8:09 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
Edwards, Dodd, and Clinton are standing out so far.
June 28, 2007
8:09 PM
J. Dean writes:
Clinton: "I have proposed a ten point gulf coast recovery agenda" - if that isn't washington speak, I dont know what is
June 28, 2007
8:09 PM
John Deeth writes:
Imagine if you will the GOP candidates handling these questions *rotfl*
June 28, 2007
8:09 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Heckuva job, Brownie.
Sorry, couldn't resist.
June 28, 2007
8:07 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Mike, powder cocaine is more used by whites.
June 28, 2007
8:07 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
HALFTIME REPORT:
PANELISTS -- WHO IS WINNING SO FAR?
PANELISTS -- WHO IS WINNING SO FAR?
PANELISTS -- WHO IS WINNING SO FAR?
June 28, 2007
8:07 PM
John Deeth writes:
Edwards gets last and “everything that’s been said is correct.” Has anyone actually disagreed about anything?
June 28, 2007
8:06 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Richardson has been off since he got confused on the HIV/AIDS question.
June 28, 2007
8:06 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
I don't know the difference between crack cocaine and powder coacine.
Honest.
June 28, 2007
8:05 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Richardson turns the talk back to ending poverty and other issues like health care
June 28, 2007
8:05 PM
John Deeth writes:
Maybe JJ is Jesse Jackson, I haven't seen him in the audience
June 28, 2007
8:04 PM
J. Dean writes:
booo mandatory minimums
June 28, 2007
8:04 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
JJ -- I hope you are looking at this transcript after the fact. I hope you post your full thoughts. The crowd is crying out for you.
June 28, 2007
8:04 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I sound like a broken record, but Obama is getting his ass kicked here. I've heard the criticisms about Obama's lack of specific ideas, and this is the first debate I've seen from the very beginning - he really needs to start sounding like he has some real ideas.
June 28, 2007
8:04 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Is Gravel just here to answer every question with "we're doomed"?
June 28, 2007
8:04 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
Camera just showed Reg Weaver, President of the NEA.
June 28, 2007
8:03 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
"It's All Broken and Can't Possibly Be Fixed in Our Lifetime'' - Vote for Mike Gravel
June 28, 2007
8:03 PM
John Deeth writes:
Just checked Chris Dodd's site... no clock.
June 28, 2007
8:03 PM
J. Dean writes:
Dodd: Bring up a famous black congressman, maybe people will like that
June 28, 2007
8:02 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Question: More whites arrested than blacks, but more blacks in prisons than whites?
Kucinich gets big buzz on abolishing mandatory minimums and the death penalty.
Gravel -- sums it up nicely: "No money? No justice."
June 28, 2007
8:02 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Where is this JJ we were promised?
June 28, 2007
8:02 PM
Jason Bane writes:
DeWayne says that blacks were 25% of those arrested in last 10 years and whites were 70% arrested. Apparently no hispanics are in jail.
June 28, 2007
8:02 PM
John Deeth writes:
Justice not just us… who said that first?
June 28, 2007
8:01 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Richardson just got cut off.
"I'm almost finished..." he pleaded.
And those were his last words...famous last words.
June 28, 2007
8:01 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
I didn't think anyone could out talk Joe Biden, but Bill Richardson is doing it.
June 28, 2007
8:01 PM
John Deeth writes:
Richardson went over time Tuesday too. Wanted to shake every hand and answer every question.
June 28, 2007
8:01 PM
J. Dean writes:
Richardson: I'm almost done.
Tavis: Yes, you are.
June 28, 2007
8:00 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Biden told the crowd, semi-bizarrely, that he and Obama had both been tested for AIDS. Obama seemed taken aback. The crowd seemed baffled. But Obama didn't let it fester, getting a laugh when he said something that must have been funny. I was too confused to follow it.
June 28, 2007
8:00 PM
John Deeth writes:
Bill wants the tax preaks too, and breaks out the "I'm a pro-growth Dem" line.
He's way funnier in person, I saw him Tuesday
June 28, 2007
7:59 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
Also, Zach Randolph traded to the Knicks for Steve Francis.
June 28, 2007
7:59 PM
John Deeth writes:
I knew it was you Frodo, you broke my heart *kiss*
June 28, 2007
7:58 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Clinton is really doing well. Passionate and specific.
All anybody can talk about is Warren Buffet.
