Official Election Day “Until There’s a Winner” Liveblog

And here is the liveblog, if you are having trouble viewing email us (mail)…

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Election Day AM Liveblog

8:07: Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and even Bill Ayers have all already voted. Why haven’t you? 

8:09: Morning Joe is pretty dull today.

8:11: Voting turnout is uniformly high, it seems, from early indications. A line in Madison was over a block long.

8:14: Bill and Hillary Clinton, celebrity voters.

8:26: Interesting point on MSNBC: If Obama wins, there’ll be no African-Americans in the Senate.

8:35: Joe Scarborough just said that no Republicans in Congress really supported the Iraq war: that if Bush ever vetoed a budget, they would all turn against it. That’s certainly not what Republicans ran on in 2002 and 2004, and even 2006. It was only after that election that Rumsfeld was replaced, despite wide signs that he needed to be removed before hand. I don’t think Scarborough’s analysis holds up. Also, if someone said that about Democrats, that they didn’t support the war but just did it to get their pork passed, the uproar would be huge, justifiably. Do Republicans care more about pork than war? That’s the implication of what Scarborough is saying. Just a really disingenuous argument, in my opinion.

8:49: Problems in Virginia and elsewhere:

According to reports from OurVoteLive, some precincts in Virginia are equipped with fewer voting machines than expected, while many voters are simply reporting that voting machines are “not working.” In Reston, there have been reports of paper ballot scanners malfunctioning. A few voters in Richmond report that the electronic machines in use told the voters their votes for president had been recored when, in fact, the voters had not voted for president yet.

Get that fixed.

9:07: Morning Joe is shocked that Obama is campaigning in Indiana today. But McCain is also campaigning in a couple of states today.

9:11: Harold Ford talks about unkowns being competitive in state races. Does he regret not running against Lamar Alexander?

9:16: Early non-scientific indications are that turnout is officially insane.

9:17: Joe Scarborough thinks all election lawyers are just out to turn a buck. That’s borderline offensive, and I’m pretty shocked no one on set has nothing to say, especially with voting fraud and problems really high on the minds of both parties.

9:26: More on exit polls: Nate Silver here, Mark Blumenthal here. Ignore them. They are wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

9:44: In case you were wondering, Obama’s grandmother’s vote will count. Philosophically, I think it’s a good idea to count votes by people who subsequently die. I don’t really want the government to be in the business of deciding who lives long enough to be qualified to vote. Anyone voting today could die later in the day. Hopefully not, though.

9:48: How sad is it that Dan Rather has to be a guest on MSNBC to ask Chuck Schumer a question. Also, the question is stupid, asking if the party will move to the left. The new House and Senate members are uniformly more conservative than the general Democratic caucus that exists. The locus of power will move to the left, but the Democrats will move to the right. This is not particularly controversial or hard to understand, unless you’re a discredited former news anchor, apparently.

10:03: Speechless:

But when CNN’s Wolf Blitzer talks with Candy Crowley from the Obama headquarters in Chicago on Tuesday evening, the correspondent could simultaneously appear in the New York studio—at least as a 3-D hologram. Really.

This is too much. Way, way, way too much.

10:07: Sarah palin is voting from a helicopter.

10:14: John McCain is voting, and the camera crews are going nuts. Will he vote for Obama? THat’d certainly be the maverick move.

10:45 No recent updates because there’s nothing more to update. It seems we’ve reached some sort of equilibrium where any new information will be of less and less use. So I;m going to break for a while, pick up some things, and return here later, in a new post.

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LIVEBLOG: Third and Final Presidential Debate At Hofstra University (October 15, 2008)

[NOTE: all times are central standard time]

6:40: As usual, we will be live blogging tonight’s final presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama.  The debate is taking place at Hofstra University.  It is set to begin at 9PM (eastern time).  It will be moderated by CBS’ Bob Schieffer.  The focus will be on domestic and economic issues.  As usual, we’ll be doing a post-debate podcast.  If you’re interested, take a moment to subscribe to our podcast.

7:23: If you’re looking to watch the debate video online, you can check out C-SPAN’s debate hub.  Just shield your ears from the agonizing call in show that precedes these debates.

