Breaking News: Armed Man Takes Hostages At Clinton Campaign Headquarters In New Hampshire

A man reported to have a bomb has taken hostages at Hillary Clinton’s campaign office in Rochester, New Hampshire. Police are on the scene.

Updates to follow as information becomes available…

[Update #1] Sen. Clinton is not in New Hampshire; she’s in DC at this time. Further reports indicate that the man claims to have a bomb. A witness has reported seeing a device strapped to the hostage taker.

[Update #2] Sen. Clinton has canceled her scheduled speech to the DNC today.

[Update #3] Reports are that the hostage is demanding to speak with Sen. Clinton.

[Update #4] Confirmed hostage count: two adult volunteers

[Update #5] Clinton Campaign statement:

“There is an ongoing situation in our Rochester, NH office. We are in close contact with state and local authorities and are acting at their direction. We will release additional details as appropriate.”

[Update #6] I’m confused why Fox News is showing live footage of the police taking positions outside the office, when all of the coverage of this situation has indicated that they will not be running live footage because authorities have requested they not do so.  For obvious reasons, running live footage from a helicopter that shows the police activity outside the office could potentially give the hostage taker tactical information.

Photo Credit: Rochesterdems.org

Sphere: Related Content

Friday Briefing (November 30, 2007)

Republicans

Fred Thompson: Thompson, realizing these debates show him not at his best, proposes an alternative that will never, ever happen … You want proof that these debates are not the best for Thompson? He had to clarify that he was against abortions in almost all cases. Yes, the candidate who less than a month ago was endorsed by the NLRC had to clarify that. The new language seems to be ‘prohibited,’ but he does not say by whom; I imagine it’s the states given his prior statements…

John McCain: Jim Geraghty at NRO thinks McCain won the debate. … McCain is not seeing progress in the polls, in large part still because of his immigration and campaign finance positions, even though he can tout Iraq now. … McCain did a MTV/Myspace forum, talking in part about the dangers of global warming.

Mike Huckabee: A review of Huckabee’s record on taxes finds mixed results. … David Yepsen says Huckabee should be considered a top tier candidate now. … Huckabee was on Hardball and talked extensively about religion, while also criticizing the questions asked in the debate. It’s worth a read, if only to see Matthews go on and on about no religious test for public office and then only ask Huckabee questions relating to his faith…

Mitt Romney: A new poll shows Romney down three points in Iowa to Huckabee, and you know what that means: new commercials and new mailings from Romney. … The WSJ looks at the campaign work of Romney’s sons. … Romney made a dumb mistake in regards to the Red Sox in the debate, saying they waited 87 years, not 86 for a title. …

Ron Paul: Paul is on track to raise the most money of any Republican candidate; I’m not sure that doesn’t say more about the rest of the candidates than it does Ron Paul and how alienated the civil libertarian wing of the Republican Party feels right now. I wonder if any of the other candidates can tap into that at all. I’m not terribly optimistic. … More on Paul and that superhighway, including government denials that will appease no one who believes in it. …

Rudy Giuliani: Giuliani calls the Politico story on funding a dirty trick; Jonathan Martin at Politico shrugs it off with some good comments. That’s not an especially convincing angle, especially since the Giuliani campaign was notified of the impending article earlier in the week. More facts are still emerging. … The Economist says Giuliani would be the candidate for those who think Bush has been timid in foreign policy. …  Giuliani has a new ad up in NH, trying to make a push with Romney slipping virtually everywhere. …  An extensive fact check of Giuliani’s boasts about NYC crime going down finds that he might be overstating what he did. … Giuliani’s business ties to Qatar are being looked into for terrorist links. …

Democrats

Barack Obama: Obama met with NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg this morning over breakfast in what was technically a private meeting, in as much as breakfast in front of a window before members of the NY media can be private. You can read more on this here or virtually anywhere, and see video clips (very pointless, imho) 105863">here. My take is that Bloomberg needed the meeting to be this public far more than Obama did. … Obama maintains his statistically insignificant lead in Iowa. … Obama rallied in Harlem last night with Cornel West and Chris Rock, and met with Al Sharpton prior to the event. …

Hillary Clinton: Reporters have struggled getting access to Clinton. Ipol commented on just that. … Hillary Clinton addressed Rick Warren’s AIDS conference and got rave reviews. … The Boston Globe says that New Hampshire is becoming Clinton’s firewall with Iowa so tight, but that race is tightening as well. …  Clinton’s campaign is calling for Obama’s health care ad in New Hampshire to be taken down; neither side is giving up over the mandates, but Clinton’s constantly on the offense and Obama constantly on defense on the subject. That has to favor Clinton if anyone. …

John Edwards: Edwards is also now too criticizing Obama’s health care plan. … The Des Moines Register takes a look at the vast differences in style and substance in John Edwards between now and four years ago, starting with the line: “John Edwards tells voters that there are still two Americas. What Iowa caucusgoers must decide is if there are two John Edwardses.” … Edwards outlined his trade policy in Iowa. …

The Rest: Joe Biden is at 8 percent and Bill Richardson at 4 in the newest ARG poll. Ipol’s take says everything I could possibly want to say on it. … Richardson is still trying in Iowa, even with prospects looking bleak. … Joe Biden threatened impeachment if Bush attacked Iran without the consent of Congress; somehow, I think that threat is more meaningful than Kucinich’s. Biden also attempted to flip the Secretary of State argument on its head. …

Sphere: Related Content

Everyone Now Knows Kerr was Involved in Clinton’s Campaign; What CNN Presupposed is… Maybe He Wasn’t?