June 28, 2007
7:58 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
TRADE RUMOR: Dennis Kucinich from Cleveland to the Seattle Supersonics for two late-round picks. Just a rumor, however.
June 28, 2007
7:58 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
The question on economic disparity goes to Chris Dodd in my opinion.
I do wish they'd ask the group on the stage to show hands if they benefited from the Bush tax cut.
June 28, 2007
7:58 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
ooh, Clinton nicely equates paying taxes with patriotism
June 28, 2007
7:58 PM
J. Dean writes:
I think Dennis has responded to every single question so far by saying we need to end the war. Even though not a single questioner has mentioned the war.
June 28, 2007
7:58 PM
John Deeth writes:
I remember the Obama AIDS test, it was a PR thing to encourage folks to get tested
June 28, 2007
7:57 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Dodd suggests tax breaks for companies that stay in inner cities.
June 28, 2007
7:56 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Kucinich is very good about throwing out facts and statistics. Too bad he looks like Frodo Baggins, or he might have more of a chance.
June 28, 2007
7:56 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Seattle traded Ray Allen to Boston. Kevin Garnett is still a Timberwolf, Amare Stoudamire is still a Sun, and Kobe Bryant is still unhappy.
June 28, 2007
7:56 PM
John Deeth writes:
Obama: “What people really want is FAIRNESS.”
Gravel is a propher of doom and gloom: "none of you will live to see this change." So, um, why are you on this stage? He uses it to go to his national sales tax.
June 28, 2007
7:55 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I swear Obama just says the same thing in response to every question. "We need to invest in people, our communities..." Blah, blah, blah.
June 28, 2007
7:55 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
There's a guy over Obama's left shoulder who appears to be falling asleep.
The background is very distracting.
June 28, 2007
7:54 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
MIKE HLAS: I know what you're talking about, but when you say Joe Biden just "pulled another Joe Biden," why don't you elaborate for those who aren't watching in real time.
June 28, 2007
7:54 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Obama says people aren't looking for charity. This may be the most newsworthy statement of the night.
June 28, 2007
7:54 PM
Jason Bane writes:
We're at the point in the NBA draft where teams are selecting players that nobody has heard of. Who the hell is Wilson Chandler?
June 28, 2007
7:54 PM
John Deeth writes:
"Taxes on the rich" goes to Edwards first. "Honor work not wealth" but no time to develop. the pace is picking up.
June 28, 2007
7:52 PM
J. Dean writes:
Is pulling a Joe Biden a good thing?
June 28, 2007
7:52 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Navarrette has a humongous head.
June 28, 2007
7:52 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
FEEL FREE TO POST MORE NBA DRAFT UPDATES.
June 28, 2007
7:51 PM
John Deeth writes:
Obama gets a great mock-mad look at Biden on “I know Barack got tested” and gets a big laugh on “I got tested with Michelle”
June 28, 2007
7:51 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
I like Biden's passion, but he's almost getting scary. Obama feels the need the clarify why he had a medical test... *sheesh*
June 28, 2007
7:51 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Biden says that it's not unmanly to wear a condom. He then says that he got tested to AIDS, and he knows that Obama got tested for AIDS. Whaaaaat?
June 28, 2007
7:51 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Though I didn't understand what he said, I think Joe Biden almost just pulled another Joe Biden.
June 28, 2007
7:50 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Hillary had really humanized herself until she pulled in all the work she's doing. Should have just cut to teh end without the focus on her work. (Sad but true--she's got the work cred, needs the human cred.)
June 28, 2007
7:50 PM
John Deeth writes:
Poor Biden gets last on this one... no one's engaging each other beyond saying "I agree with so and so"
June 28, 2007
7:49 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Hillary says that if AIDS was a leading cause of death for young white women, the country would be in an outrage. Great answer. Good red meat for the crowd.
June 28, 2007
7:49 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Excellent points from Clinton. She knows her strengths and she's laying them on the table tonight.
June 28, 2007
7:48 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Host Tavis Smiley gets off the line of the night cutting off Dodd and saying, "were you Paris Hilton you'd get an hour, but you're not."
Sen. Clinton just got a standing ovation and now she's worried about being compared to Paris Hilton.
June 28, 2007
7:48 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Tavis makes a Paris Hilton joke. Lame.
June 28, 2007
7:48 PM
John Deeth writes:
Hillary knocks it out of the park!
