Live Blog Of Des Moines Register Democratic Debate (December 13, 2007)

2:00: And we’re here. First question about balancing the budget. Richardson shockingly talks about being a governor. Biden blames bad Republican priorities. Dodd talks about how everything is complicated and there needs to be jobs and no more war in Iraq. It’s a complicated answer and spends more time saying Richardson’s experience is meaningless than anything. The battle for fourth continues! Edwards says taking on greed in the federal government is the key to everything. Doesn’t really say how. Clinton talks about the success of the Clinton administration in this area, and that it cannot be done in a year, but economic growth requires fiscal discipline.

2:10: When are tax increases appropriate? Richardson talks about taxing the wealthiest more, and a constitutional amendment for balancing the budget with about 5 exceptions. More ending the war talk. Edwards continues the assault on corporations by blaming them for this system, and ending the tax breaks for people that take jobs overseas. Also talks about specific policies he’s proposed without saying if these changes would pay for everything. Clinton says she wants to restore taxes on corporations from the 90s.

2:14: Won’t it take time to cut military expenses from Iraq? Biden talks about making serious cuts in the Defense Department. Obama says he’s put forward where the money would come from for every proposal he made. Obama talks about a building in the Cayman Islands that houses 12,000 corporations. There’s no way to distinguish any of the top 3 candidates on anti-corporate rhetoric. It’s simply impossible. Richardson jumps on the Biden train and talks about MORE programs he would institute. Dodd talks about being pro-growth and the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit. Minimalistic response…

2:17: Richardson talks about China being a competitor and leadership being needed … and then about how much leverage China has by holding our debt. Dodd talks about how much China is adversarial in regards to trade and something needs to be done. Nothing about how he would change things aside from being ‘tough.’

2:20: Clinton is asked about entitlement programs. Talks about Medicare specifically being a problems with rising costs and Social Security in the long run. Touts her plan with reducing Social Security. Biden says lifting the cap on Social Security is an easy solution (everyone but her seems to say that). Biden gives the preventative and modernization schtick. It’s a good schtick, but never seems to go anywhere. Obama jumps on the prevention train, citing obesity rates from 1980 saving a trillion dollars. He then talks about changing politics in Washington. Richardson says universal health care is a right and then goes into the prevention train.

2:24: Open statement, from Obama. References King and the fierce urgency of now. Thematic, and concludes by asking everyone to caucus for him. Edwards goes next, talking about corporate power and corporate greed, and being willing to fight them, and its what he has done his entire life (it’s phrases like that that bring up the Fortress stuff). He finishes by accidentally saying America will be worse. Ummm….

2:26: Trades v. Terrorism: Biden says human rights standards should be added to trade agreements. Richardson channels Carter in saying Human rights is a fundamental tenet of Americna foreign policy. Says we should consider sanctioning China unless they hold open elections. Really?He keeps going by adding so many standards that none of those he mentions has an impact. Dodd talks about the Harken amendment in a blatant attempt to pander. Says it should be universal right, not ad hoc. Iraq, Chris? Edwards says human rights should be essential, but America gets dangerous toys and plant closures. I’d love to hear a word count on corporate for the day.

2:31: Clinton says NAFTA ought be changed, and that there are winners and losers from NAFTA, and she will ask for revisions and get labor and environmental standards. Doesn’t want to be a trade patsy. Obama pretty much agrees. He goes back to human rights and says that situations like Guantanamo undermine leverage on human rights. An issue of going back that really worked. Dodd jumps in with saying he proposed sanctions in the Senate for Darfur that passed unanimously.

2:32: Biden talks about how America is ready for action and cites a Catholic hymn. Richardson thanks Iowa humorously and then segues into how many Americans are dying in Iraq and bad VA treatment. Awkward segue there, but he seemed to somehow pull it off.

2:35: How would you turn energy costs of your plans into a benefit for the economy? Biden talks about some things that can be done, but sacrifice is necessary ultimately. Richardson is a governor and was energy secretary, if you did not know. Also, he talks about how it was a shame that the Senate killed the Energy Bill. Talks for a long time but doesn’t say much. Dodd continues pandering and dropping Iowan names, and then goes to the corporate carbon tax, and that Gore endorsed it. Finishes on a rhetorical flurry that would be impressive if he was a candidate who mattered. Clinton talks aabout a cap and trade system and new ways to get to objectives while cushioning costs, while enlisting people in a cause. Another rhetorical flurry, but aimed at avoiding specifics that would harm her in a general election. Obama says its a moral imperative for his daughters. Obama talks about wind turbines in Keokuk, which is also pandering but at least interesting. Talks about being bold enough to talk about efficiency in Detroit, which isn’t as bold as he made it seems. Edwards blames … corporate interests, don’t you know. Implies there’s no difference between carbon tax or a cap and trade system. Finishes with a moral responsibility claim. Clinton jumps in regarding the raise your hand on global warming thing from yesterday, saying ‘we all believe in it.’ This is what she did at earlier debates - showing leadership of the candidates, even if unprompted.

2:44: How would you have voted on the farm bill? Dodd says he would definitely vote to preserve Iowa. Shocking. Obama says he would cap subsidies for agri-business to help the family farm. Far more nuanced than Dodd, but the pander-thon continues. Says he would have voted against the farming bill. Biden drops the Culver name as well and says he doesn’t see farmers in Iowa, as there’s no family farmers left, really. Finishes by citing Tom Harken. Clinton says she follows Harken on the farm issue, and apparently has New York family farmers traveling Iowa today to help Iowan family farmers. Says family farmers are almost an ‘endangered species.’

2:48: Clinton is touched by Iowan stories. Says you don’t get change by demanding it or hoping for it, you get it by working hard for it, and asks people to caucus for her. Echoes of John Kerry working the front lines there. Dodd talks about a sense of competence and achievement and working in the Peace Corps. “We ask for your vote.” I’m not a fan of the royal we.

2:50: How do we improve schools? Edwards says get them young, universal Pre-K. Wants a national teaching university like the naval academy, and big changes in No Child Left Behind. And wraps up with … two Americas! Somewhere, Mitt Romney is throwing something at a TV. Richardson realizes how many ‘top priorities’ he has and say it would be one of the top priorities. He wants more science and math; Also wants to reform the high school curriculum ‘with local control.’ I don’t understand that whatsoever. And finishes with teachers getting paid more and an appeal to art. Follow up with a question about New Mexico; Richardson talks about how bad education was and how high teachers are now paid. Watch the footwork as he dodges the issue!