7:33: The Executive Director of the Commission on Presidential Debates is talking about the significance of the debates both nationally and internationally.  In discussing the international perception and role of our debates, she said:

In all cases, they see our debates as integral to the democratic process.  And they believe that it’s remarkable that the American public thinks they have the right to expect the candidates for high office will stand in a neutral setting and talk to each other freely about important issues and ideas.

All I can say in response to this is: no.  “Talk to each other freely”?  Hardly.  These debates are incredibly scripted and controlled, with virtually every detail negotiated and agreed to by the campaigns in advance.  I’m not trying to bash the debates, but, let’s at least be honest with ourselves.  Like past debates, tonight’s debate is hardly a “debate.”

7:50: Look, we’re not only a nation of red states and blue states.  We’re also a nation of bright red outfits and bright blue outfits.  Michelle Obama is wearing blue, Cindy McCain is wearing red.  Sigh.  I wouldn’t note this, except, even these kinds of decisions are influenced or controlled by campaigns.  This is our politics.

7:55: Hillary is in the house.  She’s sitting pretty far back from the stage.

8:00: And, it begins…

8:02: First question: Why is your economic plan better than your opponent’s?

8:04: McCain says that primary cause of the economic problem is the housing crisis.  And, he notes his plan to use $300 billion to directly assist with the failing mortgages.  Obama notes the need to address multiple factors.  Neither had nothing new to say here.

8:08: McCain follow-up question: He asks Obama about his recent exchange with “Joe the plumber” and notes that Joe was concerned that Obama’s tax plan would hurt him.  Obama responds that Joe was mistaken, and that his plan would cut taxes for a significant portion of Americans.

8:10: McCain doesn’t understand why Obama wants to raise taxes at all, even if it’s on the richest Americans.  He chides Obama for wanting to spread the wealth.

8:12: Obama mentions Buffet again.

8:14: Question 2: How would you cut spending? (ugh, how many times are they going to ask this question)

8:15: Obama talks about the need to change our culture a bit, and the need for people and corporations to become more responsible.  Obviously, he doesn’t want to answer this question with any specificity.

8:16: What would McCain Cut? He argues that we need to become energy independent by building nuclear power.  Unfortunately for McCain, even if we started building power plants the day he took office, it would not have an effect on power for too many years to actually satisfy the short term need he talked about.  He goes on to talk about an across the board spending freeze.  The one specific example he offered was ethanol subsidies.  That’s not going to go over well in the heartland, even though our ethanol program does need to be reworked totally.  It can’t just be a cut in ethanol subsidies though, there would need to be additional reforms to make up for the losses those farmers would suffer.  Dah well…

8:20: McCain says that he is not President Bush.  Then talks about his fight for reform, ethic and fiscal responsibility.  He then challenges Obama to give examples when he has stood against his own party.

8:22: Obama says that he supports tort reform, charter schools and clean coal.  Each of which, he argues alienate an element of the base.  Pander Alert! The clean coal thing was just added in there to help support

8:24: Question 3: Are you willing to say face-to-face what your campaigns have said about your opponent?

8:25: McCain hits Obama on not accepting his offer to participate in town halls, which he considers to be one of the causes of the current tenor of the campaign.  He also criticized Obama for changing his position on campaign finance.

8:27: Obama says that people expect presidential campaigns to be tough. And adds that 100% of McCain’s ads have been negative.  He also pointed to some negative 527 group ads that are being run against him.  I don’t think Obama needed to bring up the 527s, especially since, this line of argumentation would reflect poorly on him as well given some of the really harsh 527s that are being run against McCain about his age and health.

8:30: McCain criticizes Obama for not criticizing Rep. Lewis.

8:31: Obama retorts by noting that his campaign did criticize Lewis’ statement.  He adds that Palin saying he pals around with terrorists, and the lack of response to some of the strong words from supporters, like “kill him,” that have come out at rallies have not been productive.

8:34: McCain’s response is beyond bizarre.  He says he isn’t going to let Obama criticize the people at his rallies that wear “women for mccain” t-shirts or the men that wear VFW hats.  This is total nonsense.  There is definitley a better response to this and I have no idea why McCain didn’t offer it.

