Live Blog Of CNN / YouTube Democratic Debate (July 23, 2007)

As we usually do with such events, we’ll be liveblogging the CNN YouTube Debate.  Be sure to check us out during the debate for up-to-the-minute analysis and commentary.  At the conclusion of the debate, we’ll be providing the the statistics on the amount of time each candidate received, the amount of questions each candidate received and the amount of questions each topic received.

Tonight’s participants in the CNN YouTube Democratic Debate will be: Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, Christopher Dodd, Dennis Kucinich, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, John Edwards and Mike Gravel.

4:33: We receive a statement from Rudy Giuliani’s Communications director regarding the debate: “The leading Democratic candidates have had three debate opportunities to utter the name of our nation’s biggest enemy but have refused. America needs a leader who can not only say the words ‘Islamic terrorists’ but can also stand up to them. Tonight, voters shouldn’t be surprised if the leading Democratic candidates once again refuse to acknowledge that Islamic terrorism is at the root of the Terrorists’ War on Us.”

6:30: Chris Dodd’s extensive debate coverage online kicks off on his site. Additionally, both he and Edwards are answering additional Youtube questions on their sites after the event. We’ll make our best efforts to cover those too. Also, James Earl Jones does the CNN voice overs, which makes it seem as if Darth Vader is telling me to watch CNN.

6:34: Lou Dobbs is railing against Obama and clinton for their remarks to La Raza that racism was a big problem in the immigration debate.

6:40: We have a widget up to the right allowing you to chat directly with us - please do.  You can also IM me directly at JW2008Central using AIM. We’re now the most interactive live blog.

6:45: Bill Schneider is giving the whole ’state of the race’ update that everyone on this site probably already knows (or does not need to know, in case of some other information).

6:51: Candidates are being escorted to the stage one at a time while talking heads argue about politics fruitlessly.

6:53: Gravel, Dodd, Edwards, Clinton, Obama, Richardson, Biden, and Kucinich from left to right. Dodd again next to Gravel, and the top tier in the middle, flanked in succession by the second, third, and fourth tiers.

6:54: It’s really awkward seeing Howard Dean in the middle of the 8 candidates. Like a ghost coming back from the dead.

7:00: Introductory Youtube remarks from some guy with a soul patch who looks like he’s in an emo band in his spare time starts the debate off.

7:01: Cooper introduces the debate and talks up the quality of the questions. … And they promptly start with a laugh track of silly ones. Way to build credibility. They then make fun of Biden’s ‘what then’ question.

7:04: First question is a question about being effectual. Sounds like the guy did shrooms as he asked the question. Dodd gets the first answer, and talks about experience and bringing people together.

7:05: Obama talks about his tone and his experience to do the same.

7:07: Kucinich is asked what he has versus Obama and Clinton. He says he’s the only one who voted against the war and against funding. He also talks about duty and honor and sending troops to battle if necessary. A welcome counterbalance to his normal ranting about peace.

7:08: Clinton says Democrats are united for change, and it is about being ready to lead on day 1.

7:09: Obama says it is not a Republican problem, but a bipartisan problem and getting special interests out of the way, touting his appeal to independents in the end.

7:10: How would Clinton define liberal - says it originally meant being for freedom. Says its been “turned on its head” to describe big government in the past 40 years. She says she considers herself a “modern progressive” that includes helping people. Gets applause.

7:11: Gravel says he would not use liberal or progressive. He says he they are not united. Goes after Obama for having bundlers, and someone who owns a foreign owned bank. Obama responds by saying he pushed through a law to disclose bundlers. Gets a loud applause (seems like an Obama crowd).

7:13: What Republican would you choose for a running mate? Biden says Hagel, the perfect and only choice really. Biden also touts his crime bill. Edwards quickly says Hagel, and talks about instituting “real change” with someone who has been there.

7:15: A HILARIOUS video with Dodd contrasting his white hair with his policies achieved. Again, Dodd nails the comedy element.

7:16: Someone who sort of looks like the black guy from Crocodile Dundee 2 asks about reparations for slavery. Edwards says he is not for reparations, but talks about black people paying more for their mortgage across the board, and it needs to be addressed by fighting for big change.

7:17: Obama says reparations are investments in schools. Another huge applause, and Obama’s answer really resonates more than Edwards, even though Edwards’ might be more perceptive. Talks about “corridors of shame.”

