Live Blog Of CNN Democratic Debate In Las Vegas, Nevada (November 15, 2007)
November 15, 2007 | Permalink | 3 Comments
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
John Edwards: I’m a Populist and Clinton is a Corporate Democrat
August 23, 2007 | Permalink | 3 Comments
John Edwards is giving what he calls a major speech today in New Hampshire. It’s not a major speech because he’s unveiling a policy or declaring his entry into the race, or unveiling some previously unknown fact about himself… it’s a major speech solely because he’s starting to include new attacks on Democrats into his stump speech.
Here’s an excerpt from his speech:
Instead of serving the people and the nation, too many play the parlor game of Washington — trading favors and campaign money, influencing votes and compromising legislation. It’s a game that never ends, but every American knows — it’s time to end the game.
And it’s time for the Democratic Party — the party of the people — to end it.
The choice for our party could not be more clear. We cannot replace a group of corporate Republicans with a group of corporate Democrats, just swapping the Washington insiders of one party for the Washington insiders of the other.
The American people deserve to know that their presidency is not for sale, the Lincoln Bedroom is not for rent, and lobbyist money can no longer influence policy in the House or the Senate.
It’s time to end the game. It’s time to tell the big corporations and the lobbyists who have been running things for too long that their time is over. It’s time to challenge politicians to put the American people’s interests ahead of their own calculated political interests, to look the lobbyists in the eye and just say no.
I was going to quote more, but that is sufficient to get my point across, that Edwards is certainly painting Clinton as a ‘corporate Democrat’ without actually saying so.
In an interview with the AP, Edwards seemed to go after Obama as well as Clinton with this comment:
“I don’t think just the word ‘change’ means much to people. I think what they want to see is … the substance of what you want to do. I mean, what is the policy of the word?” Edwards said. “In my case, it’s been a very aggressive set of very substantive ideas … because otherwise the change rhetoric all sounds the same.”
As Jon Stewart noted yesterday in his discussion with Barack Obama, the current narrative on the campaign is Barack Obama’s inexperience versus Hillary Clinton’s experience. The person most hurt by this is probably Edwards, who has desparately tried to stay in the top tier.
This has involved repeatedly attacking the Obama and Clinton campaigns. (I’ve mentioned that here, here, and here).
Even yesterday, Elizabeth Edwards said the attacks were a way of getting in “the mix” (my emphasis):
Asked about her comment that, “We can’t make John (Edwards) black and we can’t make him a woman,” Elizabeth Edwards responded: “I do hate to use that. It’s taken out of context. I was talking about the Internet and trying to break through on mainstream media, and how, when the mainstream media are enamored, and frankly, if I were a journalist, I might be, too, with this extremely interesting fight between an African-American and a woman. It’s a little hard to get into the mix of that, even if you have great policies and a lot of support around the country, (it’s) still hard to get into that mix. So we have turned — because we can’t do anything about that dynamic, we’ve turned to try to communicate directly with people through the Internet and — no offense — not allowed the mainstream media to be a sieve that blocks John’s message.”
She’s framing the issue as just her sighing and saying something in a matter of fact fashion, but for every harmless comment about not making Edwards black or a woman, there have been dozens of attacks, which have generally escalated to the point where Edwards is taking Republican talking points.
It’s not a matter of Edwards being right or wrong. It’s a matter of him being so aggressive in his attacks that to anyone not out for Clinton’s blood, Clinton looks like the victim (and it has little if anything to do with Clinton being a woman: it’s more Edwards lifting GOP attacks on both of the Clintons and using them verbatim). Edwards says he is optimistic but his tone would best be described as combative. Obama is the optimistic one who talks of bringing the country together.
For all the big talk I’m going to refer to below about this being some watershed speech, does Edwards really say anything that Dennis Kucinich would not? Edwards is running into the same problem that he’s run into the rest of the campaign - that he’s Kucinich-lite. He’s counting on restricting his appeal but raising turnout.
