A Western Wall Wailing

The Western Wall or Wailing Wall in Jerusalem is the holiest site in Judaism.  The wall dates back to the construction of the Second Temple in 19 BCE and remains the only standing remains of the holy site.

During Barack Obama’s trip to Israel on July 24th, he made a surprise stop at the Western Wall and according to Jewish tradition inserted a personal prayer into the wall.

News later broke that some Yeshiva student (who should know better) - removed Obama’s prayer from the wall and passed it off to the press. As the Rabbi in charge of the Western Wall noted; “The notes placed between the stones of the Western Wall are between a person and his maker. It is forbidden to read them or make any use of them.”

Regardless of the sin attached to this action, Obama’s prayer read as follows: 

Lord -Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will.

Today, it was reported in the Jerusalem Post that the Yeshiva student who removed the prayer apologized.  The article notes: 

I’m sorry. It was a kind of prank,” Aleph said, his hands shaking as he fingered the tightly wadded-up sheet of King David Hotel letterhead. “I hope he wasn’t hurt. We all believe he will take the presidency.”

Channel 2’s religious affairs correspondent said she had passed the note from the yeshiva student to the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, which reinserted it - deeply - between the ancient slabs of stone.

As the story gets more complex.  Jpost reports that there is a movement to open a criminal investigation into Ma’ariv, the newspaper that published Obama’s note.  In addition, others have called for a boycott for the paper.  Following up; 

In response, a Ma’ariv spokesman said that “Barack Obama’s note was approved for publication in the international media even before he put in the Kotel, a short time after he wrote it at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. In any case, since Obama is not a Jew, publishing the note does not constitute an infringement on his right to privacy.”

The paper added that is was “pleased” with its “journalistic accomplishment.”

So the story gets more complex….

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John McCain Running Ads On JPOST

I noticed this little nugget yesterday: John McCain has a significant web ads buy on The Jerusalem Post.  Below is an image of the ad:

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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

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Giuliani Calls for School Vouchers; also for no Palestinian state

Giuliani today discussed education while campaigning in New Hampshire, specifically supporting school vouchers, which seems to be on its way to becoming a political issue in the general election:

“How is it that we have the best higher education in the world and a weaker K-through-12 system?” Giuliani said. “What’s the difference? Why does one operate so well and the other not nearly as well? American higher education is based on a quintessential American principle - choice.”

As mayor of New York, Giuliani backed vouchers for private and parochial schools in the face of opposition from his own schools chancellor.

“I’d give parents control over their children’s education,” Giuliani told the audience of about 150 people at a solar power products plant. “We’ve got to have competition operating. If we don’t do that, our education system is going to deteriorate.”

This site has a nice history of Giuliani’s history on education, including trying in vain to take over the city school system (Bloomberg succeeded in that effort) and saying that the city system ought be ‘blown up.’

Earlier in the week, Giuliani published an essay in Foreign Affairs magazine. The reviews in general have not been kind, suffice to say. The most sanguine criticism I have read is that the essay seems to be a stump speech, not a serious academic effort. On the stump in Iowa, I would not think twice about some of the things Giuliani says. But in a foreign affairs essay it raises serious practical issues, even among Republicans.

But, in terms of election year politics, perhaps the most intriguing part of the essay is this section where Giuliani makes the case against developing a Palestinian state right now:

America has a clear interest in helping to establish good governance throughout the world. Democracy is a noble ideal, and promoting it abroad is the right long-term goal of U.S. policy. But democracy cannot be achieved rapidly or sustained unless it is built on sound legal, institutional, and cultural foundations. It can only work if people have a reasonable degree of safety and security. Elections are necessary but not sufficient to establish genuine democracy. Aspiring dictators sometimes win elections, and elected leaders sometimes govern badly and threaten their neighbors. History demonstrates that democracy usually follows good governance, not the reverse. U.S. assistance can do much to set nations on the road to democracy, but we must be realistic about how much we can accomplish alone and how long it will take to achieve lasting progress.

The election of Hamas in the Palestinian-controlled territories is a case in point. The problem there is not the lack of statehood but corrupt and unaccountable governance. The Palestinian people need decent governance first, as a prerequisite for statehood. Too much emphasis has been placed on brokering negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians — negotiations that bring up the same issues again and again. It is not in the interest of the United States, at a time when it is being threatened by Islamist terrorists, to assist the creation of another state that will support terrorism. Palestinian statehood will have to be earned through sustained good governance, a clear commitment to fighting terrorism, and a willingness to live in peace with Israel. America’s commitment to Israel’s security is a permanent feature of our foreign policy.

This would seem to be an issue that could become a platform perhaps for his party in the next election. There are favorable reviews already up of it, including at the National Review. I can’t imagine that Democrats would look forward to defending Palestinian statehood in a national election, although Bush’s acceptance of that policy might make it slightly easier, though more risk politically.

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Obama-Clinton Fracas Expands: Now Joe Biden and Chris Dodd Are Involved

Senators Joe Biden and Chris Dodd each issued sharp rebukes to both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama regarding their continuing disagreement over Obama’s statement that he would consider meeting with any and all world leaders.  Before getting to Biden and Dodd’s remarks, some background info on the Clinton-Obama fracas…

At the CNN/YouTube Democratic Debate on July 23, 2007, Senator Obama response to a question about meeting with foreign leaders:

QUESTION: …In the spirit of that type of bold leadership, would you be willing to meet separately, without precondition, during the first year of your administration, in Washington or anywhere else, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea, in order to bridge the gap that divides our countries?