June 28, 2007
7:48 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Tavis made me laugh so loud I woke the dog.
June 28, 2007
7:48 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
If Tavis Smiley were this funny all the time, he'd have his own TV show.
He already does?
June 28, 2007
7:48 PM
John Deeth writes:
Dodd gets a Jeopardy joke, Tavis trumps it with Paris!
June 28, 2007
7:47 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Dodd suggests school-based clinics. I've been impressed with him tonight. He's been specific with interesting responses.
June 28, 2007
7:47 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Dodd's taking his time in this debate whether anyone likes it or not.
June 28, 2007
7:47 PM
John Deeth writes:
I'd like to see both: an inclusive Debate of the 8, and also a top tier debate.
June 28, 2007
7:46 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Jason Smith of Colorado State, for you Colorado people, was just drafted in the first round by the Miami Heat.
June 28, 2007
7:45 PM
John Deeth writes:
Gravel is on drugs again… the topic, that is. Don’t know about him personally.
June 28, 2007
7:45 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I think Obama is really bombing here, but what do you guys think? He just blathers on in response to every question and doesn't really say anything specific. He just throws out vague answers, like "We need to empower people."
June 28, 2007
7:45 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Why is that guy over Gravel's left shoulder so scared?
June 28, 2007
7:45 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
It will be very interesting to see how Sen. Obama's answer talking about the African-American community will be received.
He said the community was "weakened" with "a disease to its immune system."
He also talked about "our homophobia."
It will really be interesting to see how that is received, but we won't get that answer tonight.
June 28, 2007
7:45 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
I'm sorry, but debates with eight (or in the GOP's case, 10) candidates don't help the common good. Not without follow-up questions, or candidates being called on to address details that may have been fuzzy or wrong.
I can't answer M.E.'s answer on policy differences, because there's precious little policy given here to speak of. There simply isn't time. It's platitudes, buzzwords, stock lines.
But I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.
June 28, 2007
7:45 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
... and Kucinich is the only one brave enough to go there. And invokes Michael Moore in the process.
June 28, 2007
7:44 PM
John Deeth writes:
Is Dennis goint to take it to single payer health care? Yes he is.
June 28, 2007
7:44 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
I am using Kucinich's time to check in on the NBA draft. Sorry Dennis.
June 28, 2007
7:43 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Edwards has been impressive thus far. He is succinct, and he answers questions with specific solutions and proposals.
June 28, 2007
7:43 PM
John Deeth writes:
I though they cut off Richardson’s mike after he said “I’m gonna say something positive about Bush” like the lightning strike on Rudy in the GOP debate.
Edwards has a comprehensive detailed answer including Ryan White Care Act.
Obama draws an AIDS analogy to other types of social pathology.
June 28, 2007
7:43 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Obama has set the stage to talk about Bush's abstinence-only education... here's hoping he goes there.
June 28, 2007
7:42 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Richardson, increase needles?
Edwards getting big points for aligning answer with audince and then actually addrssing the question.
June 28, 2007
7:42 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Mr. Bane: Chill.
Here's your team: http://www.triplecrownsports.com/chill/
June 28, 2007
7:42 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Richardson did it again! He said we need more funding to increase needles. He couldn't be more flustered by a question.
June 28, 2007
7:41 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Richardson says that in order to fight HIV/AIDS, we have to use needles.
I did not make that up.
June 28, 2007
7:41 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
RIchardson: "some kind of HIV virus" ?
I didn't know there was more than one kind.
June 28, 2007
7:40 PM
John Deeth writes:
HIV and minority teens...
Richardson speaks first while Edwards takes notes. This reminds me of my old high school debate days
June 28, 2007
7:40 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
First we have to use needles? Did I hear Richardson correctly?
June 28, 2007
7:38 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
QUESTION FOR MIKE HLAS: What college did you attend? I'm e-mailing your professors in real time.
June 28, 2007
7:38 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Dodd says that education is the most important issue. I think this is really going to be a stealth issue in 2008. It's an issue that everybody cares about but never seems to get top billing in discussions.
On another note, Jason Smith of Colorado State was just drafted by the Miami Heat. I have yet to be drafted, but there is little market for slow white guys.
June 28, 2007
7:38 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
And.... Clinton is the first to plug her book.