CNN has admitted a failure on their part to properly vet Brig. Gen. Keith Kerr; a simple Google search would have noted that he was on both Clinton’s LGBT committee and on a military advisory committee. Additionally, he was also on an advisory committee for Kerry in 2004.

Here’s Anderson Cooper apologizing:

CNN also posted the following statement on their political blog:
CNN Senior Vice President and Executive Producer of the debate, David Bohrman, says, “We regret this, and apologize to the Republican candidates. We never would have used the General’s question had we known that he was connected to any presidential candidate.”

Foxnews also identified two possible Democrats (if not probable); they include the question about toys from China (which was a really benign question) and the question about whether a woman should be punished for getting an abortion if they are made illegal. Personally, I didn’t find the questions objectionable in any way; both are reasonable concerns. did attend a recent Log Cabin Republican meeting. So he’s not lying about his affiliation, presumably. Andrew Sullivan, who also attended the same conference, thinks it’s indicative of poor vetting, not malfeasance by Clinton. I’d tend to agree, presuming that the Clinton campaign did not know of the involvement.

After the jump, a transcript of Kerr’s monologue.
Read more

Sphere: Related Content

CNN/YouTube Republican Debate In Florida Candidate Time Allotments (November 28, 2007)

See below for the amount of time that each candidate spoke in tonight’s CNN/YouTube Republican Debate in Florida…

Actual Time Spoken:

• Rudy Giuliani: 16 minutes, 40 seconds
• Mitt Romney: 14 minutes, 18 seconds
• John McCain: 11 minutes, 28 seconds
• Fred Thompson: 10 minutes, 23 seconds
• Mike Huckabee: 9 minutes, 45 seconds
• Ron Paul: 7 minutes, 34 seconds
• Duncan Hunter: 4 minutes, 40 seconds
• Tom Tancredo: 4 minutes

Opportunities to Speak (Questions/Rebuttals):

• Rudy Giuliani - 20
• Mitt Romney - 20
• Mike Huckabee - 13
• John McCain - 12
• Fred Thompson - 11
• Ron Paul - 10
• Tom Tancredo - 8
• Duncan Hunter - 7

*Please note that given the way this debate was conducted, there was a substantial amount of very short exchanges between some of the candidates. Accordingly, some of the candidates time may differ from the actual time spoken by a few seconds.

[Kind thanks to 2008Central supporter BDA for his work in compiling this data]

Related at 2008Central.net:

• Brigadier General From CNN/YouTube Debate on Clinton Advisory Committee (11/28/07)
• Live Blog Of CNN/YouTube Republican Debate In Florida (11/28/07)

Sphere: Related Content

Brigadier General From Youtube Debate on Clinton Advisory Committee

As others have started to notice, Brigadier General Kieth H. Kerr, who asked a Youtube question about being openly gay in the military, and then was given not one but two open microphones to attack the candidates by CNN, is actually a co-chair of Veterans and Military Retirees for Hillary Committee. And it’s patently obvious if you Google the guys name as well.

Sphere: Related Content

Live Blog Of CNN/YouTube Republican Debate In Florida (November 28, 2007)

7:02: And we are ready. 1 hour to go until tonight’s CNN/YouTube Republican Debate. The participants will be: Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Ron Paul, Duncan Hunter, Mike Huckabee, Tom Tancredo and Fred Thompson. Alan Keyes (yes, he’s running) will not be participating. Keyes is taking the role formerly taken by John Cox, who, mercifully, has stopped trying.

7:20: The Giuliani campaign has sent out a pre-debate email discussing what they consider to be a high volume of negative attacks from Romney’s campaign [pdf]. It’s fairly extensive and is obviously intended to increase the press’ coverage of Romney’s negative attacks themselves (as opposed to any fallout that may come as a result of those attacks).

7:54: Lou Dobbs is ranting.  No analysis required.

7:59: The snowman apparently will not make the cut, as per the web preview on CNN.com. Three commercial breaks are scheduled for the two hour debate.

8:01: Charlie Crist is going to introduce the candidates, who are all going to fantasize about receiving his endorsement. From left to right in reverse order of their introductions: Tancredo, Huckabee, Romney, Giuliani, Thompson, McCain, Paul, Hunter. It’s mildly amusing to see them all trying to be nice to each other on stage.

8:06: CNN thinks Mitt Romney is still the unabashed front runner in the early states. Apparently they are holding this debate in October. It’s a dead heat in Iowa with Huckabee having so much more committment than Romney in Iowa.

8:08: Anderson Cooper previews questions. U-S-E-L-E-S-S.

8:10: A song that would get about 1,000 viral hits starts off the debate. This is really corny humor that will go over well with some and induce a lot of eye rolling by the rest.

8:12: The debate begins! A New Yorker asks why Giuliani ran NYC as a sanctuary city and if he would continue it. He explains why he left children exempt, why they could be treated, and why they could report crimes, and those were the only exemptions. Romney says NYC called itself a sanctuary city and that Giuliani brought a suit to that effect, and not everyone that was reported as committing a crime was deported. Two well-crafted and obviously practiced answers. Giuliani retorts by citing sanctuary cities in Massachusetts and a ’sanctuary mansion’ at Romney’s own mansion. Tough answer, and Mitt tries the direct response, and Giuliani retorts. Romney points out he hired a company and says he should not check employees of that company for immigration papers. Romney eventually segues into his record and the answer gets a lot less interesting. Seems like equals yelling back and forth, ending with Giuliani getting booed to the next question.