OBAMA: I would. And the reason is this, that the notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them — which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration — is ridiculous….

Hillary Clinton’s follow up to this question foreshadowed the friction that was to come later in the week:

CLINTON: Well, I will not promise to meet with the leaders of these countries during my first year. I will promise a very vigorous diplomatic effort because I think it is not that you promise a meeting at that high a level before you know what the intentions are…

In the days after the debate, the Obama and Clinton campaigns continued the exchange with a series of critical memos and statements.

Enter Joe Biden and Chris Dodd.  The Biden campaign took the first jab yesterday evening when Luis Navarro, Biden’s Campaign Manager, issued the following statement:

“This squabble is a distraction from the main event: defeating the Republicans and ending the war responsibly. Petty arguments about foreign policy credentials will not get mine resistant vehicles in the field any faster and will not get our troops home any sooner. Already Republicans are seeking to divide Democrats on the one issue that they have no credibility on after four and a half years of President Bush’s failed policy in Iraq. During the CNN/YouTube debate on Monday night, Joe Biden told the truth about how long it would take to withdraw our troops from Iraq. And Sen. Clinton said, ‘Joe is right.’ Sen. Biden is the only Democratic candidate to put forth a detailed political plan for how we end this war without leaving chaos behind.”

It’s definitely politically smart for someone with the foreign policy credentials of Joe Biden to enter a foreign policy disagreement between some frontrunners, who simply do not have his expertise in this area.  That being said, the Biden campaign missed an important political opportunity.  I understand why Biden’s campaign focused on the Iraq dimension to Obama and Clinton’s disagreement.  After all, Biden is the “Plan For Iraq” Democratic candidate.  There’s certainly nothing wrong about his response, however, it falls short of the kind of response that’s really going to get Biden engaged in a widely publicized disagreement between Clinton and Obama.  Talking about Iraq is fine, but he should have either picked a side or offered a new answer to the question of whether or not it’s a good idea to consider high level talks with any foreign leader.  A response that also covered the heart of Clinton and Obama’s disagreement would have made bigger waves.

I also understand why Sen. Biden did not go so far as to attack either Clinton or Obama or disagree with either of them.  It’s no secret that if this presidential campaign doesn’t work out for Biden, he’ll be a strong contender for Secretary of State.  Thus, sniping the frontrunners and thus possibly hurting their chances of success or simply making them mad are likely to reduce his chances of running the State Department.  This consideration also likely explains why Biden did not make the comments himself, but instead let his campaign manager respond.

Chris Dodd entered the fray today saying that both Clinton and Obama were wrong.  In a statement, Dodd said:

“With all due respect to both Senators Clinton and Obama, their responses to the question posed at the debate on Monday night about diplomacy were either overly-simplistic or overly-rigid.

“I have helped resolve conflict from Latin America to Northern Ireland, and with experience you learn that neither of those approaches serves the interests of the United States.

“Diplomacy is essential both to repair our nation’s fractured world relationships and move forward with a more global perspective to our foreign policy. However, there are some leaders - like Iran’s Ahmadinejad, who denies the Holocaust ever took place - which cannot and should not be diplomatically rewarded with visits from the American president.

“Unfortunately, this false debate, which has now lingered for days, has become just another personal argument among politicians and that’s lamentable given the stakes in this election. There is nothing new about this kind of politics and it certainly doesn’t demonstrate a readiness to lead the nation when our reputation around the world is in tatters.”

This was the political opportunity that Dodd needed (and still needs) to break out of the pack a little.  In order for Dodd’s campaign to heat up, voters need to become concerned that the frontrunners lack the experience and political stability necessary to win a general election and be a successful leader.  Needless to say, Dodd’s not in the greatest position.  If he were to attack Obama and Clinton in the fashion necessary to erode their support, he’d essentially be torpedoing the party and that will definitely not play with Democratic voters come primary day.  On the other hand, if Obama and Clinton fall by their own actions, then Dodd is poised to strike by reminding voters that he’s around.  Dodd’s response successfully walked the political tightrope that he’s on.  He was able to issue a strong rebuke to both Clinton and Obama without seriously hurting their viability as general election candidates, while at the same time scoring some points by coming off as the reasonable, experienced person capable of responding to the complexities of foreign policy. (I’m not necessarily saying that Dodd is, I’m simply saying that from a political perspective that’s the way he came off).

For months, I’ve been criticizing the Dodd campaign for not sharpening the rhetoric and for not taking enough political chances to get some attention.  In this case, Dodd finally did what he needs to be doing consistently if he hopes to get the nomination: That is, to subtly portray Clinton and Obama as candidates who refuse to appreciate the complexity of issues both foreign and domestic, while simultaneously squeezing into the policy wedge that this criticisms create.  For a candidate who has completely ruled out the possibility of running on the ticket as the Vice President, it’s a bit easier for him to do what needs to be done if he hopes to get the nomination.

