July 23, 2007 1:28 PM
CNN/YouTube debate: Dems' "Frosty" gathering
"There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found..."
...because when CNN handed its debate agenda to a bunch of regular-folk, video questioners from YouTube, we got, among other things, a question on global warming from a frightened snowman.
Oh, there was so much more on Monday night. Reading the TRANSCRIPT HERE would never do the debate justice.
But we tried here at "Back Roads to the White House" by convening the "Colorado Coordinated Couchblog" once again, to provide live-action commentary as this very unconventional debate still was taking shape.
A sampling of our all-star commentary:
* Near the end of the debate, as some of the questions took on a side-show quality, Rocky Mountain News columnist Mike Littwin, of the "Fair and Unbalanced" blog quipped:
"You think the CNN producers are getting bored or what? And who do you think has more credibility -- (former Alaska Sen. Mike) Gravel or the snowman?"
* Earlier in the debate, the questioning left a different impression for "Iowa Insider" Charlotte Eby of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier and Lee Enterprises newspapers:
"The most interesting dynamic is that you get to see the emotion of the voters, their anger or cynicism, when they are asking their questions. I am surprised at how somber and serious the debate has been so far."
* Variety magazine's managing editor Ted Johnson, a college classmate of mine who also writes the "Wilshire & Washington" blog, found the wacky format produced a surprisingly conventional result:
"What amazes me so far is how standard this debate is. As unusual as the questions are presented, as conversational as the videos are, the answers from the candidates are right off the stump... As big a deal as it is that questions are being posed by YouTube, you kind of come away thanking God for a moderator to keep them on the issue at hand."
Some candidates gained ground and some might have lost ground. There was one big winner, and HERE is his back story.
As for the other candidates...
* Rocky Talk Live's Mark Wolf pointed out:
"John Edwards says he's stronger on women's issues than is Hillary (Rodham Clinton). Somewhere, Ann Coulter is smiling."
* And for baseball fans like me, the very best question of the night was posed by Jason Bane of ColoradoPols.com and 5280 magazine's "Elevated Voices" site:
"Does Gravel or Kucinich represent the Mendoza Line in the Democratic Presidential field."
If you're not a baseball fan and don't know what that means, then here's Bane's take on the debate format in general:
"I liked it until they let it get silly, with a snowman asking questions. You need to keep SOME dignity in a presidential debate."
That point could be up for debate. There was certainly plenty here on Monday night from folks like Louella Pizzuti of Campaigns of the Future, Lynda Waddington of EssentialEstrogen.com, professor Bruce Gronbeck of the University of Iowa, not to mention Doug Wagner, Slim, Eli Chairez-Clendenin, Genuine Ricardo, night-train and others.
To see the discussion just as it unfolded, click on the COMMENTS section, scroll all the way to the bottom and read your way up to the Sopranos-like ending, when the screen faded to black without a Democratic presidential nominee being named.
Translation: Stay tuned...
July 24, 2007
11:23 AM
slim writes:
did anybody else think the format was kind of goofy? some of the "questions" seemed awfully contrived and circus-like. at times it seemed somewhat cheapening, not unlike clinton's saxophone gig on arsenio. i always felt like some weirdo was going to ask each candidate for their favorite american poem or favorite spielberg movie or favorite thing to order at starbucks. who knows?
i gained respect for joe biden when he called out the ridiculousness of the "say one nice thing and one bad thing" question. i vastly prefer real journalists, and i'm sorry if this sounds anti-democratic.
ps: it's obama's to lose, the nomination and the white house. if he doesn't mess up, and if nothing truly unforeseen happens, he's our next president.
July 23, 2007
8:18 PM
Bruce Gronbeck writes:
Well, so maybe all of CNN hype for this debate was accurate in one way: we certainly got a greater variety of questions than we usually get from either journalists or "independent" voters. African-American reparations? Can Mary and Jen get married? Did Americans die in vain in Viet Nam? Should women register for the Selective Service? Who was the best teacher you ever had in school? Do/did you send your kids to public or private schools? What about sex education for elementary school-aged kids? Who came to this debate in a private jet? Can we fix voting machines?
Now, I don't know that all of these questions represent issues pressing on the minds of American citizens, but you have to admit they forced some candidates to extemporize their answers. Bill Richardson fell apart on the voting machine question; only Mike Gravel took the train to the debate. Barak Obama seemed uncomfortable answering the reparations question, but saved it by talking about the state of some schools in South Carolina's "Corridors of Shame." He could have started more smoothly, too, on a question about why his views on inter-racial marriage and same-sex marriage differed.
Yet, when candidates got on to some of the standard issues--getting out of Iraq, Katrina and federal responsibilities in times of natural disasters, social security and health care--they pretty much all were smooth and self-confident. The effect of giving all of those stump speeches in Iowa and elsewhere showed: they are becoming well-spoken, phrase-making, problem-solving, even slick candidates for President of the United States.