Clinton could best be described as the establishment candidate. Obama is the candidate who wants to bring America together. Edwards is trying to frame himself as the populist speaking truth to power but I fail to see how this will do anything but rile up Edwards supporters online. He’s giving the speech in New Hampshire, and there’s really no history of that state supporting such strong populism. This really seems a culmination of a candidacy trending the wrong direction in the polls, where Edwards had a meeting where everyone decided to go for broke. That I applaud - it’s the right decision. But going beyond the issues to make such strong attacks politically is really a poor long term strategy. The policy differences he talks about are going to be drowned out by the politics of a personal attack.
It’s not surprising though, given that there’s a significant gap until the next Democratic debate that Edwards chose now to launch the attack, even if its in August. He likely wants the attacks to linger before a direct confrontation, and also saw in the last debate hard proof that the indirect method was going nowhere. Of course, he never mentions Clinton by name in this speech, so in many ways its still an indirect attack.
Of course, it has to be noted that this speech comes in the wake of everyone realizing the Edwards campaign is going in the wrong direction (but never acknowledging it). This Washington Post article is about youth abandoning Edwards for Clinton and Obama. The biggest hit is an article today in the Raleigh News and Observer about his campaign being unable to gain traction:
Edwards’ troubles have prompted him to move more of his chips in the Iowa caucus basket — which is increasingly shaping up as the decisive test of whether he will be a serious contender this time.
The Edwards camp says that the problems of summer will be forgotten by the time voters go the polls in January and that the former North Carolina senator will be in the hunt for the nomination.
“John has always had his own plan,” said Ed Turlington, a Raleigh attorney and Edwards adviser. “As I look at it, as we approach Labor Day — he has adequate money, substantive policy, and good [poll] tracking. I think he is on track.
“The goal is to get in the last two minutes with a chance to win. He is one of only a handful of candidates who will have a chance to win.”
It’s clear that just about his entire campaign is dependent on Iowa:
Most observers agree that if Edwards does not win Iowa, he is politically dead — a point that Edwards has come close to acknowledging himself.
Edwards, who is beginning a four-day bus tour of New Hampshire today, is counting on some labor endorsements in September to provide some much-needed momentum.
He also has other selling points for Democratic primary voters. He has released some of the most detailed plans on such issues as health insurance. Edwards has consistently done better than Clinton in head-to-head polling matchups with prospective Republican candidates, allowing him to make the electability argument to Democrats desperate to win back the White House.
“I would love to see people, especially the press and the TV, to focus on electability and how important that is,” said Byrd, the Edwards fundraiser. “We Democrats have figured out how to mess this up enough.”
The Edwards argument is that things are better than they look. Even skeptics agree that Edwards is in a better position than more seasoned Democrats such as New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Sens. Joe Biden of Delaware and Chris Dodd of Connecticut.
Edwards seems to be making the point in his speech that its a historic opportunity to enact populist reforms. But do a majority of Democrats agree? Clinton talks about knowing how to win, and having lost the White House for 8 years, many Democrats simply want to win. Additionally, Obama also talks about electability. The problem for Edwards was and is his image and his fundraising. This may get more money out of the internet left, but does this speech change anything else? I’m betting on no.
I also should note that Edwards apparent distrust of Clinton did not prevent him from asking her to help him make the debates more exclusive, before he backed off that.
Here are some other takes on the speech:
TPM Election Cafe says:
Edwards’ indictment of the corporate Dem establishment — and his warning against “nostalgia” — is meant to be taken as an attack on the Clintons, though it’s certainly not limited to them and is intended as condemnation of a whole class of Beltway insiders. …..
The quick and not terribly profound thing I want to point out about this is that it’s interesting to note that both Barack Obama and Edwards are using Hillary as a foil in similar but also different ways. Obama is pointing to her as a pillar of the failed Beltway foreign policy establishment that has brought us a failed foreign policy status quo. Meanwhile, Edwards is hitting her as representative of what he’s labeling the corporate Dem establishment.
Marc Ambinder simply asks:
When was the last time a major presidential candidate delivered such a singularly populist speech?
Ambinder also points out regarding the Lincoln Bedroom line:
Note: Rick Lazio used a version of this critique — it didn’t work. Democrats do not believe that Hillary Clinton is corrupt.