[Photo Credit: Newsweek]

Related at 2008Central.net:

• Clinton’s Political Machine Wins Another Battle (7/25/07)
• Do Democratic Primary Voters Care About Iraq? (7/18/07)
• Chris Dodd Joins Criticism of Edwards and Clinton; Also, Dodd on Iraq (7/14/07)

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Bill Richardson, The (Self Described) Loose Cannon

A Salon feature on Bill Richardson explores in part his free speaking ways:

Part of the Richardson difference is that he will say things — human things — that would never emerge from the lips of a programmed candidate. He lost his train of thought when discussing immigration in Ossipee and asked his audience helplessly whether he had promised that he had four points or five points. After a woman in the front row shouted, “Five,” Richardson said ruefully, “My mind is mush. My five-point plans become four-point plans.” It is quite possible that in the annals of presidential campaigns no serious candidate has — ever, ever — uttered those four words: “My mind is mush.” Although Richardson has yet to achieve enough liftoff to be shadowed everywhere on the campaign trail (I was the only reporter in Ossipee), it is so easy to imagine how that self-deprecatory moment would look — taken out of context — on YouTube.

Dave Contarino, Richardson’s campaign manager, acknowledged that his candidate is not a message-machine candidate ordered up from Central Casting. As Contarino put it, “The secret to the governor’s success — and as his chief of staff I was watching how things got done — is that he’s prepared, but he isn’t terribly cautious in what he says. He’s not talking off a set of talking points. But a cautious guy couldn’t walk into the Sudan, Iraq or North Korea and come back with hostages.”

Richardson was asked in the accompanying Salon interview about the “my mind is mush” line:

As a reporter, this is something I’m wrestling with. I saw Hillary and Bill Clinton before a crowd of maybe 1,300 people in Manchester last Friday. Because you’re more accessible and unscripted, you say things that might not look good taken out of context. Earlier today at this event, you said in response to a question, “My mind is mush.”

At the present time.

At the present time. But not on Inauguration Day January 2009.

I was tired out there.

I understand that. But should reporters like me cut you more of a break for what might be called “verbal missteps” than we would, say, Hillary Clinton who is only available in very controlled settings?

No, you shouldn’t give me any breaks. That’s who I am. I want you to report what I am. I’m open and accessible and I’m learning. I admit that I don’t have my shtick down. I admit that my policies are evolving. I have fundamental principles that I don’t change. But I said that I’m open on the subject of single-payer [national health insurance]. I want to be persuaded. Right now, I’m not.

But you should cover what you see, what you get. And I believe that there is a real thirst in the electorate for authenticity. For access. That’s my point. I think I’m more effective having 10 meetings of 100 people than other candidates who have 1,000 in one hour. You connect more with those voters. And I think those voters appreciate the access. New Hampshire expects that. Which is why I’m undertaking this intensive grass-roots campaign.

Bill Richardson is moving up in polls, actually ahead of John Edwards in New Hampshire according to a recent poll. With that extra attention will come significantly extra scrutiny, and candor can quickly become verbal recklessness, as the writer referred to in the above excerpt.

Richardson was undisciplined in his debate performances, often going over time and giving rambling answers. The Salon article revealed he was often thinking off the top of his head, and he mentioned the possible boycott of the Chinese Olympics as a way to leverage action on Sudan off the top of his head. Now, it’s good that candidates are willing to speak their mind - I certainly encourage that - but a reckless style like this eventually catches up to anybody, whether it be George Allen or Howard Dean or someone else.

Richardson also in the interview talked about diplomacy; I think his answer here is interesting given how much he is basing his campaign on his diplomatic experience:

Given your experiences negotiating with Saddam Hussein and North Korea, is there anybody in the world that the U.S. shouldn’t be talking to?

We shouldn’t be talking to Osama bin Laden. We shouldn’t be talking to the most extreme leadership of al-Qaida. We shouldn’t be talking to the most extreme leadership of Hamas. But short of that, I don’t mind using mediation and other techniques to deal with the world’s worst [leaders]. But I am talking about using traditional diplomacy to talk to Iran, to talk to Syria.

I think the proof in the pudding is to talk to North Korea as we did. I think I had a little bit to do with them recently announcing that they’re going to let inspectors in a little bit. I give credit to the administration. But I’ll take credit for getting the remains of our soldiers back. [During the 1990s, Richardson negotiated with North Korea several times and secured its agreement to search for the bodies of U.S. MIAs from the Korean War.]

But there are parameters. You can’t negotiate with someone who wants to kill you.

You just said that you wouldn’t negotiate with “the most extreme leadership of Hamas.” Are there parts of Hamas that we might think about talking to?

There are parts of Hamas that might be able to work with [Palestinian leader Mahmoud] Abbas. I still would fundamentally have a precondition: They have to renounce the destruction of Israel. Yes, I have seen some things that suggest that there are a few openings there.

Richardson talked in some detail about his plan for Iraq:

You talk about Darfur, our failure to intervene in Rwanda, the lessons of Bosnia. If we pull back our troops to Kuwait, as you advocate, and there was a level of near genocide between the Shiites and the Sunnis, could we just watch this unfold on Al-Jazeera television? Could we just sit in Kuwait and watch this happen?

You never preclude any option. Those troops in Kuwait would be for protection against international terrorist threats against this country. And if you have a real conflagration [in Iraq], you never limit the options. But the option mainly for shifting those troops to Kuwait and to Afghanistan is terrorism, al-Qaida.

My plan is that there be an all-Muslim peacekeeping force that would involve Iran and Syria, who wouldn’t want a genocide because there would be thousands of refugees in their territory. But also a diplomatic plan that allows and permits a coalition government. And possible partition. A sharing of oil revenues. A political deal that sets up a framework for a future Iraq. Iraq is not exactly helpless.