2:54: Obama jumps on the above lines of thought, and then moves on to asking parents to do more to help education. Dodd says education is the key to everything, and the accident of birth. And he agrees that it’s important to start with parents, and leadership that talks about it everyday. Clinton talks about a long history of work and ‘knows’ that the president has a bully pulpit (which plenty others already mentioned, but she’s framing it as in she knows what the White House is about). Dull answer, interesting framing. Edwards chides the moderator for asking him the qusetion twice, and talks about paying for college at community college or a state university. The moderator chides him back saying he raised his hand. Biden talks about his wife teaching today.

3:00: Your first year, what can you do: Obama talks about starting to end the war and initating diplomacy. Second, undermining every executive order by Bush. Then health care. Biden says he will order the Biden plan in Iraq, and making other health care and education reforms. Richardson will end the war, pass universal health care, energy reforms, and that he will follow the Constitution. He goes on and on, and the moderator, Biden, and Dodd all crack lines about it.

3:04: Personal ethical question. Will Clinton be as secretive as her health care plan was criticized as being? When asked about gaffes, Biden talks about Indians building families though “7/11s, Duncan Donuts, etc.” it’s about building families and similar to Italians owning restaurants and that he talks bluntly. Everyone on stage agrees that Biden has bona fides on civil rights, Obama in particular. How can Edwards accomplish goals with calling groups in Washingotn corrupt? Easy question for him, it’s straight from his stump speech. Talks about an epic battle in front of us. Nowhere near as elephant in the room as the first two questions. It’s important to win … but doesn’t talk about how he would fight. Just that he would fight. How much is Dodd motivated by the memory of his father being censured by the Senate for misusing campaign funds? Dodd says that his father was well intentioned and he wants to continue that tradition. Richardson is asked about the troubles when he was Energy Secretary with Wen Ho Lee. Richardson says it was about nuclear secrets and Lee being incarcerated and that he’s glad the other gaffes were not raised (seriously). He doesn’t want to apologize for protecting nuclear secrets. Obama is asked about relying on Clinton foreign policy advisers as Clinton cackles (hey, I have an awkward laugh too, let’s call a spade a spade); Obama shoots back he is looking forward to Hillary advising him as well. Obama says there’s plenty of people from Clinton, Carter, and the Bush I years that know what they are talking about.

3:15: Would you use signing statements? Clinton says she would use them like they were used before W, telling a funny anecdote about Bush making a signing statement to practically veto a bill she passed on FEMA. Edwards agrees wit hthat and says that all branches of government should be co-equal … (he does not mention taking away health care).

3:17: New Years Resolutions: Clinton talks about family, exercise, and campaigning that Democrats can be proud of. Edwards says that children are going hungry, without health insurance, and people are losing jobs. Far more powerful appeal than Clinton’s. Dodd talks about optimism, hope, and moral authority, and juxtaposes Guantanamo with Nuremberg; finishes with a caucusing joke. Richardson says his resolution every year is to lose weight. Says that Congress and the President should end the dysfunctional relationship, but that he should stay positive. Ummm, 1+1 does nto equal 3, Bill. Biden says that he tries to remember where he came from, and remember when things were bad so you can appreciate the good times. Obama talks about being a better family man and remind himself that it is not about him and he cannot be afraid of losing.

3:22: Lessons from Iowa: the logical conclusion of Pander-rama. Clinton thanks everyone, and that she has eaten her way across Iowa and will remember them when President. Back to inevitability! Edwards talks about Iowans driven by the gut. Dodd talks about Iowa. Richardson talks about how he has studied the Iowa history, and how they like underdogs. Biden says Iowa deserves to be first. Obama talks about core decency. He’s deliberately avoiding the inevitability rhetoric.

That’s it. Briefly: Pander, pander, pander, plus Clinton is back to the early strategy….

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Brownback Touts Foreign Policy Experience

After finishing behind Romney and Huckabee in the Iowa Straw Poll, Sam Brownback is trying to gain ground by focusing on his foreign policy experience:

Republican presidential candidate Sam Brownback on Tuesday criticized President Bush and two GOP rivals, saying the presidency isn’t a foreign policy classroom.

Brownback’s criticism that governors often do not have the foreign policy experience necessary to be president was aimed primarily at rivals Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, both former governors. But in the process, he also took a jab at the man they all seek to replace, former Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

“We’ve got to walk more humbly and a lot more wisely than the current president,” said Brownback, a Kansas senator and former member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“I really believe this next president needs to go in with knowledge on foreign policy and not learn it on the job,” said Brownback, who has been a vocal activist against the genocide in Darfur.

“We have a tendency to elect governors as president because people like executive experience. I don’t have any problem with that. The problem is most governors don’t have foreign policy experience.”

As for his foreign policy experience, Brownback was, when the Republicans had a majority in the Senate, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was for a time the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, which included Iraq. So as you can imagine, he had a lot of comments over the yeas on Iraq. Here’s a few:
Read more

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Live Blog of AFL-CIO Democratic Candidate Forum on MSNBC

This is being moderated by Keith Olbermann and airs from 7:00 to 8:30 tonight EDT on MSNBC. Every Democratic candidate except Mike Gravel is participating.

6:53: The candidates parade in and greet Olbermann, as Tucker Carlson wraps up the pre-show with more talk of the decline of organized labor. Chris Matthews joins in and talks about what Edwards has at stake. The endorsement of labor could be the one thing that could help Edwards overcome the money deficit compared to Clinton and Obama. Matthews also talks about NAFTA and Bill Clinton pushing it through, talking more about Edwards talking points from yesterday’s speech. I’m pretty certain at this point that Matthews is for Edwards. Matthews talks about what it means for manufacturing to come back. Matthews points out that the winners in free trade are doing better than the losers. I’m blown away by this analysis.

6:59: Matthews seems bored.

7:00: And away we go from Soldier Field. Olbermann greets us, and hopefully his mother will not get hurt by an inadvertant jab. From left to right, Richardson, Obama, Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, and Kucinich. John Sweeney talks about the AFL-CIO and says nothing for minutes.

7:03: Back to Olbermann. It’s a multiple part debate with questions in the second part coming from labor members. A minute is spent talking about how little time they have.

7:04: Question for Dodd about what should not be funded to afford road reconstruction. Panders to the audience and then talks about cutting spending on Iraq and defense, specifically missle defense. Pretty liberal stuff from Dodd. Dodd is also screaming for some reason.