The snappiest answer of the evening went to Joe Biden. When asked by Jered from Michigan whether he'd protect Jered's baby, an automatic rifle, the Senator replied, "If that's his baby, he needs help."
And of three of the candidates, Chris Dodd, Hilary Clinton, and John Edwards, showed that they understood something about YouTube's audience in their 30-second videos: Dodd's explored his white hair, Clinton flashed amateurish cardboard signs on issues, and Edwards did a music video. The others? Not so good. Their campaigns better start paying closer attention to the tastes and styles of netizens.
July 23, 2007
7:59 PM
M.E. writes:
The YouTube questioners did ask some very good questions at times. I would have liked to see certain of those questions, like the war-related queries, posed to ALL the candidates, and not just a selected few. It would help voters -- and journalists -- draw real distinctions between the candidates, whose differences are not always so clear.
Some of the side-show elements, while entertaining, might have made it easier for candidates to laugh off the questions, knowing that in the end the questions would be more memorable than the responses, substantive or otherwise.
Since television networks have a habit of imitating one another (like with the show-of-hands method and town-hall formats used in earlier debates), I trust that we'll see the entertaining elements incorporated in future debates until it gets passe. (Check the Nielsen ratings to determine the copycat likelihood.)
Insiders might prefer straightforward, dignified debates left to the so-called "professionals." But insiders are the select few who already were watching the debates. This format might succeed in bringing more viewers to the audiences...at least for now.
Perhaps they can find a way to vary the debate formats to give various audiences a reason to tune in. If every debate turns into a debate like this (or if every debate is a more traditional debate), some people will be left on the sidelines. So perhaps they will shake things up from time to time.
July 23, 2007
7:36 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I think the field has settled on Clinton, Obama and Edwards (if it hadn't already). Obama did MUCH better this time around, and those three are clearly above and beyond the others. As for the format, I liked it until they let it get silly, with a snowman asking questions. You need to keep SOME dignity in a Presidential debate. Anderson Cooper was a much better moderator than any of the others, because he was stern about time limits and staying on the topic.
July 23, 2007
7:13 PM
Charlotte writes:
I think Biden was stronger in this debate than he has been in others.
July 23, 2007
7:13 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
The vids were fun and I don't think they were any less professional than the professionals in terms of questions asked. And, quite frankly, I think the format may have made the entire process a bit more interesting so people who aren't necessarily into politics.
July 23, 2007
7:11 PM
M.E. writes:
As the debate comes to a close, we're at the 168 comment mark.
NOW:
* WHO GAINED GROUND TONIGHT?
* WHO LOST GROUND TONIGHT?
* WERE THE VIEWER QUESTIONS A SIDE-SHOW, OR DID THEY BRING OUT MORE SUBSTANCE THAN THE SO-CALLED 'PROFESSIONALS' DO?
July 23, 2007
7:09 PM
littwin writes:
Thanks, M.E. for hosting. I'm going home to make my own video. I'll also be blogging later - like, after dinner -- on Fair and Unbalanced.
July 23, 2007
7:06 PM
M.E. writes:
Jason Coop of Colorado Springs is about to become "world famous...in Colorado," after asking the candidates to turn to their left and say nice things and bad things about the people standing there.
Meanwhile, John Edwards takes issue with Clinton's wardrobe: "I'm not sure about that coat..."
Obama defends her: "I actually like Hillary's jacket."
Thank you, Mr. Coop, for coming up with a perfect way to summarize this whole debate.
July 23, 2007
7:06 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
I don't think these debates matter much. It seems like most Americans choose a President like they choose a house--they think they have a bunch of objective criteria, but once they find one they like, they rationalize the decision by selectively citing the rooms/issues that make them feel good about their choice.
July 23, 2007
7:03 PM
M.E. writes:
Sen. Biden has just made himself bumper-sticker fodder for NRA members by saying of the gun-brandishing questioner: "If that's his baby, he needs help."
July 23, 2007
7:03 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Good for Biden. I was wondering when one of the candidates was going to lash back a bit. This was a great time to do it -- "this gun is my baby"
July 23, 2007
7:03 PM
Charlotte writes:
It was a nice switch to see someone who was not religious ask what role religion would play in their administrations.
July 23, 2007
6:59 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Before you all get away, everybody's invited to a live, unmoderated chat on all things political at 11 a.m. Wednesday at RockyMountainNews.com. Hope to see you there.
July 23, 2007
6:58 PM
littwin writes:
This was Obama's best debate, which has to be bad news for Clinton. There has been a theory that the long, long, long, long (did I mention, long?) campaign would help Obama. By the end, you'd have seen so much of him, it would be hard to make the argument that he didn't have experience. He certainly will have experience debating. There are three Democratic debates in one week in August.