All these people say it’s going to go into civil war. They have 330,000 security forces and 150 billion reserves of oil. They’ve had three elections. They have some democratic institutions. It’s not exactly like they’re helpless. They should tend to their own security. We have done our job. Our troops have done a magnificent job.

Iraq is not just a question of a genocide or a civil war in Iraq. We’re talking about American foreign policy shifting so many resources into Iraq that we’re neglecting other priorities. Like terrorism, like North Korea, like Iran, like nuclear proliferation — the need to secure fissionable materials — like global climate change, like so many other issues. We’re virtually out of NATO. We don’t participate. We’re not part of the international community because of this obsession.

He also talked about being a “pro-growth Democrat” something that really distinguishes him from a candidate like John Edwards, and is something that really has not been flushed out yet in the debates, and it was in the context of his work as Secretary of Energy:

I sort of see a contradiction in your domestic policy. You talk about your support for a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution. This would have been approved during the era of the Gingrich Congress if Bill Clinton had not been opposed to it. If it went through in a Richardson administration with you supporting it, wouldn’t that rule out the funds for any expansion of healthcare or education or other major domestic initiatives?

If you recall, the Clinton deficit-reduction plan, which passed by one vote [in 1993], caused the resurgence in the economy. We grew 20 million more jobs, a [budget] surplus. When we pass a constitutional amendment to balance the budget, first of all I would never pass it if a recession or a war was going on. But you stage it, [over] several years. You commit yourself to certain steps.

No, I believe it would immediately send a signal to grow the economy, make more budget funds available. And I still believe that you could reshift priorities and spend more on healthcare and education. I think you could do it.

I was able to do it. I cut taxes in New Mexico. I increased spending for healthcare and education and had a surplus because the economy grew. I am a believer in growing the economy and being a pro-growth Democrat. I’m not somebody for whom every solution is a tax increase or more spending.

But isn’t there a difference between talking about a balanced budget, which Bill Clinton achieved, and putting into play a constitutional mechanism that the Republicans could use against any new spending programs?

No, I think you also have to take other steps that involve tough medicine like a line-item veto. Clinton tried to do it and he almost got it done. Pay-as-you-go policies. Corporate welfare. I’d have a national commission like the base-closure commission that would list all the $73 billion in fat in corporate welfare in one vote and not allow it to be picked up. It would be tough to get rid of earmarks, you know that. But we’ve got to significantly reduce them or make them open.

Were you against earmarks when you were in Congress?

No, I did some myself. Not that many. But when I was the secretary of energy, I got into trouble by saying that some of these Department of Energy earmarks [were wasteful]. [Robert] Novak wrote a column about it. [The Novak column about Richardson's fight with the Senate over pork-barrel spending appeared on Sept. 11, 2000.] Check Novak, though he doesn’t like me anymore.

It’s a really interesting interview about Richardson’s policies, and highlights the policies that make him different from the frontrunning Democrats.

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Press Released: July 9 - 15

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. Any release that is calendar related, not of national concern, or previously blogged about will not be covered here.

John McCain

McCain issued a statement regarding his speech on the Defense Authorization Act, which funds the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

McCain announced support in Plymouth County, Iowa.

New campaign manager Rick Davis issued a short statement regarding the campaign turnover of the past week.

Mike Huckabee

Mike Huckabee launched a new website, which is as good as any Republican web site.

Huckabee apologized for missing the NAACP convention.

Huckabee reiterated his criticism of Michael Moore and Sicko.

Huckabee also saluted Jim Gilmore as he left the race.

Mitt Romney

Romney received endorsements in Colorado and New Hampshire.

Romney launched a new radio ad with his wife talking about him. The Romney campaign also posted audio of the ad:

Ron Paul

Paul’s campaign touted having 20,000 youtube subscribers and meetup members.

Paul said that signing statements are something that needs to be addressed.

Rudy Giuliani

Giuliani announced endorsements in Florida (1, 2) and Iowa, and announced staff additions in Florida, California, New Hampshire, and Illinois.

Giuliani announced his foreign policy advisors.

Giuliani criticized Michael Moore and Hillary Clinton on health care (slightly ironic since Moore himself criticizes Clinton on health care in the movie).

Giuliani issued a very broad press release about economics and America, including saying he would work to strengthen America’s reputation, and also to ‘aggressively’ advance free trade.

Sam Brownback

Brownback added to his staff and leadership teams in Iowa (1, 2) and Oregon.

Brownback issued a press release about the word “Mitt-amorphasis,” which harshly criticizes Romney (in a very backhanded way) for his (alleged) flip-flops, without ever even mentioning the name ‘Romney.’

Brownback and a bipartisan group of Senators have urged Sec. Rice to take action to stop the scheduled execution of a North Korean prisoner who is a Christian.

Tom Tancredo

Tancredo introduced his bill on immigration.

Tommy Thompson

Thompson pledged to end breat cancer if elected.

Barack Obama

Obama issued a statement regarding children’s health insurance, criticizing Bush’s stance.

Obama joined a bipartisan group of supporters in introducing a bill that would temprarily stop the military from discharging soldiers for personality disorders until a full review was performed.

Obama called on Bush to address the growing strength of Al Qaeda.

Obama announced more staff in Nevada.

Bill Richardson

Richardson renewed his call to end the Iraq war and get the troops out by the end of the year.

Richardson praised the ONE campaign and touted his record fighting poverty globally, while calling for a Marshall plan to eradicate poverty.