7:06: Clinton gets the second question on infrastructure. Clinton manages to thank everyone without pandering. She talks about building infrastructure, including ports. And how it affects homeland security. Links the bridge to Katrina and 9/11, and also mentioned digital infrascture.

7:08: Obama talks about security and repeats that he thinks America is not safer since 9/11, another shot at Clinton. Talks about Iraq being wrong and Al Qaeda rebuilding; gives the short version of his security speech. Says that would save enough money to make infrastructural changes others referred to.

7:10: Biden talks about infrastructural bill he sponsored in 1992. And talks about how many poor tunnels are on the east coast and need to be repaired as Clinton nods. Talks about the need to rebuild and put America back to work. Biden says he can’t wait to debate Giuliani on homeland security. Talks about the 9/11 commission not being funded.

7:12: Edwards gets his first question and thanks every single labor member in America. Edwards says the infrasctural change needs to happen and that its a question of who can do that. Edwards refers to lobbyist money and what he said at the YearlyKos forum (not really related to the question, but clearly another shot at Clinton).

7:14: Kucinich is asked if the government should build stadiums like Soldier Field. Kucinich says the approach should be to buy the team, not build the stadium. On infrastructure, Kucinich talks about a bill he has in Congress. Doesn’t really say what it does. Concludes by saying its time to get out of NAFTA and the WTO.

7:16: Obama is asked if he regreted supporting public financing of Soldier field. He says he does not, based on the jobs it created.

7:17: Bill Richardson is asked if selling toll roads is the answer. He says it is not. He then talks about his support from unions, making a joke about still taking their money (I found it humorous). He thne talks about building infrastructure and finding creative solutions.

7:18: How would Clinton fix NAFTA? Says its hurt American workers in the ‘way it was implemented.’ Doesn’t say who it was that implemented it poorly. Says that globalization should not be a race to the bottom, but lifting everyone up. Says Bush has not enforced trade agreements. Cites vote against CAFTA and voting against fast track authority for Bush. Says a source of new jobs through renewable energy is key.

7:20: Everyone else on NAFTA. Richardson says trade agreements need to acknowledge labor standards, and get rid of union busting attorneys. Obama says that NAFTA can be amended with labor standards. Calls for labor involvement in these agreements, and a president needs to be separated from corporate lobbyists. Another shot at Clinton, but he kind of rambles. Biden jokes about how much time Obama got, then says presidents need to create jobs… and then completely agrees with Obama. Dodd also agrees, but adds that jobs need to stay here. Dodd talks about banning outsourcing. He again touts (sort of in an over the top fashion) about being a union guy. Edwards says fix NAFTA, but says it was negotiated by insiders, not by people who understand labor. He then says he will never be on Fortune magazine being the candidate of corporations. Another big shot at Clinton. Kucinich says he would withdraw from NAFTA or the WTO. Ends by appealing for applause.

7:26: Clinton gets a response to Edwards and says she is ‘taking it all in.’ Touts her history fighting the right and says if anyone wants to win ‘I’m your girl.’

7:27: Obama is asked about cheaper products from globalization. Says jobs are more important than cheaper goods. Says it is a question of who the president is representing in trade. Says special interests are what needs to be checked.

7:28: Is China an ally or adversary? Richardson says a ’strategic competitor.’ Says its important to confront them on currency manipulation, workers rights, human rights, and the Sudan. But also points out common interests …. and is cut off for time. Obama says China is a competitor and needs to be confronted when necessary, and also China can’t be America’s bankers. Biden says China ‘holds the mortgage on our house.’ Says America is in debt almost a trillion dollars to China. Clinton agrees with Biden and takes the time to tout the Clinton surplus of the 90s. Also talks about tougher standards for food as she ends with raising her voice to a yell. Dodd says competitor, but to not delude ourself with ignoring the Chinese military buildup. Says its important to get access to Chinese shelves. Edwards agrees with everyone, and human rights abuses. Edwards talks about Chinese toys getting recalled and getting country of origin labelling. Kucinich says that MFN status was the time. He also says America dug a hole to China.

7:36: If you withdraw from Iraq and Al Qaeda takes over, what then? Richardson talks his plan for withdrawing and ends up talking about greenhouse gases. Obama says the only way is prevention and bringing the fight to where Al Qaeda is in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Biden says his detailed plan is the solution to prevent America from having to go back to Iraq. Clinton touts her three point plan to get out of Iraq, including putting pressure on the Iraqi government. Also says a diplomatic effort is key, but fighting Al Qaeda whereever is key. Dodd talks about remember the troops fighting. Dodd talks about a slow withdrawal and then says diplomacy is key. Says we should not sell arms to Saudi Arabia if they are not supporting us in Iraq. Edwards says an immediate partial withdrawal and regional stability. Talks about planning for the possibility but does not really say what his plan is. Kucinich talks about withdrawing forces and cutting funding. He completely ignores the question, bu tin fairness they all seemingly did.

7:43: Obama is asked how long it took for him to decide how to vote on the war spending bill. He said it was difficult and it’s important to start bringing thme out responsibly, but says he wanted the troops funded. Says that unless minds of Republicans are changed, nothing can be done on Iraq, and that is what he was worried about. Clinton gets the same question, and it is noted that she voted after Obama. She says the war is George Bush’s war, and says it wsa important to send a message to Republicans, and it was a tough vote because she didn’t want to hurt the troops.

7:45: Dodd is asked about his ‘confusing and confused’ statements about what Obama said. Dodd said that while Musharraf is no Jefferson, he’s the only thing preventing Pakistan from being an Islamist nuclear state, Strongly disagrees with Obama. Obama gets a follow up and says that those who are criticizing him made the biggest foreign policy blunder of our lifetime. Says Dodd did not read his speech and says that it’s common sense to act on Al Qaeda intelligence. Obama gets cut off for time, but gets a rousing line of applause. Clinton criticizes Obama for speculating on hypotheticals (but does not say why). Clinton says its wrong to telegraph this action, even if its the right action, because it hurts Musharraf. Says you should not say everything you think… and gets heavy boos for it. Dodd talks about his mistake on the Iraq vote in 2002 but says it has nothing to do with unilateral action in Pakistan. Obama clarifies what he said and talks about working with Pakistan first, and that the biggest threat to America is in northwest Pakistan. More candidates try to jump in, but instead, it’s another commercial break.

7:54: The wife of a mining accident victim last year refers to the Utah accident, and asks what would the candidates do to improve security. Biden says to implement mining safety measures brielfy, but spends most of his time saying its already the policy of America to go into Pakistan if there is actionable intelligence. He gets booed.