July 23, 2007
6:58 PM
M.E. writes:
Welcome Lynda of Essential Estrogen.com, who is taking part over at the IowaIndependent.com live-blog tonight.
Cheers to everyone over there. And thanks for stopping by.
July 23, 2007
6:52 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Absent a British Open-style collapse in the last 10 minutes, Clinton wins, Obama second, Edwards third (coming on strong with a passionate health care answer). Gee, just like the polls. Richardson and Biden both had their moments. So do these debates really matter?
July 23, 2007
6:51 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
I was really tough on Obama for the last debate, but I think he did really well for himself tonight.
I also think Edwards did well and it appears Richardson has overcome his stage fright.
I'm not sure I can place my finger on someone who hurt his/her position tonight.
July 23, 2007
6:51 PM
Charlotte writes:
Obama's best answer of the night on health care --- takes a jab at the Clinton administration for failiing to fix health care in the '90s.
July 23, 2007
6:49 PM
M.E. writes:
Finally, a chance to hype the world's greatest band, They Might Be Giants:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDIGaiNO270
July 23, 2007
6:47 PM
Ted Johnson writes:
I am originally from Minneapolis, but I take no responsibility for Marcus Benson.
July 23, 2007
6:46 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Obama gets the people's choice award by admitting the ridiculousness of candidates answering the "would you work for minimum wage" question as if it would hit their bottom lines in a meaningful way.
July 23, 2007
6:46 PM
M.E. writes:
Let's start writing report cards for the candidates.
So far, clearly, the debate goes to the snow man. But beyond that:
* Did the format work?
* Which candidates used it to their advantage?
* Which ones lost ground.
July 23, 2007
6:46 PM
Charlotte writes:
How would you pick to win, place and show?
I'm still deciding ...
July 23, 2007
6:46 PM
Ted Johnson writes:
Minimum wage: my favorite part of the debate. All candidates except Dodd say they would work for it, even if it means that they all have to take the train, not just Gravel.
As big a deal as it is that questions are being posed by You Tube, you kind of come away thanking god for a moderator to keep them on the issue at hand.
July 23, 2007
6:44 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Actually, I think CNN will do a decent number for this debate, just because of the format.
July 23, 2007
6:44 PM
Lynda Waddington writes:
Well, this has been interesting, don't you think? Lots of super fluffy questions with sugar-coated answers.
July 23, 2007
6:42 PM
M.E. writes:
You're right, Louella. There must have been some magic in that old top hat he found.
July 23, 2007
6:41 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Channel surfing during the break: Michelle Malkin tells Bill O'Reilly that Daily Kos is a "cesspool."
July 23, 2007
6:37 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
what exactly is meant by "YouTube"-style video?
July 23, 2007
6:37 PM
littwin writes:
Does anyone else have the feeling that we are the last people watching?
July 23, 2007
6:37 PM
littwin writes:
Does anyone else have the feeling that we are the last people watching?
July 23, 2007
6:34 PM
M.E. writes:
Ted: LOL about your dead-on comment about Kucinich and the snowman.
July 23, 2007
6:34 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Obama likes nuclear power. Put "China Syndrome" in his Netflix queue.
July 23, 2007
6:33 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
The snowman is more credible than Gravel, but he would have lost the edge if he'd ended his question by screeching, "I'm melllllllllllllllting."
July 23, 2007
6:33 PM
Charlotte writes:
Dennis Kucinich is remembered in Iowa for pulling out pie charts to make a point during a RADIO debate during th '04 cycle.
July 23, 2007
6:32 PM
M.E. writes:
FYI, here's the State of the Union address from RedStateUpdate, the folks behind that question that makes Tennessee residents (and their necks) look so colorful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So0vVO0qCfY
Start the clock: 15 minutes of fame and counting down...
July 23, 2007
6:31 PM
Charlotte writes:
M.E.,
That would be way too much fun. Maybe I could be a polar bear. Think Secret Service would stop me?
July 23, 2007
6:30 PM
night-train writes:
don't change your lightbulbs, eat your children. make a real change! no carbon tax, a child tax!
July 23, 2007
6:30 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Ouch. Cooper just asks how many candidates took a private jet to the debate.
July 23, 2007
6:30 PM
littwin writes:
You think the CNN producers are getting bored or what? And who do you think has more credibility - Gravel or the snowman?
July 23, 2007
6:30 PM
Ted Johnson writes:
Good response from Sen. Biden to the Tennessee goofballs who asked about Al Gore. "I think the people of Tennesee just had their feelings hurt."
Then, Dennis Kucinich doesn't take his lead and answers a snowman seriously.
July 23, 2007
6:27 PM
Charlotte writes:
The sound quality on the questions has been awful. It's like a low-budget debate.