7:18: Dennis Kucinich says he is for reparations, citing the Bible, and that a breach has happened. Seems half sincere and half desperate pandering to me. Very slight applause.

7:19: Dodd is asked what role race and class played in Katrina. He talks at length about the problem, saying there would be less of a problem if a hurricane hit white people.

7:20: Richardson states that politics played a part as well, with Republican states getting more aid, and that cannot be the case.

7:22: Obama is asked about being called not black enough. Says that’s not the case catching a cab in Manhattan. Moves on to say that when you address and take on the underlying issues regarding inequality, bigger problems will start to go away.

7:23: Clinton is asked about being a woman. Says she is proud to be a woman, but is not running as a woman. Gets loud applause. Says its not about race or gender or ethnicity.

7:24: Edwards says no one wants votes for people voting against anyone because of race or gender or ethnicity. Had to say it. Will keep having to say it … but it does the job. He then answers the question about Elizabeth’s comments about him being better for women, citing women being hurt more by poverty and poor health care, where he would help more on the issues.

7:26: Clinton talks about being an advocate for women her whole life, including in the White House and in the Senate.

7:27: Two lesbians from Brooklyn want to get married.

7:28: Kucinich says yes, because equal protection before the law means everyone gets equal rights. Doddtalks about his daughters and giving them full rights should they be lesbians, but says he does not like calling civil unions ‘marriage.’ Richardson says he would do what is achievable: get civil unions that have the same full rights as marriage, and also pass hate crimes legislation and end don’t ask don’t tell.

7:29: Edwards is asked about religious justifications for slavery, discrimination, and against gay marriage. Explains that he personally does not believe in gay marriage, but does believe in full rights, and would not use religious beliefs to directly determine policy, contrasting his position with that of his wife. The Rev. who asked the question stands up in the audience and says Edwards did not broaden the question as he intended (no, he actually just answered the question… :roll eyes:) Edwards speaks again and goes over the same ground.

7:32: Obama is asked about interracial marriage v. gay marriage. He says that it’s important to provide rights, citing Kucinich and Richardson’s answers; and that what you call it is the least important thing. I think this is probably the strongest argument right now on this issue, and just about every Democrat (short of Kucinich and Gravel) are adopting it.

7:34: Clinton commercial, a list of placards. A list of Bush administration mistakes, followed by saying that maybe it is time for a woman. Mentioning WMDs, though, is risky: she was as gung ho to find them as anyone else.

7:38: Edwards video about hair. Mildly funny, makes fun of Bush Administration hair.

7:39: Darfur question. Richardson talks about being there and meeting a woman, and that it is time to take action, getting diplomatic action and UN peacekeeping troops.

7:40: Biden says if you just worry about diplomacy, people will die. Says its time to get troops on the ground.

7:42: Gravel rants about global governance and goes really off topic. I don’t have a clue what he said.

7:43: Clinton says time to accelerate time table, moving quicker divestment and diplomacy on china, and getting a no fly zone. Clinton gives a strong no on American troops on the ground, turning it to Iraq and Afghanistan

7:45: A moment to remember those from the Citadel who died in Iraq. Here here.

7:48: Clinton agrees there is no military solution; mentions the fracas with the Pentagon this week, not getting action. Shifts blame to the Republicans.

7:49: Kucinich says it is about politics that is keeping the war going. Kucinich says it is time to stop the funding.

7:50: Dodd says timetables is the way to convince leaders in Iraq to come together. Strongly says its about moral leadership.

7:51: Richardson says all the troops should come home by the end of the year.

7:53: Gravel says soldiers in Vietnam died in vain, given the capitalism in Vietnam right now, and that everyone in Iraq is too. Obama is asked the same question, and the time to ask how we were going to get out of Iraq was before we went in.

7:55: Edwards says no troops die in vain when doing their duty. Says its time to put heat on George Bush to change course.

7:56: Dodddoes not believe in a draft, but says both women and men ought register. Dodd says every American ought serve the country in some way. Clinton agrees, that women should register as well. Seems like a consensus on the stage for that position. Clinton also talks about national public service.

7:58: Edwards talks about a woman sitting with his wife who served in Iraq.

8:00: Gravel talks about ending the draft and testily says women should also register.

8:00: Clinton is asked about being a credible leader as a woman. She talks about her meetings while in the White House and in the Senate (again no mention of Bill) and says there ought be no doubt she can be taken seriously. Says other countries have had women leaders and were credible. Says it would be appropriate to have a woman president deal with Arab countries.