8:19: Pledge to veto any amnesty bill? Thompson says yes. This is inducing a lot of stump speeches. Thompson accuses Romney of flip-slopping on the Bush immigration plan ‘unsurprisingly.’ The Giuliani campaign is rolling, as we’ve already received an email about Romney hiring immigrants. Thompson accuses Giuliani of bringing a lawsuit to protect sanctuary city status, Giuliani repeats his exceptions line. McCain, using a really serious and low tone, says the plan was not amnesty and he would veto amnesty. Talks about lack of trust in the government to control the borders first, and everything else needs to be resolved second, and that the illegals are God’s children as well second.  Cites demagoguing of the issue, and that the rhetoric contributes nothing.

8:24: Tancredo basks in the glory. An employer of seasonal workers asks what he would do about it. Tancredo talks about the evils of immigration as a while, and that he rejects the idea that there are jobs that no Americans will take. Hunter makes a cameo appearance, and shockingly talks about the double fence he built in San Diego. Did he jsut send the tape of him to the debate ala Leia in Star Wars?

8:28: Why did illegal immigrants get to pay in state tuition but not children of military members? Huckabee said he supported a bill to allow people who had been in Arkansas their whole life to go to school at that rate, since he did not want to punish a child for the crime of a parent. Huckabee says a veterans bill of rights would be needed. A reasonable answer. Romney says it’s a great reason for giving money to illegal immigrants, and it is not his money, it is taxpayers money. Huckabee said it was not given, it was earned. Says we are a better country to punish children for crimes of a parent. Romney says they were here illegally and should not get benefits.

8:33: Question for Paul regarding a North American Union conspiracy. Says there is a move toward the North American Union like there was in Europe years ago, and money is spent on it. Talks about the international highway from Mexico to Canada. Sufficiently vague to not weird out many people and appease the most nut supporter (and I use that term endearingly).

 8:35: What to do about the national debt? McCain says spending has gone out of control, including a humorous example about bear DNA in Montana. Gets more passionate than his last answer, knowing his position is more in line with the GOP majority. Romney says McCain is right, and that vetos need to happen on pork bills. Mentions his health care record here in a public right. Giuliani says there should be across the board agency cuts and less rehiring when people retire, even saying Bush should do it now.

8:38: What are three programs you would decrease in size to save money? Thompson says there’s a lot of programs, and most programs would not solve the program. Thompson talks about reforming Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and eliminating 100 programs the OMB cited as wasteful. Says reform saves a lot more money than a wasteful program here or there. He’s far better specifically on the issues than generally. Paul says that Washington did not change him. Paul says he would cut the Depts. of Energy, Education, and Homeland Security. Huckabee talks about the IRS and the Fair Tax, and that Homeland Securityis a mess. Lots of cheers for Paul and Huckabee. Good humor again showed by Huckabee.

8:42: Uncle Sam in a cartoon asks if McCain supports the Fair Tax? McCain says he does not and that it would increase some tax rates into the 30% according to the WSJ. Gives a serious answer about reforming the tax code. Then segues into attacking Ron Paul for isolationism and that it caused World War 2. Gets a lot of boos AND cheers for that answer, that it allowed Hitler to come to power. Cites Thanksgiving with the troops, who said to him ‘Let us win.’ Strong McCain answer, if off topic notionally. Paul cites getting the most money from military personnel, and that he is not an isolationist.

8:45: Grover Norquist, someone who already has a platform and a pledge, asks if the candidates would vow to oppose any tax cut. Thompson says he does not do pledges to anyone but the American people, and McCain agrees, although agreeing in spirit. Paul says the real issue is spending. Everyone agrees in spirit. Hunter says there could be a national emergency or something.

8:47: Why are there farm subsidies if you are fiscally responsible? Romney gets put on the hot seat. Romney compares food to energy and says it is importantto keep people farming, and that new energy technology may come from farms. Also says the competition is subsidized, and changes need to be made together. Giuliani agrees, saying the subisides in Europe are higher. (But aren’t third world subsidies a lot lower if nonexistant? Comments would be welcome.) Question to Giuliani on the police force, and they were handled, “as far as I know, perfectly appropriately.” Interesting, considering they seem to be billed horribly inappropriately.

First introductory video, for Tancredo, comparing him to Clinton. One solitary person clapped at the end.

8:51: What to do about lead toys, and what can be done to fix things. Tancredo talks about immigration of ‘things’ being illegal if the things are illegal. Hunter gets to talk about his other issue, and that it’s in the interest of America to buy American. Does not mention how much more expensive American toys are.

Thompson’s video attacks Romney on abortion and Huckabee on taxes, using their old clips. Cooper: “Senator Thompson, what’s up with that?” And welcome to the 1993. Thompson retorts briefly. Romney jokes about being young then, and says he was wrong then on abortion and he’s not the person who is going to always have been right on every issue. Huckabee says the sales tax was ‘one penny’ higher in his time. Huckabee says that when you get kicked in the rear, it shows you’re out front. Impactful video from Thompson.

First commercial debate.

8:59: McCain video retorting Clinton, including his moment from the last debate about being ‘tied up at the time.’ Cooper says the next question is about ‘guns.’ It’s like having me ten years ago host this thing. Hunter talks about using guns ‘as his son did in Fallujah’ and that the person in the video was unsafe in his use of guns, but that the tradition is from the American soldier. Hunter’s continuing use of his son is a little annoying as well; it’s as if he’s only there to campaing for his son who’s running for office.

9:02: To Rudy: Why should citizens be required to pass tests to own guns? Giuliani says laws on the books need to be enforced, and reasonable regulations can be imposed on them, such as criminal background and mental health background. Cites the Circuit Parker decision. Thompson says Giuliani supported a wide variety of gun control laws and attended signing ceremonies to that extent, and it’s not a choice but in the Constitution. Says DC took the same position as Giuliani in NY. (I don’t think Giuliani supported outlawing handguns. That’s a significant jump). Giuliani retorts to that extent. No mention of the test mentioned in the question.