Richardson issued a press release regarding his remarks to the NAACP convention.

Richardson issued a press release harshly criticizing Bush’s approach in Iraq.

Christopher Dodd

Dodd joined a bipartisan group of Senators in working to increase pool safety.

Dodd applauded stricter review procedures on foreign investment in America.

Dodd announced Nevada campaign staff.

Dodd issued a statement criticizing Bush’s position on the Iraq war, using the phras ‘rose colored glass’ as Richardson also did.

Dennis Kucinich

Kucinich touted out polling Obama and Clinton on a global warming in a moveon.org poll.

Kucinich cited the interim progress report as reason to bring the troops home immediately, and said no other bills will suffice either - withdrawlal must bgin immediately. He also said that the Adminstration played the ‘fear card,’ and criticized Bush’s speech in Cleveland earlier in the week.

Hillary Clinton

Clinton called for her supporters to make youtube videos to be made so that one may air during the upcoming debate.

Clinton received endorsements in New York, Iowa, and Rhode Island.

Clinton called for the country of origin to be put on all food sold in the US.

Clinton criticized Sec. Chertoff’s remarks about a ‘gut feeling.’

Clinton issued a statement on the one year anniversary of the Israeli soldiers getting kidnapped.

Clinton announced her intention to block the appointment the Bush appointment for ambassador to Libya.

Clinton issued a statement on the new surgeon general appointment.

Clinton criticized Bush’s reaction to the interim assessment of progress in Iraq.

Joe Biden

Biden also issued a statement on Bush’s reaction to the interim assessment of progress in Iraq.

Biden issued a statement regarding his approach to the upcoming Defense Appropriations bills and how Bush will be forced to change his policies when Republicans abandon him.

Biden is on the panel to negotiate the details of 9/11 bills passed by the House and Senate.

John Edwards

Edwards criticized the Bush Administration for not filling 25% of the top posts in the Dept. of Homeland Security.

Edwards called for Americans to pressure their representatives to end the Iraq war.

Edwards announced his argicultural plan, which would include labelling country of origin on food.

Edwards touted his win in the Moveon.org global warming poll.

Edwards said the reconstitution of Al Qaeda proves the failure of the ‘War on Terror’ doctrine of Bush.

Edwards said Bush’s remarks on Iraqi progress “border on delusional.”

Edwards said that his energy plan would create 150,000 ‘green collar jobs.’

Edwards announced a three-point plan to rebuild New Orleans as he started his ‘Road to One America’ Tour.

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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Democrats Discuss Faith on CNN

Yesterday in Washington and on CNN, Democratic candidates discussed their faith.

The responses are quite lengthy, so they’ll be after the jump. Well worth talking about, though.

Topics include: povery, abortion, evolution, executive pay, gay marriage, Israel and Palestine, Hillary Clinton on faith in regards to her marital problems, and many more topics.

In order, Edwards, Obama, Clinton, Biden, Richardson, Dodd, and Kucinich all spoke.

Obviously all transcripts are thanks to CNN.
Read more

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Live Blog Of CNN Democratic Debate In New Hampshire (6/3/07)

12:25 pm: Bill Richardson has plastered signs on all roads leading to the debate. No signs up on campus as of yet.

2:15: Security sweep of media room begins.

3:15: Security sweep of media room ends.

4:40: We’re in the media room getting ready to go. Reporters are milling about, not really doing anything.

5:07: We’ve just been handed a press release indicating where candidates will be on stage. From left to right, it’s Gravel, Dodd, Edwards, Clinton, Obama, Richardson, Biden, and Kucinich.

More interestingly, the release uses office titles for everyone except Gravel. Of course, everyone but Edwards and Gravel are named by the office they currently hold (Sen. Clinton, Gov. Richardson). But surprisingly, Edwards is called “Senator John Edwards” whereas Gravel is simply “Mike Gravel.”

5:50: Green Mountain Politics links to the Boston Globe’s James Pindell (who was sitting about 15 feet from us) who obtained what is being billed Barack Obama’s talking points for the night. Interesting.

6:15ish: Lou Dobbs shows candidates entering the building. In order, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and … Dennis Kucinich. Strange that he got the video entrance and Dodd, Biden, Richardson, and Gravel all did not. Maybe just a quirk. Also, Elizabeth Kucinich looked very strange standing next to him … but that seems par for the course. (We even overheard some reporters mentioning this very thing.)

6:50: Wolf Blitzer takes the stage as Lou Dobbs wraps up his pre-debate show that focused a lot on his two issues: trade and immigration.

6:53: The candidates take the stage to applause. Gov. Lynch comes out to greet the candidates. The President of the College (a priest, fwiw) comes out as well. Candidates retreat to their podiums.

7:00: Debate Starts. Candidates get intros; Gravel, Richardson, and Kucinich are somewhat over the top. Kucinich especially with a garish comment about Cleveland being the ‘city of champions.’ As a Cleveland native myself, I’d like to point out how absurd the comment was: very. ‘Undecided’ voters will ask questions in the second half.

7:01: Obama gets a question on terrorism regarding the arrests yesterday. He says the Bush Administration has done some things well (including tracking finances) but that the world is more dangerous not less. Says the war in Iraq is problematic, and regional stability is needed, and that Al Qaeda needs to be fought across the Middle East. Also says that more alliances are needed.