8:01: Would the candidates be willing to meet with leaders of Iran, Syria, North Korea, Venezuela, and Cuba. Obama says yes unequivocably. Says Reagan and JFK both talked, but there is an obligation to find areas of agreement. Clinton will not promise to meet until she knows what intentions are, such as being used for propaganda.

8:04: Edwards takes a middle ground - he would meet with them, but make sure the meeting is safe first. Says it’s not enough to just meet with leaders, but also needs to hear from the President.

8:05: Question about what date will US troops be out of Iraq and how many troops each candidate has serving. Dodd says he would advocate a safe withdrawal if nothing happened before then. Dodd cites his family members who have served. Richardson says there is a civil war, and the time to get out is immediately. Biden says the truth is that troops need protection and civilians there need protection. Biden says 70% of deaths in Iraq are from IEDs and can be prevented with mine resistant vehicles and he is proud to have voted for them.

8:08: Clinton talks about her three point plan, and says that a brigade or so a month is the quickest possible time table. Says moving them safely is best. Richardson’s answer seems naieve after these last two answers.

8:10: Kucinich says he rejects the assumption that Iraq will last until the next President.

8:10: Gravel’s commercial; a list of his policy positions. Actually looked more expensive than Clinton’s commercial, somehow.

8:14: Richardson commercial, building off his interview ads. Bosses reviewing his resume, followed by him leaning into the room listening. Hilarious, again.

8:15: Favorite teacher: Gravel, talks about a teacher who taught him to speak, and jokes about getting no time. Obama mentions a teacher who previously lived in Kenya who grounded him and made him feel special. Biden talks about a priest who taught him to not abuse power. Edwards talked about a teacher who told him he could do anything.

8:17: A rock video question about No Child Left Behind. Richardson said he would scrap it, citing teachers, disabled kids, etc. Says the de-funding bad schools is the worst thing one could do; says teachers need a minimum wage of $40,000 per year. Talks about more art in school.

8:19: Biden talks about why he voted for it, citing Paul Wellstone and Ted Kennedy. Says it was a mistake.

8:20: Would you send to your kids to public or private school: Edwards says his kids go to public school. Chelsea went to public school in Arkansas. Obama says his kids went to private school because he taught there, and says Senators can get their kids into great public schools, he wants that access for everyone. Biden talks about sending his kids to a private school after the death of his wife. Kucinich talks about public schooling. Gravel calls for vouchers implicitly.

8:22: Dodd says his kids go to public school, and getting NCLB is the most important.

8:23: Sex education from Planned Parenthood. Republicans are taping this. Edwards says he taught young children about sexual abuse, and told children as they got older “all” they needed to know.

8:24: Obamais asked about Romney’s criticisms. Says “ironically” Romney made the same proposal in Massachusetts, and that he agreed with the comments of Edwards, and that children ought get that instruction even if their parents do not give it to them.

8:26: Funny video about the talk of Al Gore hurting videos. Biden gets in a one liner about the video hurting the feelings of people of Tennessee.

8:26: A snowman asks a question about global warming. Kucinich connects it to “glabal warring” and the connection to climate change. Says other candidates are not green enough, says other candidates are for privatization. And says keeping options on the table in Iran is about oil (not them having a nuke? uhm…)

8:27: New question about getting Americans to conserve. Gravel says the Fair Tax about what people spend, not earn, is better.

8:28: Dodd talks about his energy plan, and his corporate carbon tax to reduce carbon emissions. Just about every candidate save Gravel, who took a train, took a private jet to get to the debate. Clinton attempts to move beyond the question but gets cut off.

8:30: Question on nuclear power. Watch out for the Nevada references… Yucca! Edwards does not favor nuclear power: costly to build and no way to dispose of waste. Edwards says he is not in favor of liquefying coal also. Obama says he would explore nuclear power as part of a solution, that nothing alone will solve anything. Cites Dick Cheney’s Energy Commission. Says its more key to put national interests ahead of special interests, such as oil company. Clinton says its time to end tax breaks to oil company. Clinton says just about everything is important; says she is ‘agnostic’ about nuclear power, and that its time to decide what to do about nuclear power.