9:05: Another gun question, anyone wanting to tell about their collection. Thompson declines to say where his are. McCain says he used them when in the military but does not own one now. Hunter talks about a gun type his dad showed him. Giuliani does not own a gun, and the only guns in Romney’s house are owned by his son. 

9:07: What about inner city black crime? What an irrelevant question for this debate. Romney talks about values and having moms and dads being important, and cites Bill Cosby. Not sure that Romney should invite comparison to Jello. Also talks about schooling and more policing and ‘drunk driving’ as if that’s what causes inner city crime. Giuliani says Romney has a mixed record on violence, and Giuliani touts his strong record in reducing crime.  Finishes off with the changes he made in NYC. Romney says he was not a mayor and did not have a commissioner, and did what he could, but agrees that Giuliani’s record is nice.

9:11: Should women be charged with a crime if they get an abortion if it is made illegal? Ron Paul says the crime should be to the doctor/abortionist, and that the penalty should be up to the state. Thompson talks about the procedural posture of the question. Talks a lot but eventually agrees with Paul in talking about twice as long seemingly.

9:13: If Roe v. Wade were overturned and Congress passed a federal ban on abortion, would you sign or veto? Giuliani says he would not sign it, and leave it to the states instead. Elaborates a little more. Romney says he would welcome a consensus on the matter, but America is not there right now.

9:15: On the death penalty: what would Jesus do? Huckabee says he was the only person on the stage who ever made that decision, and that he put more time since it was irrevocable. Says there is a place for it. Talks about the process of adjudication of a death and an individual making an abortion. When pressed, says that Jesus was too smart to run for public office. Effectively sidesteps the question. Tancredo talks about being McKinley-esque (my words) and praying for guidance.

9:18: Do you believe every word of the Bible? Huckabee attempts to jump in for help when the question goes to Giuliani. Giuliani talks about interpreting the Bible in a modern context, allegorically and what not. Romney says the Bible is the word of God. Does not mention the Book of Mormon. This is turning into a mess. Huckabee says the word is revelation from God, and chooses extreme examples to make his point (No one wants to pluck out eyes!) Finishes by saying that no one can understand the Bible ever.

Romney video. Vanilla ad. In a lot of ways, it perfectly reflects the candidate in that’s so plain I’ll forget it in two minutes.

Second break.

Giuliani video touting his reform in NYC, using humor like including King Kong, and finishing with a reference to Clinton saying something censored about him. First reference to Clinton tonight, as apparently everyone’s decided to start trying to win this race finally.

9:26: How do you improve image of America in Muslim world? Giuliani talks about staying on offense on terror, while the vast majority of people in those countries are fine. Giuliani gives his line about no Democrat saying Islamic terrorism again. McCain says the most important element is continuing the surge in Iraq. (Where are the troops going to come from after March?) Says a date for withdrawal is a date for surrender. Talks up his history of calling for a new strategy. Finishes up by thanking the troops. Hunter says Americans have helped out tremendously in the Muslim world and he will not apologize.

9:29: How can people disagree with McCain on waterboarding? Romney says he opposes torture, but as a presidential candidate he should not say whether it is torture or not, or what would be used. Sounds like a hollow answer. Finishes by saying that those in Guantanamo should not get legal representation in America. McCain accuses Romney of not knowing what waterboarding is, and that it’s imperative to get the high gronud. Romney with a bit of a smirk as McCain gives a pretty good answer. Romney again defers to answer what is torture and what is not, and says that he was advised to not say what is torture so people in custody will know what can be done. McCain says then you have to withdraw from the Geneva Conventions. Says that waterboarding is not needed in Iraq, and it is a defining issue.

9:34: What candidate will make a long term committment ot the people of Iraq? (not mentioning how much those people want us there). Thompson says it is part of a bigger picture, and too many people are vested in a policy of defeat. Paul says the Iraq people should be given their country back. Paul forgets the name of the Kurds when he says people are taking their country back, and what can be done in peace is better than war sometimes. McCain says no battles were lost in Vietnam, only thr battle of the American public, to loud applause. Says that Vietnamese did not want to follow us home, but Bin Laden and Zarqawi do. Paul gives a story about not losing a battle in Vietnam being irrelevant, and that the base in Saudi Arabia and such are the cause, to loud boos. Tancredo says Paul is not living in the real world. Would have more impact if the claim came from a candidate who mattered.

9:39: For Giuliani, are you using 9/11 to propel you into the White House? Giuliani says he wants people to look into his whole record, including the Haitian illegal immigration agreement he negotiated in the 80s. Giuliani has really shied away from 9/11 references since the Biden quip (and shortly before). Again, CNN is about a month too late.

9:41: Virtual Dick Cheney asks if the VP will have as much power as Cheney. Thompson talks about the role of the VP, and that it should be chosen on quality and brought into the administration, and have some legal training and some expertise. Wandering and vague all at once. Finishes by saying that the power of the VP depends on what the president gives him. Uh, Fred? McCain says reliance on a VP depends on their expertise, and that Cheney had national security experience. Mentioned straight talk, but didn’t really deliver.

Hunter’s video airs. Boring, and looks at the same issues he’s talked about so far.

9:49: Retired brig. General who is openly gay asks why American men ar enot professional enough to serve with gays and lesbians. Hunter cites Colin Powell regarding unit cohesion, and that most who serve in the military are conservative and should not be forced to serve with people who live against their principles. Huckabee cites the Uniform Code of Militrary Justice, and that conduct matters. Romney backs off a 1994 quote that said he looked forward to the time when gays and lesbians could serve openly. The questioner stands up and says he did not get an answer, and that unit cohesion is not the source of discharge. He starts to get boos. McCain says that he talks to leaders in the field, and that he hears ‘almost unanimously’ that the present policy works.