June 28, 2007
7:38 PM
John Deeth writes:
“Early childhood education is good” - everyone
June 28, 2007
7:38 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
Dodd and Biden are both fired up. Dodd is on message, Biden looks angry/
June 28, 2007
7:37 PM
John Deeth writes:
Blue states, blue ties…
June 28, 2007
7:37 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
There is no issue as important this evening as edukaton.
June 28, 2007
7:36 PM
John Deeth writes:
Al Sharpton nods and applauds GraVEL
June 28, 2007
7:36 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Kucinich answers a poverty question by talking about Iraq. There was a great cutaway with two people in the audience giving a face like someone near them farted.
June 28, 2007
7:36 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
I think Al Sharpton is gonna endorse Mike Gravel.
June 28, 2007
7:36 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Personalities and styles aside, where do our panelists think that the BIG DIFFERENCES are among these eight candidates?
On serious issues, I'd love to have this great panel help point out the ACTUAL POLICY DIFFERENCES.
June 28, 2007
7:35 PM
John Deeth writes:
If we're critiquing hair Dennis has the second worst toupee in the history of Ohio politics... Jim Traficant was in a league of his own
June 28, 2007
7:35 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
I guess Dennis missed the memo about it being a blue tie night.
June 28, 2007
7:35 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I've got to say that I'm very underwhelmed with Obama at this point. He talks a lot but doesn't really say anything.
June 28, 2007
7:34 PM
John Deeth writes:
The map appears to illistrate percentages of minority population by county
"You can't leave the $ behind for No Child Left Behind" gets Obama some applause
June 28, 2007
7:33 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Edwards is heavily courting labor unions, and his answer hit on a lot of key points that union members want to hear.
June 28, 2007
7:32 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Again, Mr. Bane: Only HIS hairdresser knows.
June 28, 2007
7:32 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Richardson gets two points for being the first to say "nobody asks how we're going to pay for the war." Loses one for not respecting the call for time.
June 28, 2007
7:32 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Richardson brings up the idea of a minimum wage for teachers. I like the idea, and it's good in a debate. It's a tangible idea that people can wrap their minds around.
June 28, 2007
7:32 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
As a teacher and member of the ISEA and NEA, Dodd is very credible when it comes to education. He very well respected among educators and might just have the answer to the mess that is NCLB.
June 28, 2007
7:32 PM
John Deeth writes:
But Bill sounds fine now -- maybe he was just thinking -- and gets applause now with "no one asks how we're going to pay for the war"
The pace is so so so different. It's not like Lighning Round all the time, and candidates can actually develop an idea.
June 28, 2007
7:31 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Hell has frozen over... no one had to remind Biden about the clock.
June 28, 2007
7:30 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
agree on Edwards--park, and the livestrong bracelet :-)
June 28, 2007
7:30 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Mr. Bane: Only his hairdresser knows.
June 28, 2007
7:30 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
I can't stand it when politicians and educators play "blame the parent" -- especially when they limit the pokes to single moms.
June 28, 2007
7:30 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Is it just me, or is Biden halfway to growing a mullet?
June 28, 2007
7:30 PM
John Deeth writes:
Richardson just looked like he was gonna fall over
June 28, 2007
7:28 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
Edwards hit the first question out of the park. As Deeth noted, he was able to condense his entire campaign into that question.
June 28, 2007
7:28 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Does Dodd really think we're fooled when he wraps his non-answer in the middle of a nod to the actual question?
June 28, 2007
7:28 PM
John Deeth writes:
Dennis was last seen in Iowa in March talking to legislators. He has one field organizer in the state.
No one's seen Gravel.
June 28, 2007
7:28 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Sen. Dodd's answer is most directly in response to the question. And he's talking EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION -- something that has gotten surprisingly little attention in the first few Democratic or Republican debates.
June 28, 2007
7:27 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Kucinich's Iowa chairman, a fellow from Dubuque whose name I should know but don't, told me his strategy is to arrive late to Iowa this time around - that he thinks Iowans will be burned out on those who have been here for several months already.
June 28, 2007
7:26 PM
John Deeth writes:
Twelve full minutes on the first question… I love this format.
June 28, 2007
7:26 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Is that Dodd's real hair, or is it just a helmet?
June 28, 2007
7:26 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Time clocks: The problem with not allowing the so-called second tier candidates at least equal time is that it takes away from the national conversation. While I'm sure each person on stage wants to be president, I have to also believe that many are there to bring attention to certain issues. Our society needs those voices -- we need Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich.