7:57: What can be done to restore rights of workers to form a union. Kucinich touts his membership in the AFL-CIO, and say union membership is a basic right.

7:58: Question to Richardson from an Iraq war veteran who lost his job when it was outsourced. Richardson shows good command by knowing where that town is (Newton, IA). Richardson says there’s a need to fully fund veteran health especially with Iraq and Afghanistan. Also says he would give a health care card so veterans can get care anywhere.

8:00: Question for Dodd, why his daughter who is fighting in Iraq had to buy her own armor and spend double the amount of time deployed. Dodd touts his time in the national reserves in the 1960s. Dodd attacks Republicans in the Senate for blocking reform on the issue.

8:01: Question for Edwards from someone who lost his pension and health care when LTV went under. Large applause from those attending, including Edwards and all the candidates. Edwards says its emblematic with what is wrong with America. He says that pensions need to be protected, and there needs to be universal health care so it does not have to be bargained. Says that America needs to understand how important labor is and he can do that. Touts his experience on the picket line. Olbermann tries to interrupt, Edwards objects and gets a laugh. That was his chance and he said everthing he had to say.

8:04: Question for Clinton on pensions. Says that bankrupcy can not be an escape from pensions. Touts her and Dodd’s reforms on mine reform. Says she would sign employee free choice act. It’s hard for me to escape how much she is yelling .She concludes by touting her support from the NY AFL-CIO.

8:05: A citizen who was an immigrant from Argentina who is asked about a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Says employers are taking advantage of workers, but that a pathway to citienship is possible, but must be earned through waiting and paying a fine. Finishes with talking about working with former LTV workers when it closed, after agreeing with Edwards that its important to look at where someone has been.

8:08: Biden is asked about nurse shortages. Biden talks about getting 100,000 new horses, and the need to insure children and catastrophic accidents while working for universal health care plan. Biden concludes with a long and loud look at his record. Seems to be a sharp attack on Edwards for walking on picket lines while running for president. Is Biden Clinton’s attack dog?

8:10: Kucinich talks about his health care plan.

8:11: Edwards responds to Biden by referring to walking 200 picket lines. Talks about what he believes in America - pensions and union rights and no scabs. General stuff. Edwards admits not much organized labor is from North Carolina, but adds again that it is important to tell America about unions. Biden tries to jump in, and is booed again.

8:13: Question for Dodd about how to make companies invest in energy. He talks about health care, and gets booed for going off topic. He then talks about his energy plan, mentioning specifics. Nothing he says excites the crowd at all.

8:15: Question for Clinton. Talks about green technology and education, specifically curriculum reform.

8:20: Job description for VP. Richardson says it would not be Dick Cheney but someone who can step in. Clinton is asked about her statement about lobbyists, but why do they make so much money. She talks at length about reform in Washington, avoiding the question. Then talks about fighting against special interests her whole life, and her record speaks for itself. Obama is asked about lobbyists bundling for him. Obama says federal registered lobbyists do not bundle for him. And that he’s running for working people. Edwards draws a dinstinction, and calls wht lobbyists fdo as bribing and says it needs to end. Says the Democratic party has to stand up. Biden is asked if he would appoint a Republican to run the DoD or DHS. Says he would consider it if people across the aisle were reasonable. Was the Dept. Homeland Security a good idea in retrospect with no terroist attacks on US soil since 9/11. Says America is not safer because of people in Iraq and Afghanistan. Says terror is a tactic not a philosophy. Also cited the right to organize, which was controversial when DHS was created. Kucinich when asked what the Democratic Congress has done, says he is trying to lead Congress, not follow, citing bills he sponsored. Obama is asked if he would honor Barry Bonds. Obama joked about Bonds taking a while, and says that he met Hank Aaron and that there’s enough cynicism in sports. Obama declines to answer when pushed. Clinton is asked about Katrina (talk about night and day in terms of toughness of questions after the Bonds one), and talks about rebuilding New Orleans. Biden is asked if he would end no bid contractsand simply says yes.

8:29: Is the presidential race too long? Richardson says yes, but its important to bring the country together. Says he represents change, experience, and electability. Obama says campaigns are too long and cost too much and are affected too much by insiders. Says it is important to mobilize for change. Biden says he would not be bothered, and its only starting early because of frustration with Bush. Clinton says she would be too busy to notice, working on health care (which she previously promised would be done by the end of her second term). Uses the broom and vacuum cleaner line to clean washington. Dodd points out that if this were a parliamentary system, George W. Bush would be gone. Concludes with an appeal for America to work. Edwards talks about public campaign finance reform. Edwards then talks about the man who could not speak for 50 years because he could not an afford an operation. Concludes with talking abou tconfronting the drug companies. Kucinich says he is the Seabiscuit of this campaign who is going ot scare off competitors. Funny, but only funny because he will not win. Kucinich is basically a parody of himself at this point.

And that’s it.

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Press Released: Week of June 24 - July 1

Press Released will cover press releases over the past week that may have gotten overlooked in the media cycle. It’s not meant to be complete, but should be comprehensive including any release relating to national politics. Calendar press releases will not be covered.

Barack Obama

Obama and Sen. Lugar are co-sponsoring an initiative on non-proliferation.

Obama issued a statement on the failed immigration legislation.

Obama issued a statement on the Senate resolution regarding Zimbabwe.

The veterans affairs apprpriations legislation contains elements Obama proposed.

Obama issued a statement on the Employee Free Choice Act.

Obama commented on the Middle Eastern summit earlier this week.

Obama issued a statement on stalled ethics reform.

Obama issued a statement on VP Cheney.

Bill Richardson

Richardson issued a statement regarding his support in the Latino community.

Richardson issued a statement regarding theunrest in Iran and how it ought affect American policy.

Richardson issued a statement by Refugees International on Darfur.

Richardson added staff in New Hampshire.

Richardson issued a statement on the immigration bill.

Richardson gave a speech to the Center for National Policy on his vision for foreign policy.

Richardson issued a press release touting that he had broken into the top tier.

Richardson issued a release regarding the veto threat by Pres. Bush regarding the registry in the DC apprpriations bill that would include same-sex couples.

Richardson touted his A grade from New Mexico conservation voters.

Christopher Dodd

Dodd defended the Family and Medical Leave Act he wrote in a letter to Sec. Chao.

Dodd commended the 2007 Presidential scholars for taking a stand against torture.

Dodd issued a statement on the veto threat of Pres. Bush over a registry in DC that would include same-sex couples.

Dodd issued a statement on the SCOTUS diversity ruling.