9:54: Would you take support from gay Republicans? Huckabee jokes about getting support from anyone he can get, although he disagrees with them on same sex marriage.

9:55: National debt question. What will you do to restore the trust. Fred Thompson talks about Social Security going into the red by 2017, and more about reforms on Social Security. His previous answer looks more prescient on the issue. Romney says there’s a lot of problems out there, and a new course is needed, and that ‘new’ course is the one Reagan set out; also a rare Clinton reference tonight.

9:58: The Mars Society gets their somewhat pointless question answered. Huckabee says he would not want to make that decision, just to make the decision to expand the space program, citing technological advancements. Says Hillary should be on the first rocket to Mars to loud applause. Tancredo says it’s a serious question, and that questions like this are why the deficit is out of control.

9:59: Why do African-Americans not vote Republican? Giuliani says it’s a failure to appeal to them. (My answer: look at the dodging answer of black on black violence earlier. Answer questions, don’t give talking points). Giuliani says moving people off welfare helped. Finishes by saying that crime continues to decline because of his policy. A shot at Bloomberg in the waning moments? Huckabee says 48% of African Americans in Arkansas voted for him, because he asked for it, citing care for diseases prevalent among African-Americans.

10:03: What does the Confederate flag represent to you? Cooper points out it is nicknamed the ‘Stars and Bars.’ Thanks, Anderson. Romney says it’s not the point. Romney says it’s a pointless divise debate, and concludes with an attack on the Edwards’ two Americas. (Edwards response inevitably: ca-ching!) Thompson says it’s a symbol of racism to ome, and means something else to others, and it’s appropriate that people decided to not display it publicly.

Paul video highlighting big turnout at his rallies. Good point to make.

10:06: Question about repairing infrastructure in America. Giuliani says he continued a program to rebuild infrastructure and that it has to be a sustained program, requiring separate accounting, and that it is different from entitlement programs. Paul juxtaposes blowing up bridges overseas to them falling down in America. McCain says he will veto pork barrel projects and get the line item veto that Giuliani opposed. Giuliani says the Supreme Court found it was unconstitutional, and that he beat Bill Clinton.

10:09: Paul says he has no intention of running as an independent. Cites his money bomb. Cooper: “I’ll take that as a no.”

10:11: Why did Giuliani root for the Sox after the Yankees lost. Cites being an AMerican League fan. He must have been a huge Joe Cronin fan growing up. As an Indians fan, his stance is patently appalling. That’s the only word I can think of. I would never dare to have such a stance, and I don’t know a soul who would agree with him. Romney says he always hated the Yankees. Cooper wraps up by saying welcome to anyone just joining. On the other hand, better than diamonds v. pearls. Umm, thanks Anderson.

Sphere: Related Content

Wednesday Afternoon Briefing (November 28, 2007)

Here’s what’s going on with Democrats before the presidential Youtube debate tonight at 8:00 EST (focusing on Democrats since I’ll be talking about the GOP constantly during the live blog):

• First, though, the adjective that struck me during reading this Politico story on Giuliani billing the city for trips he made through obscure financing was that this was Nixon-esque. And that may be a charitable interpretation if what is being reported is accurate. I’ll be disappointed if this isn’t mentioned tonight.
• Bill Clinton says he opposed the war from the start, in an implicit challenge to Obama on the matter. Not many people are buying it, including Obama. The most practical take is from Marc Ambinder, who notes the matter will take away from the message Hillary wants to strike in Iowa, which seems to be becoming a trend every time the former President makes a statement. The most meaningful take, if you consider this an important issue, is probably from Ben Smith, who notes that the truth of the matter comes down to what you believe regarding the 2002 vote, which the Clintons have constantly stated was for coercive diplomacy, not a vote for war. Either way is arguable, to some extent. It looks now like a hell of a thesis could be written on to what degree Bill Clinton is actively helping or hurting the Clinton campaign.
• Barack Obama, on the other hand, may have backhandedly insulted rural Iowans by saying that it’s surprising how engaged they can be in the world. Not to get too far ahead, but that statement and the statement on Nightline that “Every place is Barack Obama country once Barack Obama’s been there” reek a little bit of arrogance, something that his campaign has been taking great pains to avoid until recently. They’re arguably the type of mistakes that may have helped doom Dean. But like I implied above, it’s far from a complete comparison at this point, just something to keep an eye on. To me, it does not really sound like that if you are lsitening to him speak, but it certainly reads like it. It’s certainly somewhat risky rhetoric, although as a native midwesterner, I have no problem saying there is a stereotype of ignorant Midwesterners. The more time Obama’s campaign has to deal with non-issues like this, the worse off it will be in the long run. For instance, no one is really talking about the foreign policy summit he held in New Hampshire yesterday. (Although, the conditions on Hamas sound a lot like parsing …). Also, Ambinder also points out how hypocritcal the attacks of Obama on Clinton regarding her comments on health care might be. More importantly, though, might be the fact that health care in insanely complicated, and it seems unlikely people will sort these problems out themselves. (And I might side with the voters on this one: what are the chances anyone’s plan gets passed through Congress unchanged?) On a more positive Obama note, however, this Post profile of Michelle Obama highlights a strength of the Obama campaign that the likes of Bill Bradley and Howard Dean did not have. (Hat tip: Hotline)
• There’s not much going on with John Edwards right now that’s as interesting or prominent as what I noted above. He won’t release what he asked from UNC in addition to a salary when he went back in 2005, but even though it seems nothing was granted, requesting college basketball tickets hardly seems outrageous. I’m all for disclosure, but keeping this harmless information out of the news cycle is a smart move on his part. … He also launched a theme week about being anti-corporate. This also includes launching a pledge to not caucus for anyone who takes lobbyist money (ahem, Clinton). You can basically take this as his intention to make a deal with Obama or another candidate come Caucus time. It really appears to me as if he wants Clinton to lose more than he wants to win. …
• Regarding other Democratic candidates, the IAFF (fire fighters) are launching a Dodd initiative in Iowa starting tomorrow. It’s that support that helped Kerry come back, but I’m not optimistic of lightning striking twice here, for too many reasons. Give Dodd an A for effort, though. … Richardson found an outlet for his pro-gun stance (that no one really seems to care a lot about anymore. Remember when that was one of the top few issues a decade ago?). Speaking of the 1990s, is using the Unser family now just about a decade too late? Also, Richardson won’t be sleeping over at your place anytime soon. … Remember when Kucinich was trying to highlight his more moderate positions to gain more support? Me neither. … Joe Biden keeps talking Iraq, and that’s probably for the best. …

Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday Late Morning Briefing (November 27, 2007)

Here’s what’s good today…

• Hitchens on Romney, Mormonism and why he should be compelled to discuss his faith.
• Romney indicates that there’s not a place in the Cabinet for a Muslim (more on this later for sure…)
• McCain discussing Iraq with reporters.
• Massachusetts moved its primary up to February 5, 2008 (gee, I wonder why).
• Approximately $5 billion will be spent during the 2008 election cycle (this figure includes non-presidential campaigns).  Yikes
• A close look at the second amendment

Sphere: Related Content

Our CNN/YouTube Republican Debate Questions

2008Central.net’s Co-Managing Editors, John Whitehouse and Angelo Carusone submitted the following questions for the CNN/YouTube Republican Debate.  Take a look… Read more

Sphere: Related Content

2008Central.net’s Presidential Election Podcast (11/26/07)

This podcast covers (1) problems with Bill Richardson’s campaign, (2) the reality of Mike Huckabee’s recent momentum, (3) Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama argue over a Novak Column, (4) the significance of experience in the 2008 election, (5) Fred Thompson’s troubles and (6) more…

Feel free to email us questions/suggestions for next week’s podcast (you can also email an audio file of your question and we’ll include it in the podcast).

Subscribe to 2008Central.net’s Presidential Election Podcast

Sphere: Related Content

Live Blog Of CNN Democratic Debate In Las Vegas, Nevada (November 15, 2007)

7:55: We’re here and ready to go. Campaign news of the day: John Edwards launches this site, aimed at taking down Hillary Clinton (at any cost?). General news of the day: Barry Bonds was indicted.

8:00: Mike Gravel is again not here. I have to think that hurts Clinton the most, as all the other attacks on Clinton sting less when Gravel is sitting on the sideline attacking everyone.

8:01: Candidates are being introduced one at a time, and CNN decided to “bring to you” the photo opp. What a shocker, CNN bringing something of little to no substance and touting it as some innovation. Clinton definitely got the loudest ovation when entering the stage. From left to right: Biden, Richardson, Kucinich, Clinton, Obama, Dodd, and Edwards.

8:04: CNN tries to bring in its political team, and says Clinton has to engage. I disagree with them: Clinton has the audience on her side, so anyone who attacks too hard risks getting hard boos they probably do not want. This goes for Edwards more than Obama. The CNN political analysts keep talking about mixing it up. How about previewing particular issues? 7 minutes in, not a single mention of anything beyond the horserace.

8:08: Campbell Brown and John Roberts are asking the introductory question, and Blitzer will ask follow ups at his discretion.

8:09: Clinton is asked about her immigration position and Edwards’ attack of the ‘politics of parsing.’ Clinton says people know where she’s stood, and talks of the importance of a tested candidate and leading from day 1. Obama is brought in regard ‘triangulating … whatever that means.’ He says that straight answers to tough questions are needed, and cites her answers the past two weeks, and also cites Social Security. Gives his stump speech of Washington changing. Clinton responds that Obama’s health care plan is a failure, as it leaves 15 million people out (coincidentally the population of Nevada, SC, Iowa, and New Hampshire). Obama says the problem is nto mandating health care plans, but making it available and affordable. Clinton jumps in, saying the Obama’s plan “does not cover everyone” and “does not mandate the kind of change mine does” as Obama says “that’s not true.” Blitzer tries to move on, but Obama forces an answer as someone in the audience starts yelling, distracting Obama. Now John Edwards finally gets a chance, saying it is about ‘trust,’ and there are fair questions. He goes over Iraq, Iran, Social Security, and change in general. Much more concise and focused of an answer than Obama’s repetitive answers. People in the audience are getting restless and yelling randomly. Clinton indicates that Edwards’ attacks are out of the Republican attack book, and that Edwards was not for universal health care when he ran in 04 but is now. Hillary bringing out the big guns. Biden says that this is ridiculous, and it’s not what people care about. Says it’s about action, not experience and change. Cites Georgia, Russia, and Pakistan. Starts a laundry list of things he’s done, but cuts himself out.

8:20: Second question, Edwards is asked about changing his positions, on Yucca and health care. Says he thinks its about learning and maturing and everyone ought be willing to do that. Says that is different from saying two things at the same time. Edwards cites Clinton saying two things on trade in the past week, as the audience noticably groans. Says the question is about America. This is just a nightmare; the issues are not getting talked about, the only thing getting talked about is vague generalities. Now Dodd gets asked about saying Edwards has changed. Dodd says there is a shrillness to the debate, and truer words have never been spoken. Richardson starts off 24 minutes in by introducing himself, and says that Edwards wants to start a class war, Obama wants to start a generational war, and Clinton wants to keep the Iraq war going, and that he wants to give peace a chance. Light laughter for a line that must have seemed a lot better on paper. Finishes with a call to be positive … after slamming the top three. What a nightmare.