8:36: ACORN and Ayers are discussed.

8:39: McCain continues to try and portray Obama’s relationship with Ayers and ACORN as substantial.  If this is the argument that McCain wants to make, again, the campaign needed to figure out a better way to articulate this message.  However, they didn’t.  It’s inconsistent and somewhat confusing.

8:40: Question 4: Why would the country be better off if your runningmate became president?

8:41: Obama notes Biden’s foreign policy experience and offers some legislative accomplishments he has made.

8:42: McCain says that Americans have gotten to know Sarah Palin. Calls her a reformer and a role model for women.  He cites her experience within the Alaskan energy sector.  McCain also talks about Sarah Palin’s work on behalf of special needs education, like autism.

8:44: Obama circles back to point out that across the board spending, which McCain said he would do in the beginning of the debate, would prevent the advancement of special needs programs.

8:45: McCain criticizes Biden for voting against first gulf war.  Calls his recent partioning plan in Iraq cockamammy.  McCain responds by wondering why Obama is always talking about more spending.  In other words, he wonders why research and development can’t be free.

8:46: How much can U.S. reduce dependence on Foreign Oil?

8:46: McCain says that it would take about 45 nuclear power plants and he gave a target number of 7 years or so before significant gains would be made.

8:48: Obama says that energy independence can happen within 10 years.  He notes that domestic oil will not satisfy our demands.  He talks about a few examples of alternative energy.  One of the things he talked about, which will resonate well in key states like Michigan, is the need to manufacture a fuel efficient car in the U.S.

8:51: McCain criticizes some of Obama’s initiatives as underming of free trade.  He specifically notes that Obama didn’t support the Columbian Free Trade Agreement.

8:53: Obama gives a reason for not supporting the Columbian Free Trade Agreement.  It has to do with human rights abuses.

8:55: McCain responds by saying that Obama doesn’t support the Columbian free trade agreement because of human rights concerns, but is willing to negotiate with Hugo Chavez.  He concludes by saying that Obama is like an isolationist and will raise taxes, then compares Obama to Hubert Humphrey.  The two aren’t exactly the same, it’d be nice if McCain provided a reasoned argument or a syllogism at some point in this debate.

8:56: Question: Do you favor controlling health care costs over expanding coverage?  If I liveblogged this, it would actually be unfair to John McCain.   Obama is simply outclassing McCain on this subject.  He is communicating his plan in more understandable terms than McCain’s.  That’s not to say that Obama’s plan is better, I am not endorsing one plan over another.  But, in terms of performance, McCain’s performance on this subject tonight was simply bad.  Obama’s wasn’t flawless, but at least you could understand his argument, even if you disagree.

9:06: Could you nominate a Supreme Court justice who differs with your view on Roe v. Wade?  McCain wouldn’t apply an litmus test and will appoint strict constructionists.  Obama says he understands that abortion is a difficult subject, says that he supports Roe v. Wade and believes that is important.  He gives an example of the equal pay, for equal work case that just came up.  Too much to get into here, but listen to our podcast for a discussion of it.  This was a very interesting exchange.

9:15: Does poor performance in school pose a threat to national security?

9:16: Obama notes that there is a national security element to education. Says the debate is between more money or reform.  Obama says we need both. Talks about his reforms in primary schools, recruitment of new teachers, recruiting of math and science teachers, etc.  He closes on the need for parents to play a larger role in the education of their children.

9:19: McCain says that education is a civil rights issue.  Adds that there needs to be competition in schools.  Is this a subtle argument for vouchers?  Also, says that charter schools are a good step. Alright…

9:20: Should federal government play a larger role in education?

9:21: Short answers: Obama, yes.  McCain, I really can’t tell based on his response.

9:22: Obama says that he also supports charter schools, but does not support vouchers.  McCain points to the voucher program in DC and argues for vouchers more generally.

9:25: As a debater, I didnt flow rebuttals.  Accordingly, I will not be blogging the closing remarks.

9:28: First thoughts?  Obama was on point, McCain was all over the map. This is not a partisan perspective, it’s not based on the policies that they advocated.  Rather, it is based on the how effective the candidates argued their opinions.