Dodd’s Youtube spotlight generated significant attention.

Dennis Kucinich

Kucinich appeared on the Late Show, and posted video on his website.

Michael Moore endorsed Kucinich’s health care plan.

Kucinich touted his record of voting in the House.

Kucinich told the US Conference of Mayors that cities have been pushed aside and it is time to make them the ‘heart of America.’

Hillary Clinton

Clinton received endorsements from a Hispanic group; also she received endorsements in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, California (1, 2), Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Florida.

Clinton is focusing on fixing student loans.

Clinton announced a group of LGBT supporters.

Clinton’s statement on the SCOTUS desegregation case.

Text of the keynote address Clinton gave this week at the Center for a New American Security. Worth a read for her view on foreign policy.

Clinton issued a comment regarding the hearing on air quality on 9/11.

Clinton is co-sponsoring a bill aimed at saving the bee population in America.

Clinton issued a statement on the detention of Iranian-Americans in Iran.

Clinton met with leaders from the Northern Ireland government.

A health IT bill received committee approval in the Senate; a patent bill Clinton is co-sponsoring did the same.

Clinton issued a statement about a Senate bill to support democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe.

Clinton issued a statement regarding the immigration bill.

Joe Biden

Biden issued a statement regarding the SCOTUS school diversity ruling.

Resolution sponsored by Biden that would pay for US dues to UN peacekeeping operations passed committee.

Biden introduced legislation that would create a legal distinction between crack and powder cocaine. He said the Hatch proposal would not go far enough.

Biden issued a statement regarding the Employee Free Choice Act.

Biden introduced legislation to preserve the Underground Railroad.

Biden’s proposal for Iraq continues to gain support.

John Edwards

Edwards launched his first ad in New Hampshire.

Edwards commented on the failure of the Employee Free Choice Act in the Senate.

Edwards held house parties across the country this week.

Edwards received endorsements from African-American and Latino leaders.

Edwards is expanding his operations in New Hampshire.

Edwards issued statements on the direction of the Supreme Court in general, and one specifically about the school diversity decision.

Duncan Hunter

Hunter issued a statement on the immigration bill, after earlier in the week saying that a vote for it would be a vote for amnesty.

Jim Gilmore

Gilmore issued a statement on the immigration bill.

Gilmore issued a statement regarding Sen. Lugar saying it was time to withdraw from Iraq.

John McCain

McCain issued a statement on the Employee Free Choice Act.

McCain issued a statement on the failed immigration bill.

McCain issued a press release about a bill he is sponsoring which would solidify the repeal of the fairness doctrine.

McCain announced endorsements and campaign additions in New Hampshire (1, 2, and 3), Iowa, and South Carolina.

Mike Huckabee

Huckabee is putting the audio of his blogger conference call on his website.

Mitt Romney

Romney issued a statement on the Senate immigration vote.

Romney announced endorsements in Michigan and Washington.

Romney’s campaign called to solicit support this week.

Ron Paul

Paul wrote an article about the stem cell debate missing the point, it should be about the rights of taxpayers, and nothing else.

Paul held a big event in Iowa opposite the presidential forum, and drew more people than the entire forum.

Paul wrote that he was happy the immigration bill failed in the Senate.

Paul’s website is the most popular among all Repulican websites.

The Paul campaign is raising money to pay for their new national headquarters in Arlington.

Rudy Giuliani

Giuliani announced endorsements and campaign additions in California, South Carolina, Florida, and Iowa.

Giuliani issued a statement on the Senate immigration vote.

Giuliani issued a statement regarding the ending term of PM Tony Blair.

Sam Brownback

Brownback criticized Romney’s change in stances on agriculture; with Brownback voting multiple ways on the immigration bill, as I have noted, it seems this might backfire if Brownback is not careful.

Brownback issued a release touting his book, which will be released this week.

Brownback wrote a letter to the White House calling on Pres. Bush to intensify the fight against Islamic extremism.

Brownback commented on his votes on appropriations bills, including some earmarks he proposed for Kansas, and his vote against the foreign aid bill “due to its funding of programs which weaken pro-life policy.”

Tom Tancredo

Tancredo issued a press release celebrating the failure of the immigration bill; he had issued a press release earlier in the week that criticized the Senate for bringing the bill up for debate. Additionally, Tancredo is going to send produce to Sec. Chertoff for suggesting that the failure of the bill is causing food shortages.

Tancredo later in the week called for Ron Paul to be included in the Iowa presidential forum.

Tommy Thompson

Thompson won the Linn County straw poll. I am having difficulty finding details on how many participated in the poll. Here are the percentage results.

Mike Bloomberg

Bloomberg issued a press release about the bond rating for the city and how it is ‘highest rating the City has ever achieved’ and also touts his fiscal management. Possibly innocuous, but with rumors of him running and with his predecessor running, it reads like it might mean something more.

Bloomberg gave a speech about the improving NYC schools.

Mayors against Illegal Guns, the group led by Bloomberg, hailed the removal of the Tiar amendment in the Appropriations bill, saying:

The Tiahrt Amendment, a version of which has been inserted into the Department of Justice appropriations bill each year since Fiscal Year 2003, places broad restrictions on the use of information the ATF collects on guns used in crimes, called trace data. The Tiahrt Amendment also prevents local governments and police from accessing federal crime gun trace data from areas outside their immediate geographic jurisdiction; prevents cities from use of trace data in state and local civil enforcement actions, including gun license revocations; and prevents the ATF from publishing reports that use crime gun trace data to analyze nationwide gun trafficking patterns.

Technical note: all language I use to describe a release is what the candidate uses or what I judge to be the most accurate way of describing the candidate’s position; e.g., if a candidate calls global warming the ‘climate crisis’ I will use that; if they call it ‘alleged global warming’ I will do the same.

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Live Blog of the PBS Presidential Primary Forum of 6/29/07

8:35: Unlike cable news with long extended preview shows, the lead in of the debate tonight is the ‘International Dancesport World Championships 2006.’ The Russians just dominated the Rumba and the Samba, for what its worth.

As for the debate tonight, it’s going to supposedly focus more on domestic issues like Katrina response and health care. Those issues will play very well for Hillary Clinton; FEMA worked exceptionally well under James Lee Whit in Pres. Clinton’s administration, and she’s had as much experience with health care as any other candidate.

8:50: Finally getting revenge for the Russians Sherman-esque march to Berlin over 60 years ago, the Germans squeeze by the Russians to take the title. I could write thousands of jokes about this, but they’d probably be more offensive than that one.