8:25: Everyone gets asked if they would support the nominee. Edwards asks if the question was planted, I roll my eyes. Everyone of consequence says yes, Bidenjokingly says “Hell no!”

8:26: Obama gets asked about immigration. Says people should be frustrated. Step one of his is border security, step two is holding employers accountable, and that would get them out of the shadows, and after they pay a fine and go to the back of the line, then there can be peace on the issue. Specifically on licenses, he says they come to work, not to go get food, and that he voted for it in Illinois. Blitzer presses for a yes or no, and Obama hedges a bit (oddly, given what he just said: it’s a bad moment. From five stars to zero in terms of clarity) and says it is a distraction. His first two answers were great, the last one was mediocre at best. Edwards says no, Dodd says no, Obama says yes, Clinton no, Kucinich argues about language, Richardson says he did it, and Biden says no. Richardson and Edwards elaborate at length.

8:34: Dodd is asked what is wrong with merit pay if teachers make a difference. Dodd talks about the standards being crucial, and education is the most important issue. He gets a loud cheer for attacking No Child Left Behind, and then gives a -yawn- laundry list of bills he was involved in. He calls for a single debate on education. Blitzer says that “they’re talking about education now” before changing the subject to unions. Kucinich is asked if there are any unions with which he disagrees. Kucinich says unions are key to human rights, and workers should be included in trade deals. Richardson says he wants to be the education President and teachers are underpaid, and NCLB should be abolished. Clinton says that merit pay should be by school, and that teachers who are bad should be weeded out. This debate is slightly better now that it’s not meta, but just about issues. Biden says that the judgment should be improving themselves outside of the classroom. Talks about his plan to spend more money on education.

8:42: Biden is asked about Pakistan, and the balance between democracy and a key allies. Biden says he’s talked personally to Musharaff and Bhutto, even before Bush did. Says he would take action on military aid and increasing economic aid to help the middle class. Richardson is asked about his proposal to cut off military aid helping the terrorists there. Richardson says that human rights should be more important than security (Carter-esque) and gives his own laundry list of conditions for aid. Says that Islamists get 15% if the vote in Iran, so moderates should win in free elections. When asked if human rights are more important than security, he says yes, and talks about Halliburton for some reason. Edwards talks about reasonable goals for Iran, including elections and nuclear weapons. He says that the ad hoc approach of dealing with nuclear weapons will not work, and instead there should be a long term international effort to rid the world of nuclear weapon. Obama says that the concepts of human rights and national security are not contradictory. Dodd starts out with criticizing Bush, and says obviously national security is more important, and that balance is necessary to prevent Islamists winning across the Mideast. He does not want to condition aid, and terminating the relationship leaves the country more dangerous. Clinton agrees with Dodd, and criticizes Bush on Afghanistan and Pakistan. Clinton cites calling for a Pakistani envoy earlier in the year. Kucinich complains about not getting to answer as Blitzer ignores him.

8:53: Richardson is asked about the surge if it is working. He says body counts are pointless, and no benchmarks are being met. Says troops need to get out and a political agreement negotiated. He’s not clear how he would do that. Kucinich is asked the same, and talks about his record on Iraq. Then criticizes the Democrats for funding. Kucinich says on Pakistan that aggression on Iraq and Iran helped cause these problems. Obama talks about regional diplomacy and working towards a political solution. Saying that going from horrible to intolerable is not a justification for the surge.

8:58: Do people who voted to open trade from China bear responsibility for faulty toys? Kucinich says yes, and says China has massive problems. Kucinich attacks Edwards for opening trade from China, and that it hurt workers. Also attacks him for being a trial lawyer. Edwards says that America’s trade policy has been a disaster. Edwards tries to deflect the attack on the Clintons for passing NAFTA but not universal health care. Edwards says the mistake is not holding China responsible, but bringing them into the WTO is not the problem. Clinton is asked if Perot (???) was right on NAFTA. Says that investigations should be done to make sure things are safe, and if not, nothing should be brought in. Says NAFTA was a mistake to the extent it did not do what they thought it would. Reminder about time outs on trade are needed. Dodd jumps in and reminds about Obama and Clinton supporting the Peruvian trade deal. Dodd adds that he calls for action on China. Obama clarifies that he did not flip-flop on Peru, and distinguishes it from Korea or CAFTA. Compares America to Japan on China, and failure on that. Biden says that action can be done under the WTO, and action can simply be taken. Candidates are all wanting more time.

9:06: Yucca question, what to do with the waste. Obama says that there’s no reason for Nevada to be the reason to repository for waste, and science is working on other options. He then talks about his energy plan broadly. Blitzer follows up where the waste should go, and Obama says that Blitzer needs to stop making assumptions. Richardson says he was in charge of the labs Obama mentioned. Richardson says he opposed it all his life (despite voting for it at one point) and that he would turn Yucca into a research facility, and nuclear is not an option. Calls for an energy revolution.

9:12: Is Clinton playing the gender card? Clinton says she’s playing the winning card, not the gender card. And adds that it’s because she is winning, to applause. Follow up about what she meant about the ‘boys club’ she mentioned. She says there have been ‘impediments’ to women and a glass ceiling for women. Everyone is asked about if Clinton is playing the gender card. Edwards says differences should be brought up. Edwards mentions Clinton taking money from lobbyists, and the crowd boos.

That wraps up part 1 of the worst debate so far this year. Except for Clinton, probably, who’s attacking others and then riding high on incredible support inside the auditorium.