As an aside, this is not the best live blog that I’ve done.  The format was not conducive to a live blog.  We’re going to be posting a podcast shortly with full analysis, so subscribe to our podcast if you’re interested…

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LIVEBLOG: Obama McCain Presidential Debate At Belmont University In Tennessee (October 7, 2008)

[All Times Are Central]

6:45: And we’re off.  Tonight is the second presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama.  It is scheduled to begin at 9pm eastern time.  It is being held at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.  The moderator will be Tom Brokaw.  The topics will focus on domestic issues.

6:53: Belmont’s mascot is “Bruiser the Bruin.”  He’s a bear! A very scary looking bear, I might add.  John McCain better watch out.  I’m not sure Bruiser would like to know about McCain’s criticism of the $3 million the government spends to study bear DNA in Montana.  Also, the university has lots of famous alumni who are country music singers - well done.

7:35: Pickens commercial on CNN.  I’m really getting sick of these natural gas commercials.

7:40: TPM issued a pre-debate post wondering out loud whether Brokaw is going to carry some water for McCain tonight.  My response: lame.

7:41: At the debate venue, Al Gore gets a standing ovation.  Awh.

7:43: One of the Co-Chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates is telling the audience not to clap or create other types of interruptions during the debate.

7:49: Tom Brokaw takes the stage.  He tells the audience that they will not tolerate any outbursts.

7:52: Now, there is just dead silence in the venue.  Between all the warnings not to make any noise, and fear of being ravaged by a pack of wild boars, I suppose everyone is simply to afraid to speak, even in these pre-debate moments.

7:53: I just saw that Cindy McCain said that Obama has “waged the dirtiest campaign in American history,” and her husband Sen. John McCain will use tonight’s debate to correct the distortions.  I’m going to refrain from commenting on the degree of dirty tactics used by Obama, but what I can say with great confidence is that this is not the dirtiest campaign in history.  See my post on historical perspective here.  It really annoys me when people who have the potential to be the in such prominent positions of government either intentionally distort or simply do not know history.  Shame on you.  Yes, really.

8:00: And here we go.

8:03: First question: What is the fastest way to help people in these economic conditions?  Obama acknowledges that we’re in a recession.  Says that the economy is the verdict of economic policies of the last 8 years, ties McCain to them.  His prescription: no golden parachutes for corporate executives of these failing financial institutions (I really hate this metaphor, it just sounds silly).  Obama also says that middle class tax cuts also need to be enacted.

8:06: McCain talks about energy independence as a potential solution.  Also talks about the need to control spending and address the national debt.  McCain says that as president, he would purchase the bad mortgages and renegotiate them.  I’m not sure this would address the value of homes though

8:08: Brokaw asks McCain who he would appoint as Secretary of Treasury.  McCain suggests that someone like Meg Whitman has the qualities that he would consider.  Yeesh.  He probably should have picked a different person to discuss given that eBay just laid off almost 10% of its workforce (about 1,500 people).  Obama shamelessly name drops Buffet - “Warren.”  As if.

8:11: Second question: How will the fiscal recovery package help people?  McCain takes a jab at Obama and Democrats for not taking action on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac earlier.  Also, hits Obama on contributions from Fannie and Freddie.  McCain says that the bailout isn’t enough, talks about his mortgage plan again.  Obama talks about how recovery package is the beginning of the process and an important step in opening up credit.  Hits McCain on campaign staff that lobbied on behalf of Fannie and Freddie.

8:15: Follow-up: Will the economy get worse before it gets better? McCain references a letter that Senators wrote warning about this crisis, notes that Obama’s name isn’t on it.  Hmm, alright.  McCain also talks about how workers are the fundamental of the economy (clearly still doing damage control for his earlier statement about the fundamentals of the economy being strong.)

8:19: Next question: How can we trust either of you with our money, when both parties contributed to this crisis? Obama acknowledges frustration and cynicism.  He points to specific actions of the last 8 year that have uniquely contributed to the problem.  Obama also talks about how his policies would result in a net spending cut.