July 23, 2007
6:27 PM
M.E. writes:
Charlotte, Do you think we're going to have to dress up like snow people from now on to get the candidates to take us seriously as questioners?
July 23, 2007
6:27 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Okay, we've reached absurdity. Candidates just took a question from a snowman.
July 23, 2007
6:27 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
A Larry the Cable Guy ripoff on the Al Gore question. Git 'er done.
July 23, 2007
6:26 PM
genuine ricardo writes:
what the "planned parenthood" question recorded in a nightclub? that was really weird, wasn't it? and, yes, 5 yr olds should learn about sex. why not?
July 23, 2007
6:25 PM
M.E. writes:
Sen. Dodd has two very young children. Don't make us repeat his joke about how he's the only candidate who gets bugged by diaper services and AARP. On his campaign blog, there's a video of his pal, legendary songwriter Paul Simon, singing children's songs with them on a bus ride in Iowa.
July 23, 2007
6:23 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Richardson goes for the teacher vote, trashes No Child Left Behind, $40,000 minimum wage and mandatory arts education.
July 23, 2007
6:23 PM
M.E. writes:
Mr. Littwin,
I know young people. Young people are friends of mine. You, sir, are no young person.
July 23, 2007
6:23 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Dodd has a kid in preschool?
July 23, 2007
6:22 PM
Ted Johnson writes:
What amazes me so far is how standard this debate is, as unusual as the questions are presented. As conversational as the videos are, the answers from the candidates are right off the stump.
So far, the most bizarre thing is the excessive emphasis on hair --- Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Anderson Cooper.
One suggestion for a future format: Present the question, and bring in the questioner to the studio to make sure that it is answered. They have done it twice tonight, but this would present an added dose of pressure to stay on subject.
July 23, 2007
6:21 PM
slim writes:
no child left behind! richardson wants to initiate a national dance curriculum in our schools? i'm for that.
July 23, 2007
6:19 PM
M.E. writes:
Thanks, Charlotte.
July 23, 2007
6:17 PM
littwin writes:
If anyone young was watching -- which I doubt -- the teacher question would have had them running for the remote. It has me running for the remote.
July 23, 2007
6:17 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Biden has definitely been shot at. He's from the mean streets of Delaware.
July 23, 2007
6:17 PM
M.E. writes:
Genuine Ricardo, long time no see. Are you related to the Real McCoy?
July 23, 2007
6:17 PM
Charlotte writes:
Edwards also has run TV ads in Iowa.
July 23, 2007
6:15 PM
M.E. writes:
IN IOWA: Now an Obama ad is airing. I forgot about that.
Now there's an ad for the "We the People Act" opposing activist judges.
To correct something I said earlier: RICHARDSON, OBAMA and DODD have run television ads in Iowa.
July 23, 2007
6:15 PM
genuine ricardo writes:
GRAVEL!
a pebble, a ripple, a movement!
July 23, 2007
6:15 PM
Jason Bane writes:
The great thing about Gravel is that he proves the reality of a Democracy. Anyone really can run for President - even if they are bat shit crazy.
July 23, 2007
6:14 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Do anyone think that having the questions submitted via YouTube changed the viewership for this debate at all? That people who hadn't tuned in for any of the other debates watched to see what "regular" people had to say? Or that Sally told Joe to watch to see if her question was selected?
July 23, 2007
6:14 PM
Charlotte writes:
I think the most interesting dynamic is that you get to see the emotion of the voters, their anger or cynicism, when they are asking their questions. I am surprised at how somber and serious the debate has been so far.
July 23, 2007
6:12 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Clinton and Biden emphasize the difficulty of getting troops out of Iraq. Kucinich says to text PEACE to Congress. Expects big applause. Gets little.
July 23, 2007
6:12 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Ooohhhh. Great jab by Kucinich asking how Obama could brag about opposing the Iraq War from the start yet continue to vote in favor of funding.
July 23, 2007
6:12 PM
M.E. writes:
Gravel video: "It's not a war, it should be a police action."
His rock video was easier to understand.
July 23, 2007
6:08 PM
Ted Johnson writes:
As different an experience it is having questions asked by YouTube, it hasn't changed the dynamic. Candidates are still falling back on familiar themes, as much as their efforts to be irreverent are.
July 23, 2007
6:08 PM
littwin writes:
Biden's been shot at?
July 23, 2007
6:07 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Great line by Richardson: "Withdrawing troops MIGHT prove a civil war? There IS a civil war."
July 23, 2007
6:07 PM
M.E. writes:
Mark: Clinton probably scores points by giving a more complicated answer to the question about whether she'd meet with leaders of Venezuela, Iran and North Korea. And Edwards agrees with her.
July 23, 2007
6:06 PM
Charlotte writes:
Agree. It's one more example where Clinton appears to trump on the experience issue.