June 28, 2007
7:25 PM
John Deeth writes:
Where's Dennis gonna take this... aaaand -- names several bills. A legislative answer and not a presidential one.
Mike Gravel takes on the drug war to moderate applause. "Prohibition was a failure" -- did he just call for legalization?
June 28, 2007
7:25 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
How many of those 2.3 million people in jail are watching this debate? Or would it make them feel like they're doing a longer stretch in the joint than is really the case?
June 28, 2007
7:24 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
FOR THE IOWA PARTICIPANTS here tonight: Where has Kucinich been? I've only seen him on the stump once, and that was in April.
June 28, 2007
7:24 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Do you think Kucinich will still be a candidate for President in 2024?
I do.
June 28, 2007
7:23 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I'm really not sure what Obama just said.
June 28, 2007
7:23 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Louella Pizzuti is LEADING in the competition for most to-the-point heckling so far. Welcome.
June 28, 2007
7:23 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Well, he'd certainly be a change from Dick Cheney... As with anyone with a long resume, there's a lot of mud for the slinging. I'd really like to see a presidential campaign on the issues that matter to most Americans -- education, poverty, the technological divide, good jobs, the deficit, health care, etc.
June 28, 2007
7:21 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Welcome NO NEED. We need you.
June 28, 2007
7:21 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Notice how Edwards put his Livestrong yellow bracelet on the other side of his watch. Just to make sure you saw it.
June 28, 2007
7:21 PM
John Deeth writes:
Cut to Cornel West applauding Obama
June 28, 2007
7:21 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
For whatever reasons, Richardson seems to be incrementally making progress here in Iowa. I think his television commercials here, which employ humor and not a hammer, have had an effect.
June 28, 2007
7:20 PM
John Deeth writes:
"Finally we can talk about inequality" says Edwards, and he compresses almost the whole stump speech through the lens of the one question.
June 28, 2007
7:20 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Could Richardson have spoken more disspassoinately about the need for a Prez with passion?
June 28, 2007
7:19 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I think Richardson is running for Secretary of State - that's his real goal.
June 28, 2007
7:19 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Thanks for that horrible boxing memory, Mr. Bane. When you speak, we're all ears.
June 28, 2007
7:19 PM
noneed4thneed writes:
I thought Mike Gravel would be waiting in line to get an iphone.
June 28, 2007
7:19 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Richardson: "Race is a major issue in this country and the next President has to talk about it."
He was doing really well until he felt the need to remind us that he's the first latino running for president.
June 28, 2007
7:18 PM
Jason Bane writes:
It's about being authentic, says Richardson. Like his authentic "cough, cough" pro baseball career.
June 28, 2007
7:18 PM
John Deeth writes:
Richardson takes it lower key than Biden and Clinton
June 28, 2007
7:18 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
What does our panel think about Richardson's chances, either for the presidential or VICE-PRESIDENTIAL slot on the ticket?
June 28, 2007
7:17 PM
Jason Bane writes:
How's this for history: 10 years ago today Mike Tyson bit off Evander Holyfield's ear.
June 28, 2007
7:16 PM
John Deeth writes:
It looks like they will evenly divide time, wow
June 28, 2007
7:16 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
I guess not using the filabuster on Alito makes for good debate fodder.
June 28, 2007
7:16 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Sen. Clinton has tried to tie gender issues to race issues as "defining challenges." She's also the first to invoke the memories of Hurricane Katrina.
June 28, 2007
7:15 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Mike Gravel was in high school in 1903.
June 28, 2007
7:15 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I just saw Spike Lee. He's at the NBA draft in NYC.
June 28, 2007
7:15 PM
John Deeth writes:
15 minutes in and we're underway
June 28, 2007
7:15 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Thank you for the welcome. :-)
I had no idea there was an online contest. Dammit. I always miss the good stuff.
June 28, 2007
7:13 PM
John Deeth writes:
Hard to tell who got the biggest cheers.. was it GraVEL? Either him or Hillary or it was one big cheer. Guy yells OBAMA! and gets big cheers. I have a feeling the audience will be quite involved.
June 28, 2007
7:13 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Hey, look at that! Mike Gravel really IS alive.
June 28, 2007
7:13 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Someone just yelled "OBAMA!" I don't hear any "GRAVEL!" chants yet.