8:20: McCain also acknowledges frustration and cynicism.  Says that Obama hasn’t taken on his party, like he has done in the past.  Says that he has taken on his party and special interests.  Goes on to criticize Obama as the most liberal, big spending Senator.  I was right about McCain being afraid of Bruiser.  Instead of talking about bear DNA, McCain criticizes Obama for getting a $3 million earmark for a projector for a planetarium in Chicago.  Somewhere Neil Degrasse Tyson is weeping.

8:26: Brokaw asks what their highest legislative priorities would be.  I’m not blogging this.  Their answers are pure fluff.  If wishes and buts were clusters of nuts, then we’d all be squirrels…

8:28: Internet question: What sacrifices would you ask Americans to make?  McCain talks about cutting earmarks and instituting an across the board spending freeze.  This isn’t exactly a sacrifice that he is asking of all Americans, rather, it seems to a sacrifice that some Americans will deal with as a result of some of these freezes.  Further, earmarks are not always the answer.  Most Americans don’t even know what an earmark is.

8:31: Obama says that Americans are hungry for the type of leadership that will challenge them to sacrifice.  But don’t worry, he’s not going to issue that challenge.  Instead, he says that while he supports offshore drilling for oil, he also believes that Americans need to think of ways to cut back their energy use.  You know, things like weatherizing their houses or buying more efficient cars.  Uhm, this isn’t really a sacrifice.

8:36: Obama wants to respond to McCain’s answer about taxes.  But, Brokaw will not let him, he’s peeved.  And, somewhat understandably so.  The campaigns invest all kinds of time and energy into strict rules.  If the candidates wanted a more free form debate, they should have the courage to participate in a less structured debate.  But, neither of them, have demonstrated that courage so far, so now is a bad time to start whining about their own rules.

8:38: Next question: Would you give Congress a deadline to Reform Entitlements?  Both candidates really dodge the question about entitlements and instead talk more about taxes.  Oh well.  Part of me was secretly hoping that Al Gore would just scream out “lockbox!”

8:43: What would you do in the first two years on environmental issues?  McCain thinks we need to develop green technologies and alternative fuels, but he also thinks that nuclear energy is the answer.  Well shucks, that’s all we need to do is build a bunch of nuclear power plants?  That’s an awful lot of backyards that people aren’t going to want these facilities built in.

8:44: Obama hits McCain on voting against alternative fuels in the past.  Obama argues that we need to work with the private sector to develop alternatives.  There is a terrifying lack of specificity in both answers.

8:46: Brokaw scolds both candidates for violating time rules again.  He asks McCain if government should fund a Manhattan Project like program for alternative energy or invest in “100,000 garages” like was used in advancing computer technology.  It seems as though McCain supports the Manhattan like project, but his answer was somewhat incoherent.  McCain also practices talking to trick or treaters on Halloween when he jumps into a discussion about goodies and the energy bill that Obama voted for.

8:50: Should health care be treated as a commodity?  Obama: queue rhetoric on the importance of a unversal system of coverage.  McCain says that things need to be done to impose efficiencies, like putting health records online and having community health facilities.  McCain gets a little jittery..first points out the difference between him and Obama - that he believes government should give people choices, Obama doesn’t.  Notes how Obama wants to require mandates.  Then champions his $5,000 tax credit to purchase health insurance across state lines.

8:54: Follow up: Is healthcare a privilege, right or responsibility of the government?  McCain is not a huge fan of this question, he says that health care is a responsibility.  Goes on to talk about being wary of mandates.  Obama says that health care is a right.  Clarifies his position on mandates and explains why McCain’s plan will encourage employers to shop around for worse health care.  Overall, I think Obama may have won this point, at least in terms of how it was articulated.  McCain really needs to figure out a better way to talk about this issue.

8:59: Next question: How will the economy affect U.S. ability to achieve peace in the world?  McCain dodges the question completely.  Instead talks about how the U.S. is a force for good.  Adds that Obama doesn’t understand and now is not the time for on the job training.

9:01: Canned response alert!  Obama says that he doesn’t understand…he doesn’t understand how he ended up Iraq.  Some staffer, somewhere is really proud of himself.  Obama sort of dodges the question, he notes that the strained foreign policy and weakened economic and diplomatic positions have hindered our ability to act in some instances, like Darfur.