July 23, 2007
6:05 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Clinton really is far and away better than the others in these debates.
July 23, 2007
6:04 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Obama would talk with our "enemies": Iraq, Venezuela, Syria, North Korea. Clinton says she won't promise to meet in the first year. "I don't want to be used for propaganda purposes." Maybe the most presidential answer of the night so far. Agree?
July 23, 2007
6:04 PM
Doug Wagner writes:
The previous comment was brought to you by Tancredo for President.
What is that doing in here? For goodness' sake! I can cut and paste questions with the best of them...
"How do you feel about the gold standard?" Scheesch.
July 23, 2007
6:02 PM
littwin writes:
Clinton playing rope-a-dope. It's very difficult to go after anyone in this format. And as the front-runner, she doesn't need to fight back. Clinton just answers every question as if it's the one question she's been waiting all night to answer.
July 23, 2007
6:01 PM
M.E. writes:
Littwin, will you please answer all of Eli's questions.
July 23, 2007
5:59 PM
M.E. writes:
This question about whether women should be required to sign up for the Selective Service system (whether or not there is a draft) is likely to get a lot of attention in the morning news.
All the candidates are trying to send a message about equality, but the interpretations are going to get interesting, I predict. (Keep in mind that some college students already worry about a return of the draft.)
July 23, 2007
5:59 PM
Eli Chairez-Clendenin writes:
From:
Sr. Eli Chairez-Clendenin
President Of Latino Labor Corners
Across America/ C.E.O
To: Candidate For President
"debemos cambiar la idea de que los pobres son una problema intratable, y ver la base como un gran oportunidad de expansion y crecimiento"...
Source: El Arte De Hacer Dinero
by Mario Borghino Copyright2006
Q. How Do You Respond To This Comment En Espanol
For The Average American Citizen?
Q. What Kind Of 'Substance' Can You Offer To The American Public, On Immigration?
Q. Do You Think There's A Hope And A Prayer Chance America Can Ever 'Reconcile' With MiddleEastern Citizens?
In Your Words...How And When?
Next Question: More Specifically For Republican Presidential Candidates.
Q. Republican and Democratic (Candidates)..
In Your Own Words....
What Other Meaning Does Mother "The Statue Of Liberty Stand For?"
A... "Liberty Enlightening The World"
(Source: Reader's Digest Edition August 1997)
Q. If You Were Between The Ages Of 3-37 And Were Being Held Against Your Own Will Right Here In America What Would You Think Might Be The Best Way To Handle These Circumstances?...
Q. How Do You Think You Might Feel If You Were A Human Being Who Was Caught In The Middle Of This Immigration 'Crisis'?
And Had To Sacrifice Family For 35 years Only to find yourself being denied your Freedoms or Right To Pursuit Life,
Liberty, And Happiness?
Were A 'Victim' In The War On Immigrants and Immigration?
Q. What Does 'The Pledge Of Allegience' Stand For Or Mean For You and To The Future Of America?
Q. Do you believe if someone 'dictates' their own 'Idealogies' and while using 'Doctrine' of Hate and Fear On Citizen's and Resident's Alike? They should be committed to a lifetime prison sentence? Or be elected to become President?
Q. What do you think you would do if you were A 12 year old ORPHAN and an Immigration Attorney is promising you 'Citizenship' while asking you to 'Lie" To Immigration Authorities?
(INS)
How Do You Think You Might Feel? Do You See How This Could Ruin Or Scar A Human Being Life? For How Long?
Q. What Do you propose America Do with Homelessness and Guestworkers?
Thanks For Your Time,
Mr. Eli Chairez-Clendenin
& Communities For Global P.e.a.c.e.
Copyright 2007
All Rights Reserved.
Time 5:58pm
Monday July 23, 2007
July 23, 2007
5:59 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I think this debate is succeeding in introducing some new questions. Should women register for selective service, for example.
July 23, 2007
5:56 PM
Doug Wagner writes:
Interesting that Obama is making a turnaround in this one. He's been known as a candidate who, when he speaks in a long format, wins people over...but in short, sound-bite formats, loses them.
He and his people must be learning from the public feedback.
July 23, 2007
5:55 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Obama sitting on the fast ball that Clinton served up by raising the Pentagon request. Jumped hard that the time to get the intelligence was before she voted for the war.
July 23, 2007
5:53 PM
Charlotte writes:
This crowd will cheer for about anything.
July 23, 2007
5:53 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I can't believe that someone cared enough to ask a serious question of Gravel. I can't believe someone knew who Gravel was.
July 23, 2007
5:53 PM
M.E. writes:
I disagree, Charlotte. The candidates should be asked if they're being motivated by politics or what's best for the country, the soldiers, Iraq, etc.
July 23, 2007
5:51 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Dodd has a giant head.
July 23, 2007
5:50 PM
M.E. writes:
The "How do we pull out now?" question is a good, tough one for Democrats to face.