8:57: Commercial before the debate: telecasts of the Israeli Baseball League are broadcast on Sunday mornings.

9:00: The National Minority Consortia and the California Endowment are the sponsors.

9:01: Long intro by the President.

9:03: This is the second Democratic debate at a historically black college; Tom Joyner comes out and cracks a joke about being a scorpio. Then talks about the power of black media and the power of black America. I’m curious as to whether this intro is appropriate or not: is this just a forum for ‘black America’?

9:06: Tavis Smiley talks about ‘The Covenant for America.’ And this is just about ‘black America.’

9:09: ‘Children must be cherished.’

9:10: Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts comes out to introduce the candidates. He might be a future presidential or VP candidate if things break the right way for him. He’s pretty impressive here, talking concisely about holding Democrats to offering a positive vision. Clinton, Biden, Richardson, Edwards, Obama, Kucinich, Gravel, and Dodd are introduced. Someone puts a mic right next to Elizabeth Kucinich’s clapping. The introductions were so rapid fire that it was hard to gauge support; Clinton was first as well, and probably got the loudest, but it’s hard to say.

9:14: Is race still the most intractable problem in America in light of today’s SCOTUS decision? Clinton goes first, and says race and racism are still an issue in the world; she points to the stage and says things are getting better. She gets mild applause and goes to loud voice: citing Katrina and the Covenant, and criticizes the SCOTUS ruling by touting diversity.

9:16: Biden says it is still the defining issue of our times; he says the rationale of the SCOTUS decision would have held down progress this past century. Gets applause for saying that he talked tough to Edwards and Alito and the next candidate has to take a stand.

9:17: Richardson says dealing with racism is about being authentic. Calls for integraion and affirmative action to be renewed and leading a dialogue; says race is not a talking point but facts of life.

9:18: Edwards goes for the cheap pop by thanking the college for hosting. Edwards says slavery and then Jim Crow laws led into discrimination today, manifesting in the two americas. Also calls for voter reform.

9:20: Obama thanks everyone as well, and talks about him following in the footsteps of Thurgood Marshall, and that racial equality is good for America, not just black America. Says the progress is not good enough; they show Al Sharpton looking at someone near him, oddly enough; Obama calls for mutual responsibility and political will in the White House.

9:22: Kucinich agrees with Obama. There’s definitely no risers here by the way, as Obama hovers above Kucinich. Kucinich: “they tell people to pull themselves up by the boot straps and then they steal the boots.” Kucinich calls for educational reforms, like universal pre-K and pulling resources from war to affording college.

9:23: Gravel thanks the forum for being the most fair; Gravel criticizes the war on drugs; the audience seems stunned; very mild clapping for Gravel mentioning the percentage of African Americans in jail. Gravel says drugs are a public health issue, not a criminal issue.

9:25: Dodd goes last, saying the shame of segregation has been happening slowly over the past few decades. He says education is the crucial issue to equal access in society.

9:27: Half an hour in … one question. This might not go too long.

9:28: And the mics on the next question are off briefly… Black high school graduates have 33% higher unemployment rate. Biden is asked first why.

9:28: Biden talks about the education gap being wide and getting wider because single mothers are not given enough support. Biden wants to focus on education on pre-K at age 4, and better teachers at school.

9:30: Richardson says improving education should be the foremost priority. Richardson says its crucial to pay teachers more and make college education affordable.

9:31: Edwards says he’s worked on poverty his whole life and it’s a cycle that creates the failure, without a single cause. Edwards adds that incentive pay to get better teachers in rural areas and the inner cities. And also to help the lower class: unions and predatory lending.

9:32: Obama mentions how many good ideas there are and that ‘John is exactly right.’ Talks about teachers and providing resources. Says the most important thing is recognizing the children as ‘our children.’ A political will argument similar to what Clinton has said on health care; Obama is clearly pushing political will tonight.

9:34: Kucinich brings up MLK saying war hurts two countries, and that shifting paradigms from war to education and health care is the key issue.

9:35: Gravel says the people need to solve the issues, not the leaders. Says the people on the stage are all guilty, like everyone else. Gets a loud response.

9:36: Dodd again has to follow Gravel… that’s not an easy thing to do. Dodd talks about dedicating himself to that issue in the Senate. Touts himself being named ‘the Senator of the Decade’ by the Head Start Foundation.

9:37: Clinton goes last, and starts with that ‘it takes a village to raise a child, and the American village has failed.’ Clinton talks about her work on education. Clinton goes back to the original question and says that people with degrees are still turned down, and that it is an issue that is broader than education.

9:39: What’s the plan to stop AIDS?

9:39: Richardson says it is a moral imperative to fight it nationally and internationally. Says education in African American community is important; Says fighting AIDS in Africa is crucial. He even praises the work done by Bush in that regard. Also says its important to get Needle education. Was that a Needle exchange program?

9:40: Edwards says that black women are 25 times more likely than white women to contract AIDS. Good command of the issue. Edwards calls for comprehensive health reform.

9:42: Obama agrees with the health reform but adds that it is important to educate the community. He then talks about the importance of taking a step back and creating development that solves problems broadly.

9:43: Kucinich talks about education to prevent it; and that access to health care is a basic right in a democratic society. Says it is time to end for-profit health care, citing Michael Moore.

9:44: Gravel again calls for the other candidates to end the war on drugs and says all the health care plans except Kucinich’s subsidize the insurance companies.

9:45: Dodd calls for more school clinics that children could use for advice and information. He mentions that many diseases - SIDS and others - are much hgher in the AFrican American community. Dodd comically gets caught off and says he would take global warming for 600; Smiley responds by saying that were he Paris Hilton he would get an hour.

9:47: Clinton says that were the stats negative for white women that there would be outrage. Making her own joke about not being compared to Paris Hilton, Clinton touts her work to improve medical access.

9:49: Biden says these ideas are good but do not prevent AIDS. Biden talks about his rallies in Delaware aimed at getting men to wear condoms and getting women the courage to say no. And cites how he and Obama were tested for AIDS and it is a public issue. Obama jumps in, and says he was tested with Michelle. Funniest moment for me.

9:51: Warren Buffet said the tax rates are too low for the wealthy; Edwards is asked about it.

9:52: Edwards calls for rolling back tax cuts for the rich to pay for universal health care. He also calls for a higher capital gains tax that rewards work and not wealth.

9:53: Obama agrees the tax cuts should lapse (does not specifically mention just for the wealthy). Says it is about fairness, being allocated fairly. Obama said the tragedy in Katrina happened beforehand, with a lack of systematic investments.