Matthew Yglesias states:
There’s much more to the speech, read the whole thing. The word “populism” gets tossed around a lot in politics, especially over the past five or six years, but in this speech Edwards is really living up to the term in a way most things that get labeled that way don’t by explicitly connecting his critique of the economic status quo to a vision of a democratic economy: “Will corporate greed be all we value as we move further into the global economy, or will we put workers and families first, so that all jobs pay fair wages, every American has health care and corporate profits work for democracy and not the other way around?”
I think it’s a very strong speech. A lot of primary voters seem to me to want a more strictly partisan message than this, but I prefer the more properly ideological note that Edwards is striking here, trying to convince us that the crisis of Bushism is also an opportunity for sweeping change that we need to seize.
Amanda Dobbins criticized Edwards for referring to the Lincoln Bedroom:
Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards gave a speech in New Hampshire today, targeting “establishment elites” and repeating his call to remove lobbyists’ money from the political process. The speech lambasted “the way we’ve always done it” and attempted to position Edwards as the candidate of change.
Unfortunately for Edwards, his language isn’t as updated as his campaign platform. Edwards told the audience that “the American people deserve to know that their presidency is not for sale, the Lincoln Bedroom is not for rent.” He’s not the only politician who’s promised to close that particular room in the White House. The Lincoln bedroom is a recurring political reference:
She would go on to reference Dole, McCain, Quayle, and even George W. Bush who made attacks on the Clintons almost verbatim the same.
Taylor Marsh uses many of the same references, saying:
They [NBC News talking about Edwards -ed] just left out the Clinton money quote Edwards used today, which is straight out of the right-wing playbook. There are plenty of ways to come at Clinton on the issues, especially Iraq. But if this is the Edwards re-launch, I hope it makes a turn into better territory. Because between Obama’s “Bush-Cheney lite” and Edwards talking about “The Lincoln Bedroom is not for rent,” I’ve got to say that these guys sound positively desperate.
Michael Froomkin likes the speech, but still sees problems in the Edwards campaign left unaddressed:
Unfortunately, I am not as impressed by the John Edwards campaign organization as I would need to be to feel optimistic about his chances of winning the nomination given that he’s running third in fund-raising. Clinton has a machine. Obama has a press and (slightly diminished?) public vibe. Edwards has passion. And a platform. But passion (not to mention a platform) won’t make up for money unless you have a really good organization. And while they’re a lot better than they were six months ago, and have some great instincts (e.g. their web presence, and unleashing Elizabeth Edwards), it’s going to take both luck and still-better command of the fundamentals of campaigning to make it happen.
The discussion at MyDD and Daily Kos seems split along the lines of what candidate someone is supporting, although in both cases generally supportive of the gist of the speech.
[Photo Credit: Variety]
- Editorial: Gore’s Shadow Organization Or Edwards’ Secret Attack On Hillary?
- A Historical Perspective On The Continuing Edwards/Coulter Clash
- Elizabeth Edwards Questions Hillary Clinton’s Strength On Women’s Issues
- Edwards Continues Attacks on Clintons in Trade Speech
Full text of the speech after the jump…
Read more
Dodd and Biden Attack Obama and Edwards
August 9, 2007 | Permalink | 3 Comments
Joe Biden and Chris Dodd are ramping up their criticism of Barack Obama and John Edwards as Obama and Edwards ramp up their criticism of Clinton (and as Clinton ramps up her criticism of Obama).
Biden issued the following statement after Tuesday’s AFL-CIO Debate on John Edwards’ labor record (which he also referred to in the debate):
Statement from Larry Rasky on John Edwards’ right-to-work record:
“Tonight, John Edwards said that he claimed to be a leader on union issues throughout his career. The public record does not square with Sen. Edwards’ memory.”