Obama uses it to remind people of his early opposition to the war, and we've already heard about that.
Biden uses it to tout his partition plan, and we already knew about that.
It would have been better if this question had been put to all the candidates, since it was a tough one that had the potential to draw real distinctions. This is a limitation of the format. Opportunity lost.
July 23, 2007
5:49 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Obama is like a different candidate in this debate. Much more aggressive and much more direct and specific in his answers. It's good timing - another bad showing and he'd be hard-pressed to avoid the inexperienced label.
July 23, 2007
5:49 PM
Charlotte writes:
Accusing them of "putting politics before conscience" -- no journalist would have gotten away with that question.
July 23, 2007
5:47 PM
littwin writes:
This just in: Obama opposed the Iraq war from the start.
July 23, 2007
5:45 PM
Charlotte writes:
The serious question of the night -- How do we pull out of Iraq now?
July 23, 2007
5:44 PM
M.E. writes:
Finally, the Darfur question draws a clear distinction among at least a handful of candidates.
July 23, 2007
5:43 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I'd say Clinton is the early leader. Strong answers, no mistakes.
July 23, 2007
5:42 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Great question from Darfur and very good answer from Richardson: "I've been to that camp." No U.S. troops? Richardson says send UN troops, Biden says absolutely U.S. troops. Advantage Biden.
July 23, 2007
5:42 PM
littwin writes:
This is easily Obama's best start. (And, you can stop the voting, Edwards wins for best video.)
July 23, 2007
5:42 PM
Charlotte writes:
"Those kids will be dead" -- strong words. Biden appears more angy on TV than in person.
July 23, 2007
5:42 PM
M.E. writes:
Sen. Biden is raising his voice. OK, now we have a debate...
July 23, 2007
5:41 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Man, Richardson really isn't very good in these debates. Talking loud but ain't sayin' nothing.
July 23, 2007
5:40 PM
Charlotte writes:
I went to get laundry out of the dryer during the break.
July 23, 2007
5:39 PM
Charlotte writes:
Do we have an early leader so far?
July 23, 2007
5:39 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Props to Edwards for the "Hair" video.
July 23, 2007
5:39 PM
M.E. writes:
HERE IN IOWA, the commercial interruption is a Bill Richardson commercial -- apparently filmed minutes after he got a haircut. He has flooded the airwaves here in Iowa. Chris Dodd is the only Democrat who has been on the air here (as far as I've seen).
And speaking of haircuts, there's Edwards' video putting the media in its place for focusing on his hair instead of the people of New Orleans...
July 23, 2007
5:39 PM
littwin writes:
That video was from me.
July 23, 2007
5:38 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
OK, how many of you sprinted for the kitchen during the commercials. I confess to slicing off a hunk of this sublime cranberry bread Cheryl bought at the Farmer's Market.
July 23, 2007
5:38 PM
Jason Bane writes:
30 minutes in, Richardson and Gravel are struggling to get screen time.
July 23, 2007
5:38 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Hmmm, Obama says individual religions should determine whether to consider a gay or lesbian marriage "real" but is there any church that considers another church's marriages fake? This was certainly no answer to the question likening mixed race marriage to non-mixed gender marriage.
July 23, 2007
5:36 PM
M.E. writes:
CNN gave Clinton short shrift on her video, since the first few frames were too tiny to see in their wide shot. Somewhere, the producers on her team who produced that must be yelling at their televisions.
July 23, 2007
5:36 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Interesting campaign video from the Clinton campaign. The video was clearly geared towards differentiating herself from a Republican - that's the move of a frontrunner.
July 23, 2007
5:36 PM
littwin writes:
Edwards twisting in the wind on gay marriage. I wonder how much of this is generational and how much is pure politics. (My guess is at least 85 percent politics.)
July 23, 2007
5:34 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Interesting answer by Edwards on gay marriage. He doesn't support it, but he doesn't think the President should use his faith as a reason to deny gay marriage. Reminiscent of Bill Clinton's "safe and rare" stance on abortion.
July 23, 2007
5:33 PM
Jason Bane writes:
The reverend was better dressed on his You Tube clip than he is on live TV.
July 23, 2007
5:31 PM
littwin writes:
I just got religion. Great question from the reverend.
July 23, 2007
5:29 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Kucinich just said 'Yes' to a question about whether lesbians should be married. I think he thought the question was, "Would you marry two lesbians?"
July 23, 2007
5:29 PM
Charlotte writes:
Clinton won that round on the gender/race issue.
July 23, 2007
5:29 PM
littwin writes:
Jason: I think you're close -- although I'd say Biden is hitting in the low .220s.
July 23, 2007
5:27 PM
M.E. writes:
Edwards is flashing his LIVE STRONG bracelet again, reminding everyone that he's riding with Lance Armstrong in Ragbrai, Iowa's cross-state bike tour, this week.