9:54: Kucinich says those in the high tax bracket and corporations are avoiding paying a fair amount of taxes; also that war is taking too much of the budget.

9:55: Gravel calls for wiping out the income tax and replacing it with a retail sales tax.

9:56: Dodd calls for a ‘fair, progressive, and pro-growth’ tax rate. Calls for returning to the Clinton era tax rates (Not sure that calling for a return to the Clinto era is a good tactical move).

9:57: Clinton reiterates the success of the Clinton era. She also mentions the payroll tax. She agrees that the tax system needs to be reformed.

9:58: Biden agrees to repeal the tax cuts to the wealthy. Biden says the people who are wage earners are paying more taxes than the investors and that needs to be changed.

9:59: Richardson calls for the tax cuts to the wealthy to be moved to the middle class, with incentives for companies to move to rural and inner-city areas. Calls for Democrats to be pro-growth Democrats and develop the economy.

10:01: Why are blacks imprisoned more when they are arrested less?

10:01: Obama says the justice system is not color blind, and requires political courage to solve these issues.

10:02: Kucinich calls for mandatory minimums to be ended, and reforms on drugs based on rehabilitation, not incarceration.

10:02: Gravel says money buys justice.

10:02: Dodd says mandatory minimums have been a failure and that crack cocaine and powder cocaine need to be legally differentiated.

10:03: Clinton says racial profiling and mandatory minimums need to be got rid of; She calls for more rehab and making the cocaine distinction as well.

10:04: Biden agrees on diversion and cocaine; says it is important to put pressure on the states for better justice.

10:04: Richardson calls for a strategy to deal with poverty, such as raising the minimum wage and increasing access to unions.

10:05: Edwards agrees on everything; minimums, cocaine, etc; he mentions residivism as well. Also calls for counseling.

10:06: Would you support a law guaranteeing a return to New Orleans and gulf areas based on the UN document?

10:06: Kucinich says yes, and that the government failed before and after in Katrina.

10:07: Gravel says yes, and that the war has wasted resources that would have been available in New Orleans.

10:07. Dodd says yes, and that Katrina is a symbol of the Bush administration.

10:08: Clinton says that it is important to get the structure back - hospitals, police, etc - and that is crucial. Criticizes the administration.

10:09: Says it is a national problem that requires a guarantee of action.

10:09: Richardson says he would support it, that FEMA needs to directly report to the president, and that the insurance companies need to be forced to pay to rebuild.

10:10: Edwards mentions that he announced his campaign in the 9th ward and that he would have someone in the White House report to him every day, to let New Orleans rebuild.

10:11: Obama finishes what Edwards was saying, that Halliburton getting contracts is outrageous. Obama says the problem was assuming that everyone could pack up and leave, and that potential Katrinas have been left unattended.

10:12: What is the solution for outsourcing.

10:13: Gravel says that the trade agreement benefits management and other countries. And that financing health care on the backs of companies makes them uncompetitive.

10:13: Dodd says it is a problem, and providing tax incentives could be crucial.

10:14: Clinton talks about her work to fight outsourcing, trade greements with standards, and helping Americans compete. Adds in clean energy would create millions of new jobs.

10:15: Biden says it is necessary to take burdens off corporations for health care (really? his health care is by far the most conservative).

10:15: Richardson calls for upgrading science and math standards and trade agreements with standards, also for investing in companies.

10:16: Edwards talks about the mill where his dad worked shutting down. Agrees with the previous few candidates.

10:17: Obama talks about working with people who were laid off from steel workers, with no effort made to re-train workers. Says that in addition to the other plans, investing in retraining is key.

10:18: Kucinich calls for cancelling NAFTA and the WTO; criticizes the Democratic administration that started NAFTA.

10:19: Question about Darfur and our claim to moral leadership.

10:19: Dodd says Iraq has cost America its moral authority; says it is important to take unilateral action.

10:20: Clinton says the peacekeepers need to get in asap, with airlift and logistical support, preferably from Nato; and lastly a no-fly zone over Sudan.

10:20: Biden says he has been calling for action for three years. Biden says it should have happened two years ago., and American troops should be on the ground.

10:21: Richardson says that genocide is more important than sports, and that pressuring China is important. Agrees on the no-fly zone.

10:22: Edwards agrees tactically, but says it is important to gain moral authority, spending billions on education and clean drinking water.

10:22: Obama says protection and the no-fly zone are important, but looking at trade and foreign policy attention on Africa are crucial to long term security.

10:23: Kucinich has 15 seconds: says it is time for corporations to stop exploiting Africa.

10:24: Gravel says moral judgment … and then briefly thinks he’s not being heard. Concludes by saying most people on the stage have proven they do not have moral authority.

And on that parting shot it is over. Not an especially memorable debate.

12:30: Thoughts after reflecting and reading the comments:

I don’t think there was a crowd favorite - they really seemed to respond to the answers and not just a certain candidate.

My initial impression was that Clinton got more applause, but the frenzied pace in the second half (mostly caused by a slow as molasses pace in the first half hour) seemed to just take the focus off the applause.

I think - for once - all the candidates did well at getting their positions out. Biden, Clinton, and Obama were the most focused; Dodd got a terrible draw by having to follow Gravel - he had to use 15 seconds of every minute just to distinguish himself from what Dodd was saying.

Edwards focused more on his campaign theme of two Americas; it wasn’t focused, but it was still probably a success.

I can’t imagine any of the candidates being upset by their performance.

Although the Biden gaffe implying that he and Obama got tested for AIDS - which Obama clarified hilariously - was probably something he wished he could take back. But it wasn’t something that will hurt him.

I found some of the humor off (the Paris Hilton comments). And I found the moderation somewhat inconsistent (it seemed the time for answers went drastically down as the evening went on). But I would also describe it as fair, and it was refreshing to see other topics discussed, and in a manner in which everyone could weigh in.

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Press Released: Week of June 18-24

Press Released will cover press releases over the past week that may have gotten overlooked in the media cycle. It’s not meant to be complete, but should be comprehensive including any release relating to national politics.

Barack Obama

In what is probably the most important release this week, Obama listed all of the earmarks he requested for this years budget, challenging others to do the same. Ipol already has a good write-up of it here.

Obama released a statement on democratic activist Aung San Suee, who is imprisoned in Burma.

Obama released a statement on clean burning coal, which he said still needed more research before it could be used safely in lieu of the ‘climate crisis.’ He issued another release later in the week saying the energy bill was a “modest first step” towards addressing the crisis.