The Facts:
Edwards Supported North Carolina Right to Work Law in 1998:
· In 1998 the Charlotte Observer reported, “The AFL-CIO endorsed Edwards last spring. Faircloth used that in a TV ad, saying Edwards promised to be “a warrior” for labor. In fact, Edwards said he would be a warrior for labor unions only on those issues on which they agreed. One of those issues is right-to-work laws, which prevent workers from being forced to join a union. Unions oppose such laws. Edwards opposes a national right-to-work law, but favors North Carolina’s right-to-work law. Faircloth has introduced a national right-to-work law.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/18/98, ...]
· In 1998 the Charlotte Observer reported, “As it turns out, Edwards doesn’t even agree with the labor group on their most critical issue - North Carolina’s right-to-work law. That law, which the AFL-CIO opposes, means no one can be forced to join a union or pay dues. Edwards says he supports North Carolina’s law. But he opposes a national right-to-work law backed by Republican Faircloth. ‘I don’t think the federal government needs to get involved with it,’ Edwards said. That was good enough for James Andrews, the AFL-CIO’s executive director, who has virtually given up on finding a viable candidate who will fight North Carolina’s right-to-work law. ‘We understand that the Jim Hunts of the world and John Edwards of the world . . . are certainly not going to oppose the current law,’ Andrews said. ‘Politically, I don’t expect to have anyone leading the charge to change that. We understand and accept that. Edwards is not going to be 100 percent with us on all our issues, but he certainly has expressed commitment and understanding of working families.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/7/98, ...]
This coincides with Biden and Clinton agreeing a number of times in the debate. I even wondered during the live blog if Biden was Clinton’s attack dog for issues she found too controversial. That’s not to insinuate any time of formal or informal agreement, but Biden seems ready to attack Edwards and Obama consistently as opposed to Clinton.
I wrote the following in the live blog:
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?
Dodd has been even more aggressive in criticizing Obama. He released the following after Tuesday’s AFL-CIO debate:
In his August 1st speech on terrorism, Barack Obama called for unilateral hostile action against Pakistan, stating that if “…we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won’t act, we will.” His comments received criticism from officials in Pakistan and spurred protests, as reported by the Chicago Tribune here. At last night’s AFL-CIO debate, Senator Dodd commented that it was a mistake to suggest that we unilaterally invade Pakistan. Obama backed away from his previous comments, and instead stated that he would take a more cooperative stance with Pakistan: “I did not say that we immediately go in unilaterally, what I said was that we have to work with Musharraf.”
As part of MSNBC’s post debate coverage, MSNBC reporter David Shuster agreed with Dodd, saying that Obama was misleading about his August 1st terrorism speech:
Obama (video of debate): “I did not say that we would immediately go in unilaterally, what I said was that we have to work with Musharraf”
Shuster: “Actually Obama is incorrect and Dodd is right on this one. Watch what Obama said in his speech just a few days ago. ”
Obama (video of terrorism speech, 8/1/07): “It was a terrible mistake to fail to act when we had a chance to take out an Al Qaeda leadership meeting in 2005. If we have actionable intelligence about high value terrorist targets and President Musharraf will not act, we will.”
Shuster: “Again, Barack Obama was misleading tonight about his own speech”
“Senator Obama clearly buckled under the pressure last night while being challenged by much more experienced, seasoned candidates like Chris Dodd,” said Dodd spokeswoman Colleen Flanagan. “Senator Dodd’s 32 years in Congress have equipped him with a very nuanced understanding of complex foreign policy matters. That experience showed last night, especially in contrast to Senator Obama retreating from what he said in his speech in order to try to deny the irresponsible comments he had made.”
Far be it from me to speak for Sen. Obama, but there’s a reason this isn’t catching on with the press, and it has nothing to do with Dodd issuing it or Obama being popular. There is little if any difference in practice between the two statements that Dodd finds so contradictory. If anything, it shows that Obama is framing the issue better, emphasizing the work done with Pakistan as opposed to working when Pakistan fails. Obama’s second way empasizes Pakistan as an ally more, but aside from that, there’s little if any substantive difference in terms of the action Obama is proposing (and all of this seems to be pretty much agreed upon across party lines for the most part. Like that last foreign policy squabble over meeting with leaders, the differences are greatly exaggerated.)