July 23, 2007
5:27 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
John Edwards says he's stronger on women's issues than is Hillary. Somewhere Ann Coulter is smiling.
July 23, 2007
5:26 PM
littwin writes:
Goo goo g'joob.
July 23, 2007
5:26 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Great answer by Edwards to say that he doesn't want your vote if you wouldn't vote for Clinton because she is a woman or Obama because he is black. That's a real pro in action.
July 23, 2007
5:25 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Is Obama black enough? Is Clinton feminine enough? Odd questions. Bush wasn't SMART enough, but that didn't seem to matter.
July 23, 2007
5:25 PM
M.E. writes:
Welcome, Alex K. You're not that guy in the baseball cap who asked the first question, are you?
July 23, 2007
5:24 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
OK, Obama's black, Hillary's a woman. Glad we finally got that cleared up.
July 23, 2007
5:24 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Actually, I think Kucinich is even below the Mendoza Line. It's probably Biden.
July 23, 2007
5:23 PM
M.E. writes:
PARTICIPANTS: Be sure to click "YES" for the "Remember your personal info?" Otherwise, we'll forget who you are...even if you have a giant, walrus-like moustache.
July 23, 2007
5:22 PM
littwin writes:
Here's a quiz: How many posts can you write during one Richardson answer.
July 23, 2007
5:20 PM
M.E. writes:
The most over-used word in tonight's debate is "most." This is the most hyperbolic event in the history of the universe.
July 23, 2007
5:20 PM
Alex K writes:
I cannot believe Obama's response to reparations. Dippin' and dodgin' indeed! Idiot.
July 23, 2007
5:20 PM
Anonymous writes:
I know Dennis Kucinich (I spent an entire day with him in Iowa in 2004 -- we went to one stop where he spoke to 3 people). And Mike Gravel is no Kucinich. Plus, he's never even seen the Mendoza line.
July 23, 2007
5:20 PM
Jason Bane writes:
5:18 p.m. Mark it down. Obama finally says that we need to invest in people (okay, schools).
July 23, 2007
5:18 PM
Charlotte writes:
The crowd's really behind Obama tonight.
July 23, 2007
5:18 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Edwards' advisors clearly told him to keep using the word "change."
July 23, 2007
5:16 PM
M.E. writes:
ANOTHER EXCLUSIVE:
And none of the men have every changed their suits -- just their ties.
THIS JUST IN: Chris Dodd has white hair.
July 23, 2007
5:16 PM
Jason Bane writes:
This question is for Littwin: Does Gravel or Kucinich represent the Mendoza Line in the Democratic Presidential field?
July 23, 2007
5:15 PM
Charlotte writes:
Edwards took his first stab at Clinton with the "T" word, "triangulation."
July 23, 2007
5:15 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Edwards didn't answer the question about a Republican running mate.
July 23, 2007
5:15 PM
M.E. writes:
***EXCLUSIVE REPORT***
From the
BACK ROADS TO THE WHITE HOUSE
Point-and-Shoot Nation
Sen. Clinton is wearing a different colored version of the same outfit we photographed her wearing at a candidates' forum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
HERE'S THE PROOF:
http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/sprengelmeyer/Cedar%20Rapids%20Hillary%20Clinton%20arrives%20June%202%202007.html
July 23, 2007
5:14 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Mike Gravel goes after Obama on his "bundlers." Great. Another piece of political jargon. M.E., we expect a "bundlers" blog within 48 hours.
July 23, 2007
5:14 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Great question about Republican running mates.
July 23, 2007
5:13 PM
Anonymous writes:
i'm with Hillary. She's not much of a liberal. Did you notice that Obama used "change" to mean not just a change from Bush.
July 23, 2007
5:13 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
You know, Gravel is just a microphone away from declaring himself emporer; he scares me.
July 23, 2007
5:12 PM
Charlotte writes:
That's why I vote to keep Mike Gravel in the debates!
July 23, 2007
5:12 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Where's Gravel? Is he still alive?
July 23, 2007
5:10 PM
M.E. writes:
The format is designed to shake things up -- to elicit answers we haven't heard before. But the first question CNN chose was a generic softball and I'm still waiting for the candidates to draw differences among themselves.
July 23, 2007
5:10 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
So far I have to say the questioners are the clear winners. Does anyone know if the candidates can use the questions that were submitted to YouTube for their own campaigning purposes?
(PS M.E. I love watching the pros be pros. )
July 23, 2007
5:10 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Hillary just called herself an "instrument of change." Creepy.
July 23, 2007
5:09 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Kucinich: strength through peace?
July 23, 2007
5:08 PM
Jason Bane writes:
But the good news is that I'm still eligible to be drafted for the NBA next year.