June 28, 2007
7:13 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Mike Gravel is introduced, and women all over the audience are fainting. This is exciting!
June 28, 2007
7:12 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
I know some folks threatened hoping the Canadian border when Bush v. 2.0 began. I'm definitely hopping the line, however, if we all have to pledge loyalty to the Broncos.
June 28, 2007
7:12 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I don't suppose there are any Republicans in the room tonight.
June 28, 2007
7:11 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Currently on E!: Simple Life Goes to Camp: Paris and Nicole prepare the campers and their moms for the pageant. (Repeat)
June 28, 2007
7:11 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Welcome Ms. Waddington, our Essential Estrogen.
June 28, 2007
7:10 PM
John Deeth writes:
Ten minutes in and no candidates yet. Very different feel from the other debates with their "don't thank the hosts, we'll do it for you" intros.
Here's Gov Patrick, the guy who replaced the Mitt...
June 28, 2007
7:10 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
I love his voice. It reminds me of the many black Baptist churches in the south my father and I visited. There's something very uplifting and hopeful about those types of voices from my experience.
June 28, 2007
7:09 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Mr. Bane, Notice how the map is cut right in half -- just like the American electorate. Did the whole country just become Broncos fans? (Hence the orange...)
June 28, 2007
7:09 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Tavis is laying it on a little thick by crediting PBS for having the "courage" to air this debate. Last week at this time PBS in Colorado was airing a documentary about Laramie, Wyoming. It doesn't take a lot of courage to show something more exciting than that.
June 28, 2007
7:07 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
It's great to see such a diverse audience.
There's already been some great remarks. Who knows, we might get more substance from the announcers and special guests than we will from the candidates.
June 28, 2007
7:07 PM
John Deeth writes:
African-American moderator, largely African-American audience, historically black college... historic African-American candidate... how does that impact the debate?
June 28, 2007
7:07 PM
Jason Bane writes:
How come the map in the background is red if this is a Democratic debate?
June 28, 2007
7:07 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Welcome aboard Mr. Bane. Mr. Hlas. Mr. Deeth. Your haircuts all look lovely from where I sit.
June 28, 2007
7:05 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
This right here is the first draft of history, kids. Right here at the back roads...
June 28, 2007
7:05 PM
John Deeth writes:
You mean the txtbooks will be updated to about the Carter administration?
June 28, 2007
7:05 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I'm here. Colorado PBS is showing Antiques Roadshow, so I'm watching online. Sadly, I won't be able to get the full-screen beauty of John Edwards' hairdo.
June 28, 2007
7:04 PM
Mike Hlas writes:
Tom Joyner says we're making American history tonight.
Will the high school textbooks get changed in time for the coming school year?
June 28, 2007
7:00 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Big bird has already made his first appearance. It is a he, right? Estrogen?
June 28, 2007
6:57 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
This is PBS. I'm going to bet that they know how to tell time and will try to keep things RADICALLY equal. We'll see.
June 28, 2007
6:54 PM
John Deeth writes:
John Deeth of Iowa Independent here at the Coordinated Colorado Couchblog.
Anyone taking bets on Chris Dodd posting the clock again?
June 28, 2007
6:46 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
The live WEBCAST (also on LIVE TELEVISION here in Iowa) begins shortly.
We have some new people joining us tonight, including the last-minute addition of some "Essential Estrogen."
Tonight, the forum will focus on domestic issues, and I'm expecting that to include fresh reactions to the Supreme Court decision on Affirmative Action, and today's collapse of the immigration reform legislation in the Senate.
Meanwhile, I know at least one of our participants will have an eye on the NBA draft, too. What sorts of things to folks want to learn tonight -- from the candidates or the basketball teams?
June 28, 2007
6:02 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Welcome aboard everybody.
Special guests and unannounced guests, it's great to have you.
We're conducting tonight's discussion here in the comments section. And afterwards, I'll be summarizing everybody's best one-liners and declaring a winner in the competition for BEST HECKLER.
Just write your comment here. Hit the "Post" button JUST ONCE. And then wait momentarily while it uploads.
Afterwards, be sure to hit the REFRESH button from time to time so you can see the latest and greatest thoughts your live-blog colleagues have had to offer.
THANKS FOR JOINING THIS EXPERIMENT. We have a great and eclectic panel assembled.