Dodd issued a second press release today attacking Obama’s record on the war:
In response to criticism of his recent foreign policy pronouncements, Senator Obama has pointed to his opposition to the Iraq war while he was a State Senator from Illinois. However, he has neglected to mention that he said that he did not know what he would have done if he were in the U.S. Senate at the time of the vote to authorize the war.
“In a recent interview, he declined to criticize Senators Kerry and Edwards for voting to authorize the war, although he said he would not have done the same based on the information he had at the time. ‘But, I’m not privy to Senate intelligence reports,’ Mr. Obama said. ‘What would I have done? I don’t know. What I know is that from my vantage point the case was not made.’” [New York Times, 7/26/04]
“Senator Obama’s position as a state senator rings hollow in light of the fact that he himself says he doesn’t know how he would have voted as a U.S. Senator,” said Chris Dodd. “It’s going to take leadership in the U.S. Senate to end the war in Iraq. That’s why I led the fight for a firm deadline and clearly and unequivocally stated my opposition to supplemental funding for George Bush’s failed policy - something that can’t be said of all the candidates.”
This likewise takes advantage of a differing of policy between Obama and Kerry and Edwards, whom Obama had to support as the Democratic Convention Keynote Speaker in 2004. Dodd takes standard deference and tries to use it for political gain. I’d add in that Obama has since been elected and had the opportunity to actually read the intelligence, presumably, he referred to in 2004.
Dodd is languishing in the polls - often behind Kucinich and even occasionally Gravel - despite putting more policy proposals out there than possibly any other candidate. He even launched an education plan today. To date, it’s been speculated that Dodd is just an unknown, or just unable to get traction because of a lack of charisma. But despite what I believe to be a record number of debates, Dodd has been completely unable to generate any charisma of his own. Additionally, his appeals in debates, particularly the AFL-CIO debate, were obviously pandering that the crowd did not take well to. And these critiques are evident to me of Dodd trying to force the issue too much, in ways that will probably hurt him. Changes in how a candidate frames an issue are not changes in the policy beliefs of that issue. Perhaps it’s time the question should be asked: Is Dodd simply a bad politician in terms of running for president?
On the whole, though, I’m reminded of the lyrics of a song that I’m quite certain has never been previously tied to presidential politics: Lobster Bucket, by the Aquabats:
There are times
When you find
Lobsters in a bucket
Can’t climb out
Why won’t they climb away?
Because other lobsters
Pull them down
…..
People too me and you
Can also be like lobsters in bucket
It’s all just one big mess
Please don’t be a lobster
Friends are best
There’s only going to be one candidate who emerges to have a chance against Hillary Clinton in this election. Both Obama and Edwards are behaving as if they are that candidate right now (and in Iowa, they both are, as it’s pretty much a dead heat). Biden and Dodd, though, are dragging down Obama and Edwards at every chance they have. The first reason is obvious: they’re not going to overcome Clinton’s popularity, and any long shot chance they have is determined by them overcoming either Edwards or Obama (which is highly unlikely). The second reason is that there is reason to curry favor with Clinton. Dodd and especially Biden are angling for cabinet posts in the next Democratic presidency, and it behooves them to not cross Clinton during the campaign. Obviously, I have no sources and I’m not saying this is what they are doing … but it does make a lot of sense.
Even if I have to site an Aquabats song to do it… (and fwiw, I hate that band… way too kitsch for me.)
[Photo Credit: flickr user pomsandpolitics' photostream]
Sphere: Related ContentLive Blog of AFL-CIO Democratic Candidate Forum on MSNBC
August 7, 2007 | Permalink | 8 Comments
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.
Sphere: Related ContentPress Released: July 2-9
July 8, 2007 | Permalink | 2 Comments
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.
This week, we’re also excluding financial report press releases; we’re going to include them in our reports of the detailed financial results we post later in the week.
Duncan Hunter
John McCain
Mitt Romney
Ron Paul
Rudy Giuliani
Sam Brownback
Tom Tancredo
Barack Obama
Bill Richardson
Christopher Dodd
Dennis Kucinich
Hillary Clinton
Joe Biden
John Edwards
Mike Gravel
Mike Bloomberg
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.