7:03: Edwards is asked about his bumper sticker comment after the arrests yesterday. He says he rejects the Bush Administration using the War on Terror as a catch all excuse, not the political reality. Says that the war in Iraq, Guantanamo, etc. are not American. Does mention he will find terrorists and attack them, but focus was clearly on the other side of that coin.

7:05: Clinton is asked if she agrees with the bumper sticker comment. She does not. She says we are more safe in America than on 9/11, but not yet safe enough. Interesting contrast to both Edwards and Obama.

7:06: Kucinich is asked about the Patriot Act. He quotes Ben Franklin* that those who give essential liberties to secure security deserve neither. (*was actually Jefferson who said that). Kucinich says he wants to create a “9/10 forum” (boy will that play into the hands of Rudy Giuliani)…

7:08: Biden is asked about Iraq. Says he cannot say why others were wrong to vote against the funding, just why he was right. He talks specifically about the need to pass funding to give troops SUVs that are IED-resistant to save lives. Says thats more important than a good political vote to help win an election. When pushed, specifically says he does not want to judge candidates, as they are his friends, and he respects their votes.

7:10: Clinton is asked about that, she states that it was time to send a message to the Bush Administration that the course had to be changed on Iraq. She juxtaposes the candidates there with the Republican candidates who all support the war. Subtle way of touting her electability. (It seems more forced when Giuliani makes the same argument, perhaps because he often mentions Clinton by name).

7:11: Edwards says it was an important moment for Congress to stand up to the President, and they failed to do so (despite acknowledging Hillary and Dodd as having done well). He says it should be obvious who he is talking about. When pressed, he says that Obama and Clinton failed to speak up about their vote, that they voted late and were quiet.

7:12: Obama, again responding harshly when pushed directly, confronts Edwards about being four and a half years late on leadership on the issue. But he acknowledges that Biden’s position has legitimacy.

7:14: Clinton says the differences between Democrats are minor, not major. Criticizes Bush Admin, says that the war is George Bush’s war, and all Democrats have plans to end it.

7:15: Edwards says other candidates are finally on the right line on Iraq, but chides Clinton and Obama again for voting quietly.

7:15: Dodd comments on how bad the war has been, and how important it is to end the war as soon as possible.

7:16: Richardson is asked about withdrawing by the end of the year. Richardson again starts with his experience. He says its already a civil war. Richardson says genocide needs to be stopped, even in Darfur, but says our troops have become a target in Iraq.

7:18: Gravel is finally brought into the debate. Says the war was facilitated by the Democrats.

7:19: Kucinich is asked if Iraq was worth it. He says he honors those who served, but says the war was based on lies. But that it was not a waste (snipe at Obama). Kucinich says that the war belongs to the Democratic Party. Comments like this essentially torpedo the party at their own expense.

7:21: Biden says that truth telling is where Bush has failed us. Biden says that you need 67 votes to stop the war; funding the war simply funds the safety of the troops. Big shot at Gravel and Kucinich.

7:22: Clinton is asked about her vote; she says she talked to tons of experts. Clinton said she did not count on that the President had no intention of letting inspectors finish. Says the troops did what they were expected to do.

7:24: Edwards says he had information he needed, but was wrong. Says Obama deserves credit for being right from the beginning. Says getting trust between the people and President is key.

7:25: Obama is asked if someone who voted for the war can be President. He says it should not rule anyone out by itself. Cites Bob Graham. Thanks ‘John’ for the complement. Says need to finish the war against Al Qaeda. This feels like a discussion amongst friends, save for Gravel and Kucinich.

7:26: Gravel predictably says that anyone who voted for the war ought not be President. Says more Americans died in Iraq than on September 11. That’s going to draw some harsh criticism, I think.

7:27: Clinton responds, but leaves the 9/11 comment alone, saying that the Bush Administration lied.

7:27: Richardson is asked about immigration. He starts by saying he is a border governor. Compares wall on border with Mexico to Berlin Wall. Saying border patrols need to be doubled. Supports earned citizenship program. Blitzer asks why its not amnesty. Says because it sets standards for citizenship, a process that takes 13 years. Amnesty, apparently, is immediate. Mentions families and not creating an underclass.

7:31: Biden is asked about a fence. Says its easier to get criminals out with earned citizenship. Says being practical is something people need to do, and that a fence can stop a kilo of cocaine, but not people. Talks about how this bill is superior to the one last year.

7:32: Obama says that border protection with Canada is important too, citing the recent TB case. Mentions that the US is a country of immigrants and a country of laws. Says ‘Joe’ is right, that a pathway to legalization is OK if the border is actually secured.

7:33: Raise hand question! Mike Gravel is the only candidate who thinks English should be the official language of the country. Obama responds that English is the language, but that this question is a distraction to the Americn people, getting an applause. Clinton jumps on, saying that it’s fine as a national language, not an official language, citing specific details of legal consequences.

7:35: Dodd agrees with ‘Barack Obama.’ Dodd says its important to encourage more languages and diversity, not just English.

7:36: Health care for Edwards. Asks if he thinks Clinton and Obama are being honest about not raising taxes for health care. Says he was the first, and talks a bit about health care, but says that you can’t do it for free.

7:38: Obama says Edwards has good elements in his plan, but that the main disagreement is whether mandatory insurance is necessary. Obama says he wants to decrease costs first and foremost, and make health care more efficient.