July 23, 2007
5:07 PM
M.E. writes:
Uh-oh, Mike?
July 23, 2007
5:07 PM
littwin writes:
wassup, provo. told you it was gonna be hip.
July 23, 2007
5:06 PM
M.E. writes:
Jason, You had to love Mark Wolf's referee reference. Again, sorry you didn't get drafted. You were jobbed.
July 23, 2007
5:06 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
As Chris Dodds answers the first question, the chorus is singing: "Why are so many of these people here?"
July 23, 2007
5:06 PM
Charlotte writes:
"Bold." That will be the overused word tonight.
July 23, 2007
5:06 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I really wish they would ban candidates from saying, "First of all, thank you for having us, blah, blah."
July 23, 2007
5:05 PM
littwin writes:
uh oh
July 23, 2007
5:05 PM
M.E. writes:
Welcome all -- especially my old college classmate, Ted Johnson.
July 23, 2007
5:02 PM
M.E. writes:
L.P.: There's already a danger of planted questions. Can you imagine if certain online constituencies (insert your favorite candidate's blogroots activists here) were able to skew the online results. Please, Louella, you have to let the "professional" journalists do something.
July 23, 2007
5:01 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
Love the sassy opening question.. air quotes on revolutionary and challenging the candidates to answer the questions instead of just giving a canned response. If that wasn't planted, it should have been.
July 23, 2007
5:01 PM
littwin writes:
T-shirt and cap. How hip.
July 23, 2007
5:00 PM
Ted Johnson writes:
Can this debate possibly live up to the hype?
After all, on CNN, they have just noted that some bloggers are calling this event the "coolest thing ever." Those words may come back to haunt them if the debate turns ho-hum --- a distinct possiblity given the sheer number of forums so far this year.
"Never before has the American voter been so close to the candidates," declared a CNN anchor. Don't tell that to the folks in Iowa.
July 23, 2007
5:00 PM
Charlotte writes:
Planted questions are guaranteed in this format.
July 23, 2007
5:00 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Tim Donaghy says it's 7-5 Hillary Clinton wins the debate.
July 23, 2007
5:00 PM
M.E. writes:
Mike: Keep us alerted if you spot any, ahem, fashion issues.
July 23, 2007
5:00 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Is it just me, or is Lou Dobbs actually Dennis Kucinich's uncle?
July 23, 2007
5:00 PM
Louella Pizzuti writes:
What do you all think of cnn choosing the questions instead of opening it up to a vote online?
July 23, 2007
4:59 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I'll take the under.
July 23, 2007
4:58 PM
M.E. writes:
Is anyone worried about planted questions?
July 23, 2007
4:57 PM
Charlotte writes:
I bet the most uttered phrase is "working families." Or "George Bush's war."
July 23, 2007
4:57 PM
littwin writes:
Did you see the latest Bush poll numbers? ARG has him at 25 percent. Of course, the polling began before the colonoscopy.
July 23, 2007
4:57 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Just tuned in to see Lou Dobbs moderating the pre-show. Assume he's certified all candidates are legal residents.
July 23, 2007
4:54 PM
M.E. writes:
I wonder if this debate will have a Sopranos-like ending, when we don't know at the end of 90 minutes which one is the nominee.
July 23, 2007
4:54 PM
Charlotte writes:
The first challenge of the night just rolled through my inbox from Joe Biden's campaign, which is challenging the other candidates to address the genocide in Darfur.
July 23, 2007
4:53 PM
M.E. writes:
To Jason: four. Do you take the over or the under?
July 23, 2007
4:51 PM
Jason Bane writes:
What's the over/under on how many times Barack Obama answers a question by saying, "We need to invest in people." I'd put it at 10.
July 23, 2007
4:49 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I just want to know if the candidates would have killed Harry Potter.
July 23, 2007
4:48 PM
Charlotte writes:
I'll be interested to see if the YouTube folks ask more interesting questions than journalists. The ones I saw posted on YouTube were fairly typical. No "boxers or briefs?" surprises from what I saw.
July 23, 2007
4:30 PM
M.E. writes:
WELCOME ALL,
So does anybody else wonder what Marshall McLuhan would think of tonight's format?
http://www.marshallmcluhan.com/main.html
July 23, 2007
4:17 PM
M.E. writes:
WELCOME to tonight's chat. You don't need to wait for the candidates to start talking. Post your COMMENTS right here.
Tonight, we're interested in the medium as much as the messages. Keep your eyes open for the citizen question of the night.
We'll be declaring a "winner" for the best quip of the night. (You can put it on your resume.)
Post your COMMENTS right here. (Hit "Post" just once and wait a few seconds.)
The newest postings will be AT THE TOP.
REFRESH your COMMENTS screen very, very often.
And for any technical glitches, feel free to call M.E. at (515)244-2396 or (202)436-2345.