Sphere: Related ContentEdwards, Kucinich, Biden, and Clinton Talk Unions
July 6, 2007 | Permalink | Leave a Comment
Over the past two days, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton have addressed the United Steelworkers (USW) Union meeting in Cleveland, Ohio.
If elected president, former U.S. Sen. John Edwards pledged Thursday, he would ban the hiring of permanent replacements for striking workers.
Edwards, who also promised to make it easier for unions to organize, recalled how he attended a rally to support striking Goodyear workers in Akron last year.
Edwards, who drew the largest crowd and got the warmest reception of the candidates, said he favors raising the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2012, with inflationary increases after that. (Ohio’s minimum wage is $6.85 an hour; the U.S. minimum rises to $5.85 on July 24.)
“Nobody should work full time in the United States of America and live in poverty,” he said.
Edwards said America’s current trade agreements need to be enforced and new ones must include provisions requiring strict labor and environmental standards. He said a million jobs could be created through the bolstering of environmentally friendly practices, such as producing more fuel-efficient vehicles.
During a question-and-answer session, Edwards said he’s committed to public financing of political campaigns. As president, he said, he would change the makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court and — if necessary, the Constitution — to achieve this goal.
Kucinich, who was once Cleveland’s mayor, said his No. 1 priority would be to eliminate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
“We `hafta’ get rid of NAFTA,” he said, laughing.
Kucinich favors withdrawing from the World Trade Organization and setting new standards for trade. He said he would challenge insurance companies and “reclaim health care.”
Kucinich got lots of cheers when he said he would cancel the federal Patriot Act. “What, you’re not patriots?” he asked, chuckling.
He also got a rise when he suggested that Vice President Dick Cheney should be impeached for lying to “get us into war.”
Biden, who gave the USW a nod for being the first union to endorse him when he first ran for Congress, said the United States needs a “broader, more inclusive union movement.”
Biden favors building American infrastructure to keep and attract businesses and create jobs. He said the money needed for domestic programs — including national health care and college tuition assistance — could be freed up by ending the war in Iraq and eliminating tax breaks for the wealthy.
Clinton also avoided talking about NAFTA, but did talk in generalities about improving manufacturing:
Sphere: Related Content“We are going to revitalize our manufacturing base,” the Democratic senator from New York told union leaders at a conference on manufacturing sponsored by the United Steelworkers of America. Membership in the Pittsburgh-based union has fallen with declining manufacturing.
“I don’t think we can be a great nation without a manufacturing base,” she said. “If we don’t keep making things, we’re not going to sustain our economic standard of living or our quality of life.”
Clinton drew cheers with commitments to legislation making it easier for union membership drives and a promise to make union-friendly appointments.
She avoided discussion of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which unions blame for the loss of jobs, but promised to make sure trade agreement provisions are kept to insure fair trade.
Press Released: Week of June 24 - July 1
July 1, 2007 | Permalink | 10 Comments
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
Bill Richardson
Christopher Dodd
Dennis Kucinich
Hillary Clinton
Joe Biden
John Edwards
Duncan Hunter
Jim Gilmore
John McCain
Mike Huckabee
Mitt Romney
Ron Paul
Rudy Giuliani
Sam Brownback
Tom Tancredo
Tommy Thompson
Mike Bloomberg
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.
Sphere: Related ContentLive Blog of the PBS Presidential Primary Forum of 6/29/07
June 28, 2007 | Permalink | 4 Comments
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.
Sphere: Related ContentPress Released: Week of June 18-24
June 24, 2007 | Permalink | Leave a Comment
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
Bill Richardson
Christopher Dodd
Dennis Kucinich
Hillary Clinton
Joe Biden
John Edwards
Duncan Hunter
Fred Thompson
Jim Gilmore
Mike Huckabee
Mitt Romney
Newt Gingrich
Ron Paul
Rudy Giuliani
Sam Brownback
Tom Tancredo
Mike Bloomberg
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.
Sphere: Related Content