9:03: Brokaw followup: When would you use forces for humanitarian reasons when U.S. security is not at stake?  Obama acknowledges that forces does not necessarily mean combat troops, it could also include things like logistical support and no-fly zones.  He thinks that when there is a genocide, at least something should be done.  This is an enormously complicated subject that depends very much on the specifics of the situation, so Obama’s clumsy answer is somewhat forgivable.

9:05: McCain pounces on Obama’s position and Iraq.  Says that if we had listened to Obama, we would have left Iraq in defeat and not victory.  Says that we must never allow another holocaust to happen again, but that if we intervene, we can’t make it worse. Eh.

9:08: Next question: Should the U.S. pursue al-Qaeda inside Pakistan?  Short answer, Obama will go into Pakistan to pursue Bin Laden, even if the Pakistan government will not support the action.  McCain quotes Teddy Roosevelt, “speak softly and carry and big stick.”  Argues that Obama’s position does not help international relations nor does it help the Pakistani government.

9:13: After some more senseless haggling over whether or not to have a follow up, Obama challenges McCain’s position by citing the instances when McCain sang “bomb, bomb, bomb Iran” or called for the anhiliation of N. Korea.  McCain says that Obama is telegraphing his positions, and that a president shouldn’t.

9:18: There’s a debate over strategy in Afghanistan.  Again, I simply refuse to blog this topic because both candidates are butchering the kind of discussion that this topic requires.

9:19: Next question: How can the U.S. pressure Russia on humanitarian issues? McCain says that he warned about Putin years ago, suggests that Russia is looking towards the Ukraine and that we must support Georgia.  Says that we need to make it clear that there are penalties for this kind of action.  Obama says that we can see challenges ahead of time, and notes that he saw the problem in Georgia coming back in April.  He doesn’t suggest how we to pressure Russia on this answer.

9:23: Is Russia, under Putin, an evil empire?  Obama says they do evil things.  McCain grins and says that it depends on how we respond, notes that if he says yes, it will reignite the cold war, if he says no then it doesn’t acknowledge their behavior.  Overall, McCain really shined during the discussion on Russia.  Obama’s first answer was a bit clumsy and didn’t didn’t address the question.

9:24: If Iran attacks Israel, would you send U.S. troops to respond?  McCain notes that there would be obstacles to Iran taking such an aggressive action from China and Russia. Then launches into a discussion about how we must prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.  Finishes by saying that we cannot let another holocaust happen.  Obama starts off by also saying that we must prevent Iran from getting a nuclear device.  Adds in a confusing line about not giving the UN veto power against actions we believe our in our interest.  Obama says that military options must remain on the table, but we have to try diplomacy.

9:29: Last question: What don’t you know, and how will you learn it?  No, this isn’t the last question, the Israel one was.  Come on, this isn’t a question for a presidential debate.  There’s just no way to answer this question.  It’s like engaging in a zenos paradox thought experiment.  First off, if you don’t know it, how do you know you don’t know it?  Secondly, assuming you can know what you don’t know and you still don’t know it, then doesn’t that mean you flatly ignored learning something you should have known?  Oh well. [Update: John points out, that my zenos paradox quip ignored the better comparison, which was that there are known knowns and unknown unknowns.  I agree, this quip would have been better.]

9:30: Done.  We’ll be recording a post-debate podcast now, so be sure to check back a little later or take this opportunity to subscribe to our podcast.

11:00: Our post-debate podcast is now up, have a listen, if you like…

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Vice Presidential Debate Liveblog: Sarah Palin v. Joe Biden from Washington University in St. Louis

5:34: Let’s start off with the ridiculous Gwen Ifill controversy. Gwen Ifill, I would argue, is the second best moderator possible behind Lehrer. She’s the best choice to get the Meet the Press Chair. And Tim Russert, let’s not forget, was a Democratic operative before moving to the news side; few people would argue that his past work disqualified him from being a netural moderator. And yet, we have actual Republicans saying Ifill is in the tank. It’s mortifying. If Ifill looks biased, we’ll say so and a bunch of other people will say so. But just publishing a book about race relations after the rise of Obama’s campaign hardly is evidence that she’s going to do something untoward. 