7:39: Clinton is asked about Obama’s plan. Clinton gives the scars comment regarding 94. She says the important part of health care is not the plan, but securing the political will to get something done. Blitzer asks about taxes. Clinton says she can save $120 billion, and we need to realize the savings.

7:41: Richardson talks about health care in New Mexico. Blitzer cuts him off, and Richardson talks about his plan, which is mandatory for everyone, and focus on prevention.

7:42: Dodd mentions that the US ranks low in infant mortality and life expectancy. Dodd talks about bringing people together to get the job done.

7:43: Edwards says that a law is required to get everyone covered, not leaving some uncovered like Obama’s. Obama partly agrees, that more efficiency is needed, but disagrees on mandatory insurance. Obama talks about starting a process, but says there will be people uninsured. They nearly start bickering (Obama retains his cool; Edwards sort of does not); but Blitzer goes to Kucinich.

7:45: Kucinich talks about needing to get a single-payer system. Gets applause for challenging the insurance company.

7:46: Clinton is asked about ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Says it was a transition policy, as a means of integrating the reality that gays have served in the past. Says that Arabic linguists discharged under DADT shows that the policy is outdated. Quotes Barry Goldwater that you don’t have to be straight ot shoot straight. Clinton reiterates that it was a transition policy. Clinton cites Biden who remembers the fight over DADT.

7:49: Biden says Peter Pace is ‘flat wrong.’ Says no one asks anyone in foxholes who is gay. Says allies let gay soldiers serve.

7:49: All candidates raise their hand on the issue when asked if DADT is outdated.

7:50: Richardson says he wants non-discriminatory policies. Does not want anyone who is serving to be lectured on orientation.

7:51: Edwards is asked about gay marriage. Edwards says that the federal government has no role on the issue, either in regards to the state or Churches. Says the job of the President is to lead, not to legislate.

7:52: Gravel is asked how he would use former Pres. Clinton, and says he would be a roving ambassador. Cites Truman as a better integrator than former Pres. Clinton.

7:53: Says that the ideal job for Pres. Clinton is Secretary General, but that Pres. Clinton is needed in the Middle East. Says Israel is less safe when Bush was elected.

7:54: Blitzer continues this line of questioning on Obama. Obama talks about the good that Clinton ‘with Hillary’ did. Contrasts that with Bush Administration, saying that the US can’t simply lead with the military, citing specific examples.

7:55: Hillary Clinton says that using former Presidents is important to fix damage from the Bush Administration’s negative legacy.

7:57: Dodd says that using alternative sources of energy to reduce reliance of gasoline will help lower prices, and help solve global warming. Talks up his idea of a carbon tax. Says a rebate to consumers on gas will help, but that in the long run, only eliminating the dependency on oil is the only way.

7:58: Gravel says he endorses the carbon tax, but that it would raise the price of gas. He says there’s no way right now to lower gas prices.

7:59: Edwards says its necessary to investigate gas companies to find out if there is price gouging, maybe changing anti-trust laws; also wants states to enforce clean air laws on refineries.

8:00: Richardson is asked about energy, and starts his answer, like every answer, by talking about is resume. He wants a price gouging investigation, but wants an Apollo program asking everyone to conserve. He says his plan on energy is the most ambitious; Blitzer cuts him off.

8:01: Biden wants to get rid of subsidies to oil companies, an investigation into price gouging, and wants better mileage standards.

And…. there’s a break while the stage is rebuilt. Break time!

8:02: Candidates mill about, shaking hands with voters while podiums are removes and seats brought in. Candidates sit down, save Clinton, who was off stage and just before CNN comes back, walks back from offstage and takes a seat.

8:09: We’re back. CNN apparently assured that the voters are undecided.

8:10: First question from an army wife who is a teacher, who asked about rebuilding the military. Kucinich answers the question first, saying the ‘Democratic Congress’ should not even offer a bill to fund the war. Kucinich says peace is key, that he wants a force built around peacekeeping. Blitzer asks about rebuilding the military. Kucinich says that military funding needs to be cut 25%, and does not want war as a instrument of policy.

8:12: Obama says that while he may cut a part of the budget, but that troops deserve support on the ground, and wants better treatment at home.

8:13: Dodd is asked if there are Cold War policies he would cut. He thanks everyone for their service. Says there should be a priority of defenses, and that everyone wants to keep people safe and secure. Says it should not be the “first arrow in the quiver.” When pushed, says there are plenty of things that need to be cut.

8:14: Next question is from a social worker with a son serving in Iraq. Wants to know why veterans cannot receive treatment at the hospital of their choice. Obama talks about the good job the VA has done to lower costs. Says that VA hospitals should be the standard unless they are too far away.

8:16: Richardson says that he would give veterans whatever treatment they wanted anywhere. Richardson says ‘husband’ when it’s the woman’s son. Says VA health system is crucial.

8:17: Gravel is asked about his experiences with the VA from the Korean War. Gravel attacks Obama about not knowing about Walter Reed despite being on the VA committee. Gravel chides Gravel for not letting him finish, and talks about the Bush Administration not paying for the VA. A good example of Obama getting angry when pressed. Obama says he did not know about the outpatient facility before it was in the papers.

8:20: Question about Iran. Force or diplomacy. Clinton answers first, says she is concerned, that we should have been using diplomacy for a long time. Says talks with Iran started far too late, that a process of engagement is crucial. Says in the Cold War we talked with the Soviet Union. Specifically cites diplomacy done ‘by Bill Richardson for my husband.’ Refuses to get into hypothetical about diplomacy failing; chides Rice and Cheney for not being committed to the matter.