8:33: Question about standardized voting. Richardson says he would push the country towards verified paper trails. (And then says his state had problems, which he quickly glosses over before anyone realizes he just torpedoed his own credibility). Ranting Richardson is back, as he talks about same day registration and then verified paper trails.

8:35: Biden commercial touting that he is the only one with a plan to get out of Iraq.

8:39: Kucinich ad with him talking about texting peace. It’s really poor lighting, and he looks like his pupils are incredibly dilated. Even Nixon would be embarrassed.

8:40: Gravel says he would work for a minimum wage; Dodd would not (citing his daughters); Obama says that people on the stage are well off. Biden says his net worth is less than $150,000. Kucinich cites still living in his childhood home.

8:41: Social Security question. Dodd says he would support raising the payroll tax level above $97,000. Obama says its an important option, but the key is coming up with a bipartisan solution like O’Neil and Reagan.

8:43: Raise taxes or cut benefits to fix fiscal solvency. Richardson says that bipartisan solutions are key, and that he’d do things like instituting a national 401k.

8:44: Musical question about taxes. Biden says tax cuts on the top 1% are un-needed.

8:45: Will Democrats raise taxes? Kucinich says no, that he would end war and NAFTA and get better return on their taxes.

8:46: Health care time. A series of videos airs about people who are sick.

8:48: Obama says his plan will cover everyone, and talks about his mother contracting cancer without insurance. Cites “A democratic president and a democratic Congress in the 90s” who couldn’t get healthcoverage passed. Strong jab at Clinton. Edwards disagrees with Obama’s proposal, still. Clinton is practically shrinking down between Obama and Edwards right now. Edwards talks about his poverty tour, and someone who lived for 50 years without being able to talk because he could not afford the procedure. Edwards agrees with Obama’s comments about fighting for health coverage. Clinton says that national commitment is key, after saying that she has scars to show from her battle in 93-94.

8:52: Dodd gets a question and initially his mic is off. Dodd says he would conduct stem cell research. Dodd says his plan would cover undocumented workers for health reasons. Richardson says everyone in America deserves health care.

8:54: How is electing a Clinton significant change? Clinton says it was a problem that Bush was elected. Says she is proud of her husband’s record as POTUS. Says any of them on the stage would be better than Bush or the Republican.

8:55: Gravel says the Clintons and DLC sold the Democrats sold out to wall street and hedge funds.

8:57: Obama says a track record of change is important, and overcoming special interests.

8:57: The questions turn to “God and guns” according to Cooper. Uh, ok…

8:57: Biden says religion forms his values, reason his conclusions.

8:58: Question from an atheist who wonders about lip service to evangelicals. Edwards says his faith is important, but the job of the POTUS is to lift up everyone. Edwards also says using his personal faith to make decisions is also wrong. Obama is also proud of his Christian faith, but supports the separation of the Church and state for both the Church and state. Says it is important to translate religious values into moral terms everyone can accept.

9:00: Gun question about gun control. Richardson says instant background checks are the key. Also talks about poverty in the ghetto to prevent gun violence. Biden says “he needs help” if someone believes having an assault weapon is crucial.

9:02: Obama video: Upbeat, showing shots of his rallies to music. Basically makes him out to be a rock star, as much as I hate that comparison.

9:03: One thing you like and dislike about the candidate to your left. Gravel likes Dodd, but cites Dodd’s money. Dodd refuses to answer the negative side. Edwards gently makes fun of Clinton’s coat. Clinton tries to make a statement about Democrats leading. Obama says he likes Hillary’s jacket, and that Richardson devoted his life to public service. Obama jokes about Richardson liking the Red Sox and the Yankee. Richardson says everyone would be a great VP to him. Richardson talks about Biden being his Secretary of State. Biden jokes about not liking Kucinich, then says he likes his wife. Kucinich mentions there’s no one to his left; Cooper jumps in that it’s impossible to find anyone. Kucinich retreats and compliments Gravel.

Hilarious ending.

9:19: Elizabeth Edwards interviewed, and says that Hillary has a wonderful resume, but a fighter for poverty and health care is needed. Blitzer pushes on ‘behaving like a man’ (which is a misquote, btw) and Elizabeth Edwards responds about forging new ground.

9:28: The Rev. from Edwards gay marriage question says Edwards second answer really answered the question. I really think the two answers - before and after the interruption - were the same.

Related at 2008Central.net:

• CNN / YouTube Democratic Debate Candidate Time Allotments (July 23, 2007)