By the way, the strangest part of that press release is where Orrin Hatch complains that Biden is … getting advice from Hillary Clinton. As if this is some sort of shocking or horrifying fact, that Senators get advice from each other.

5:45: Former Clinton operative Phil SInger previews the debate on his blog here and here. Essentially, the two previews sort of have it both ways: one good Palin performance could help save her, but also if any of the Couric-interview Palin shows up, there’s nothing but trouble on the horizon. I think both are true - for different people. As for undecided, I’m betting that if they are still undecided now, they’re unlikely to be persuaded by an uneven performance from either candidate.

5:51: The baseball playoffs are far more compelling than this debate. The Phillies-Brewers game is incredible - and only in the second inning. Shane Victorino grand slam!

5:55: In case you had wanted to know what the British Ambassador’s private thoughts on Obama, well, here you go.

6:00: Here’s Howard Wolfson on the stakes for the debate tonight:

The short answers: Gov. Palin needs to demonstrate a real understanding of complex issues. Simple talking points won’t cut it. She needs to make clear she grasps the difficult policy challenges that the next administration will confront.  if she doesn’t the debate will quickly turn into her own version of Thursday Night Live.

Sen. Biden’s burden is the opposite. We all know he understands the issues. Instead he has to connect with Americans, making the case against John
McCain without condescending to Gov. Palin and angering female voters.  (He will not, for instance, be calling her “Sarah”)

6:03: Good thing Obama and McCain will not be in the buiilding. We wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.

6:06: Mary Katherine Ham says Palin will be “free” tonight. She continues:

Conventional wisdom says low expectations will behoove Palin, just as a similar soft bigotry worked for Bush, but after several very shaky interviews, it may be that expectations are so low for Palin as to require resuscitation by way of a knowledgeable, confident performance. Passable alone probably won’t do for a slipping ticket, especially with media primed to highlight every mistake.

Expectations would seem to set the bar high for Biden, but everyone knows there’s only one thing Joe Biden does more than ride the Amtrak, and that’s say spectacularly stupid things. Given the slant of the media and his reputation for political pratfalls, I wouldn’t be surprised to see post-debate coverage congratulate him for getting through 90 minutes without referring to his running mate as “clean and articulate.”

I’m not sure a lack of freedom was her problem with Couric. It was more a lack of ability to command any sort of details. She’s a wonderful attack dog (or pitbull, as she referred to herself), but she hasn’t shown anything beyond that so far. Any time she spends being on the attack will just take away from time for her to make her case.

6:39: Sabathia doesn’t make it through 4 in Philly.

6:41: Lafayette at the fellow o8 Bloggers Network blog 2008 Presidential Election Blog previews the debate:

The expectations are super low for SP.  This favors her, big-time.  If she makes a barely passable showing, the story’ll be her come-from-behind triumph.  Or at least her supporters will think so; the media is another story.  Will they gang up on her?  I think so, but I also think they have to be sensitive to their clientele, and they don’t want to be seen picking on her.  So they’ll gladly make fun of whatever is awkward and unbecoming.  I really don’t see how SP can avoid the mockery she is about to get dumped on her.  However, if she’s poised, they vipers can’t unleash their venom, because they’d be picking on her.

And of course Biden does not want to be seen this way either!  But he won’t.  He’s too good of a politician to flub it up.  Democrats don’t have to worry–this one’s all on SP.  Biden will be fine, he’s done this numerous times.  He won’t mess it up.  But he can be fought to a draw by the ordinary gal Pal(in) if she’s passably articulate.

We see this as the opposite: nothing will happen tonight. That hasn’t stopped me from liveblogging, though.

6:45: Dyre Portents, another 08 Bloggers Network Blog, says the expectations will be hard for Biden to overcome:

I don’t think Biden can beat Palin in a popularity contest. He’s somehow going to have to either force Palin to stick to the issues or find a way to repeatedly politely point out that Palin isn’t actually answering the questions. Given his gaffe prone nature and his temperment he may not be up to that particular task.

Biden has a tough job in front of him, no matter how you see the debate.