8:22: Edwards points out that a lot of Iranians like America, that Ahminedejad is unpopular. Wants to put a carrot of controlled nuclear fuel with economic incentives; also wants a stick of economic sanctions if they do not agree. Does not want to pull anything off the table.

8:24: Biden is asked about Iran. Says that he would give up idea of regime change, since it is only encouraging Iran, that it is decades away form a weaponized nuke. Says he would take out any missile on a pad.

8:25: Question about Pakistan, it being a country that is not really Democratic, but is needed for security reasons. Clinton says that it’s important to keep pushing, perhaps having a high-level Presidential envoy.

8:27: Kucinich is asked if he found out where UBL was, if innocents would also be killed, would authorize a strike. Kucinich says UBL should be held to account in an international court of law. Wants to stand for peace, he does not believe in assassination politics.

8:28: Obama says he considers Bin Laden a military target, and that the order would have to be given. Says presence in Iraq hurts efforts, and flames anti-Americanism, which hurts efforts of Musharraf.

8:29: Raise hands on the UBL question. Everyone but Kucinich raises there hands. Clinton and Biden say that it depends on how many civilians, Clinton specifically cites that her husband tried to do that.

8:30: Edwards says that the replacement for Musharraf would undoubtedly be more of a problem and less liberal (classically, that is). Blitzer points out that Pakistan is a nuclear power.

8:31: Question about Sudan. Says that Sudan that the US ought imply a no-fly zone, and that Sudan surrendered its sovereignty by committing genocide. On a raise of hands of agreeing, no one is clear on what they are agreeing with.

8:32: Clinton refuses to get into hypothetical questions on Darfur.

8:33: Richardson mentions the ceasefire he negotiated. He wants more UN peacekeepers, more sanctions, and to force China to take action (with an Olympic boycott as the stick).

8:34: Dodd is asked about an Olympic boycott, Dodd says that it goes too far. Says that tools to lean on people is important.

8:35: Edwards says that anything is on the table, and thanks Biden and Richardson. Says that America has lost moral authority to lead in the world. Calls for HIV/Aids and education initiatives.

8:36: Obama says its important to preventing genocides. Says also that Guantanamo and suspending Habeas Corpus is important.

8:36: Dodd wants everyone to raise hands on Olympics; Kucinich is cut off, but only Richardson and Edwards raise their hands.

8:37: Biden takes it to another level, says action now is key, not talks about actions far away.

8:37: Richardson talks again about China needing to put pressure. Says he agrees with Biden on the no-fly zone, that he wants sanctions, and wants to rebuild moral authority; he’d close Guantanamo his first day.

8:38: Question about forced military conscription. Gravel wants a voluntary program to give service, that one year served will pay for school. Kucinich wants to inspire people to serve in various ways.

8:40: Dodd does not want the draft to be brought back, Dodd cites his Peace Corps service. He says that its important to improve access to a higher education.

8:41: Question asked of candidates what tax cuts they would roll back. Obama says ‘rich’ is over $250k per year, going back to what was in place for while Bill Clinton was in office. Says the benefits of economy are not being spread evenly throughout people, and that he ‘wants to institute fairness.’ Obama wants more efficiency as well.

8:44: Edwards says he uses $200k per year as a benchmark. He also says that a program for high school graduates to get money for college is important.

8:45: A weird reach around comment from the CNN person on the floor, and a question about balancing budgets. Richardson talks about his experience balancing the budget in New Mexico. Talks about subsidies and handouts that he would eliminate. Wants to grow the economy as a ‘pro-growth Democrat.’ Says that a slightly larger growth pattern would solve social security.

8:47: Kucinich is asked about a spending problem, he says he would not borrow money from China to have a war in Iraq (stolen from Bill Clinton’s speech in support of the John Kerry campaign in Philadelphia four years ago). Talks about needing more bilateral trade agreements, not NAFTA or the WTO.

8:49: Question whether candidates would veto all bill containing earmarks. Dodd would not want to vow, but would want more discipline, saying he always supported pay as you go spending. He also says the deficit is a problem, specifically in currency manipulation.

8:51: Gravel says it ‘totally’ time to get rid of earmarks. Says the entire tax system needs to be changed. Says the comptroller general told him there’s no way for other candidates to break this cycle.

8:52: Clinton says there was a balanced budget and a surplus 6 years ago. Says tax cuts went disproportionately to rich Americans, that the “burden on the middle class” needs to be fixed. Applause.

8:53: Gravel says everyone is involved in raiding Social Security to balance the budget.

8:53: Kucinich says the troops are securing oil, that the interest groups are still in power.

8:54: Biden says that public financing of election will get rid of earmarks.

8:55: Top priority for first 100 days: Edwards says that he wants to reestablish America’s moral authority in the world. Also mentions other issues, including the poor, but says reestablishing moral authority is the most important.

8:56: Clinton says she would bring the troops home. Obama agrees, assuming nothing has changed. Says health care can get done quickly. Richardson says better education should be a priority, specifying different subjects. Biden would end war in Iraq, defuse war in Iran, and defuse situation in North Korea. Kucinich says he wants to reshape the world for peace and get rid of ‘all nuclear weapons.’ He continues on other subjects. Gravel says he wants others to end the war. Dodd says he would restore Constitutional rights.

And that’s a wrap.

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