Part 2, questions from voters.

9:27: First question from a mother of someone who did three tours of duty in Iraq who wants the troops to come home now. How would people show leadership on Iran. Biden says that it’s important to take a stand, referencing Kyl-Lieberman and it was a mistake that convinced the rest of the Muslim world that America is against them. Blitzer asks Clinton about voting for the resolution. Says the fear about the resolution is baseless but does not elaborate at all, and says aggressive diplomacy with Iran is needed, to just get them to the table. Says that Iranian Nation Guard has killed soldiers in Iraq and sanctioning them is part of diplomacy. Edwards is asked about Clinton’s comments, and says that stopping Bush and Cheney is the crucial element. Obama says the problem with the vote was not just about declaring the group a terrorist, but that it also said that forces should remain in Iraq to blunt diplomacy. Obama is asked about missing the vote and says it was a mistake. Everyone thanked the soldier and his mother. Kucinich tries to get in and Blitzer ignores him.

9:32: Another question from a mother of someone serving in Iraq, about troops making significantly less than private contractors, and also wishing Richardson a happy birthday. Richardson says he pull out private contractors and enlarge the military. Also talks about health care cards for veterans and mental health care.

9:34: Racial profiling question from an Arab-American (he may not be Arab-American, which would be horribly ironic). Edwards asmits he voted for the Patriot Act, but it needs to be changed, and illegal spying needs to stop, and Guantanamo needs to be closed and torture ended. Kucinich says he voted against the Patriot Act because he read it. Kucinich says people who are profiled are owed an apology. Says that people are changing their position far too often, and impeachment needs to be done now. Biden says that nothing in the Patriot Act allows profiling, it’s just a convenient excuse. Biden says that the two leading candidates voted to fund Guantanamo, but the standard should be a plan now.

9:39: Question about Lou Dobbs linking terrorism and illegal immigration despite no terrorist coming from the southern border. Richardson first says he was not in Washington for many of these votes, and Congress’ approval rating is lower than Cheney’s. Talks about declaring a border emergency in New Mexico, but it’s time to stop demonizing immigrants. Talks about tougher diplomacy with Mexico and no fence among otherwise a very conventional comprehensive plan. Dodd responds in Spanish at first. Says that a fence in some places would make sense. Says that upholding rights and security is important.

9:42: Question from a grandmother who works in a casino, about what happens when the Baby Boomers retire en masse and what happens with Social Security and Medicare. Obama thanks the Culinary workers. Talks about fiscal discipline will help but not cure everything. Says adjusting the payroll tax cap will help with Social Security. On Medicare, says it is tougher because of health care inflation. Says a universal health care plan with prevention will save money and save Medicare. Clinton is asked by Blitzer about criticisms from Obama but ignores it and talks about fiscal discipline of the 1990s. Says a bipartisan commission will help. Says Obama’s plan is a one billion tax increase on the middle class. Compares the attack to Romney and Giuliani, playing with numbers, and just involves the top 6%. Clinton says that there are some in the middle class who are in that. Says Obama called for a bipartisan solution on MTP. Clinton is maintaining her composure far more than Obama tonight.

9:54: Dodd is asked about SCOTUS nominees. Dodd talks about a clear judicial record, not an academic, but not believing in litmus tests, although he feels strongly about Roe v. Wade. Biden refuses to just answer Blitzer’s question, and says he has taken on justices. Biden says he will nominate a woman next, and a right to privacy exists under the 14th Amendment. Richardson gives four questions he would ask, if that is a litmus test, so be it. Kucinich said he would have a litmus test on abortion, and he will lower the need for abortions. Clinton says any nominee would have to share her belief about privacy. Credits Biden on the issue. Obama says he would not appoint anyone who did not believe in a right to privacy, and that the Court is meant to protect the vulnerable in the political process. Edwards essentially agrees with Richardson, and cites Brown v. Board and the courage needed on the SCOTUS.

10:01: Obama is asked about uniting the country regarding the Middle East, but says he did not say that Clinton could not unite the country. Says that he would hold regular foreign policy meetings with Republicans and Democrats. Clinton is asked about being too polarizing, says she heard the same thing in New York. Says she will enlist the best of the best. Biden answers the question by talking about being respected in the Congress. Richardson talks about his record and his approach to Israel, including an envoy.

10:08: For Clinton: Diamonds or pearls? She says she wants both. Biden says he likes diamonds.

That’s all.

My quick rankings:

1. Clinton

2. Edwards

3. Biden

4. Obama
5. Dodd
6. Kucinich
7. Richardson

Sphere: Related Content

Edwards Hints At Third Party Run?

Edwards refuses to state whether or not he would support the Democratic nominee if it’s not him (HT: Ben Smith).  Other Democratic candidates have stated that they would support the party’s nominee if it’s not them.  This is pretty much the standard political response and is given in order to reaffirm a candidate’s loyalty to the party and make it clear that they’re not interested in undermining the party’s chances at the general election (aka: they basically promise not to be a sore loser).  I’m not entirely sure this means that Edwards would actually consider a third party run.  At this point, his refusal to address this question is more than likely intended to allow him to continue to press his Democratic rivals as strongly as he has been.  After all, it’s kind of hard to meaningfully argue that some of your rivals are corrupt, if you’ve already indicated that you would support them for president.

Sphere: Related Content

Ron Paul Raises $4.3 Million In A Single Day…$7.3 Million This Quarter (So Far…)

The fifth of November may come to be remembered for something other than Guy Fawkes’ failed Gunpowder Plot. Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has raised $4.3 million online in a single day after campaign supporters decided to make a splash by donating en masse on November 5th. There were over 37,000 contributors yesterday. Read more

Sphere: Related Content