Obama called for the Employee Free Choice Act to be passed. His campaign issued a statement of his about Nevada Culinary Workers Union settling their contract with Harrah’s.

Obama released a statement that praised The Higher Education Access Act for taking his recommendations, including recommendations to better fund primarily black colleges.

Obama issued a release about the strong ethics reforms he is pushing with Russ Feingold. This was a day before he made the announcement of the strict ethics reforms he would institute if elected President.

Obama joined with Chuck Hagel and Sherrod Brown to sponsor a bill that would improve services for blind veterans.

The Obama campaign announced the participants in the Dinner with Barack.

Bill Richardson

Richardson issued a statement on the actions of the New Mexico Senators regarding the Energy Bill.

Richardson issued a statement on Gay Lesbian Bisexual & Transgender Pride Month.

Richardson issued some press releases honoring the South Carolina firefighters who died.

Richardson said he was pleased the North Koreans have so far kept the promises they made to him when he visited in April.

Richardson called for all troops to be brought home from Iraq.

Christopher Dodd

Dodd hailed the unanimous passage of Head Start funding.

Dodd issued a press release regarding his introduction of legislation to further help the Gulf Coast recover from Katrina.

Dodd and Sen. Shelby introduced legislation to attempt to fix the currency crisis with China.

Dodd teamed with Ted Stevens tto introduce a bill that would give 8 weeks of paid leave for “workers needing time off due to the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a child, spouse or parent with a serious illness or to care for their own serious illness.”

Dodd is upset that Sen. Coburn put a hold on a bill with broad bipartisan support that would provide additional funding for civil rights crimes still unsolved. He wrote an op-ed with Rep. John Lews this week as well.

Dodd issued a release calling for greater pressure to be put on Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur.

Dennis Kucinich

Kucinich was upset that Congress voted Iran in violation of the 1948 Convention on Genocide because of Ahmadinejad’s comments that Israel must be destroyed; he said Ahmadinejad’s comments were similar to what Pres. Bush has said on Iran and Iraq.

Kucinich and Rep. Waxman asked the SEC to slow down the offering of Blackstone LP.

Kucinich touted that he and Michael Moore were on the same page regarding health care. He issued a separate release of Moore endorsing his health care plan.

Kucinich issued a release criticizing the laxing of labor laws in New Orleans following Katrina.

Hillary Clinton

Clinton received endorsements this week in New York, New Jersey, California, Arkansas, Washington, New Hampshire, Nevada, and Michigan.

Clinton called for the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Clinton held a tree planting ceremony to symbolize the need for alternative energy in western New York.

Clinton called on the Bush administration to provide answers as to the air quality after 9/11.

Clinton called on the Dept. of Homeland Security to make the northern border more secure.

Clinton wrote her NY constituents a letter regarding her position on the Iraq war.

Clinton was pleased at th reforms of student loans passed by the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Clinton is among the co-sponsors of a bipartisian health IT bill.

Joe Biden

Biden also urged passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Biden announced support in New Hampshire, and the National Coordinator of Veterans for Biden.

Biden issued a scathing response to an anonymous attack by the Obama camp on his appearance at the funeral of the SC firefighters.

Biden introduced a bill that would address the Iraqi Refugee crisis.

Biden called for a new foreign policy strategy for dealing with Russia.

Biden issued a press release regarding National Clean Beaches Week.

John Edwards

Edwards issued a statement on Gen. Petraeus’s comments on Iraq.

Edwards urged passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Edwards commented on the death of the South Carolina firefighters.

Edwards issued a statement reagarding the report of the Army Corps of Engineers report on New Orleans.

As part of his renewed campaign to ‘build one America’, Edwards promised to take on abusive lenders and to reduce debt.

Duncan Hunter

Like Barack Obama, Hunter also released a list of the earmarks he proposed in the current Appropriations bill, and deserves credit for that.

Hunter criticized the cross-border trucking program with Mexico.

Fred Thompson

Fred Thompson has a blog on his official site where commentaries he gives elsewhere are often cross posted.

Jim Gilmore

Gilmore wrote a letter to President Bush suggesting a middle ground between the status quo and withdrawal on Iraq.

Mike Huckabee

Huckabee received an endorsement from the Home School Legal Defense Association.

Mitt Romney

Romney announced endorsements in Massachusetts, Nevada, Iowa, and Montana.

Romney unveiled his ‘Global Initiative For Values And Freedom’ which focuses on broad strategies to combat the jihadist threat.

Romney launched a new TV ad.

Newt Gingrich

Gingrich cited 9/11 Commission report in touting he was right in that several 9/11 hijackers were in the US illegally.

Ron Paul

Paul had a column up this week about the inevitable failure of earmarks i the appropriations bill that waste billions of dollars.

Paul issued a press release regarding his support for a wall and opposition to amnesty or any benefits for illegal immigrants.

The Paul campaign is upset regarding Paul’s exclusion from a candidate forum in Iowa sponsored by the Iowans for Tax Relief and Iowa Christian Alliance.

Rudy Giuliani

Giuliani issued a press release regarding the air quality at Ground Zero, quoting numerous sources indicating the air was safe.

Giuliani’s campaign issued a statement touting their position in the race; we discussed this a bit during this week’s podcast.

Giuliani is in favor of making all earmark requests public. This is what Hunter and Obama have done already. He issued a second release on the topic earlier in the week, and a statement by Steve Forbes to the same effect.

Giuliani announced endorsements in Florida, New York, and a replacement of his campaign chairman in South Carolina, who is taking over for Mark Ravenal, about whom the campaign denied knowing any information..

Giuliani announced his economic policy board.

Giuliani issued a statement on Bush’s nomination of Jim Nussle as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Sam Brownback

Brownback commemorated World Refugee Day.

Brownback opened his office in Ames at the conclusion of his bus tour, which he called a big success.

Tom Tancredo

Tancredo touted an amendment the House passed that would enhace ties between Taiwan and America.

Tancredo’s campaign distributed a pledge against amnesty to members of Congress and urged them to sign it.

Mike Bloomberg

Text of the speech of Mike Bloomberg at the “Ceasefire! Bridging The Political Divide” conference.

This is the press release Bloomberg issued after changing his political affiliation to independent.

Technical note: all language I use to describe a release is what the candidate uses or what I judge to be the most accurate way of describing the candidate’s position; if a candidate calls global warming the ‘climate crisis’ I will use that; if they call it ‘alleged global warming’ I will do the same.

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