6:48: Famous alumni of Washington University include Harold Ramis, better known as Egon from the Ghostbusters.

6:49: Washington University soda trivia: The founder of 7-up, Frank Gladney, graduated from Washington University.

6:54: Election Geek is another 08 Network blog.  They’re not convinced that Ifill is a fair moderator. 

7:21: Jennifer Granholm, Democrat governor of Michigan, discussed what it was like to portray Sarah Palin in practice debates with Biden, and what it is like to be a female politician.

7:24: Lindsay Graham and Joe Lieberman are in the house tonight. They’re talking with two other old white guys I cannot identify.

7:30: The parade of semi-important dignitaries has begun. We’re listening so you don’t have to.

7:35: The two old white guys aforementioned are former Republican senators Jack Danforth and Al Simpson.

7:39: Missouri soda trivia part II: Dr. Pepper was introduced at the World’s Fair in St. Louis in 1904.

7:42: The parade of self-important dignities is still talking about sponsors. Meanwhile, I just found out that a Frenchman fur trader named Auguste Chouteau claimed to found St. Louis, but there are doubts to the authenticity of the claim.

7:45: St. Louis is the location of the first debate in 1992 between Clinton, Bush, and Perot. It was also the site of the last debate between Gore and Bush in 2000. And also the second debate between Bush and Kerry in 2004. In other words, this is increasingly a popular site.

7:48: Gwen Ifill uses crutches to take her seat. “In case you were wondering, I fell, I wasn’t pushed.” The crowd is too stunned to react to that line, but it’s basically all she says. Jim Lehrer, comparatively gave a lecture the last time.

7:52: Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone for reading. I’ll try to add a bit more flavor than I did the last time.

7:57: Republicans are dreaming about how Palin can attack both Ifill and Obama in one swing.

7:59: Still 5-2 Phillies over the Brewers in the 8th. I’m guessing a lot of people in Milwaukee will be too upset after tonight’s game to watch any of this debate.

8:00: And away we go. Biden on the left, Palin on the right, which is certainly appropo.

8:03: Bailout bill question to Biden. Biden pivots immediately to criticizing the economic policies of the last 8 years, and then segues into Obama’s criteria for any bailout plan, and then into showing the importance of focus on the middle class. Good answer, if a bit rushed given that the answer is 90 seconds. Palin says the test of the economy should be asking parents at kids soccer games on Saturdays. She’s talking directly into the camera; Biden was looking at Ifill. Hits the same notes as Biden, before seguing into reform. She blames Biden and the Senate for not listening to McCain’s warning on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

8:06: How would you end the polarization in Washington? Biden talks about his experience and bipartisanship. Biden then goes back into criticizing Mccain for being out of touch. Palin says he was talking about the American work force. That’s just not persuasive. She talks about joining a team of mavericks, whereas Obama only votes along party lines. They awkwardly smile at each other while she criticized Biden.

8:09: Palin blames the deception of the predatory lenders for the housing meltdown. She’s going full-blown with the accent, now mentioning Joe Sixpack and Hockey moms banding together. This is going to be something the mainstream media can’t really talk about, but will be either be really persuasive or not persuasive. Biden criticizes McCain for not being on the vanguard of subprime problems, and for his focus on deregulation. Biden is showing a better command of facts, but it’s distracting that he’s only looking at Ifill. He finally ends that with a good story about a guy at a gas station not knowing how much it takes to fill a gas tank. Palin talks at length about Biden and Obama voting for higher taxes. She says “government will have to learn how to be more efficient.” Is there any more meaningless boilerplate possible? Biden goes directly at Palin, criticizing her answer and standard on raising taxes, and saying she did not talk about regulation. Palin answers, and gives an indirect swipe at Ifill, and talks about her record. She mentions the drug industry and tobacco industry when Ifill cuts her off.

8:15: Taxes question. Biden says their tax plan is about fairness. Biden says no one making under 250 k will have a tax raise, and everyone making under 150k will have a tax decrease. Criticizes McCain for tax breaks for corporations, and saying corporations will be taxed at the level they were under Reagan. Palin says that philosophy is a redistribution of wealth, and criticizes Biden for saying taxes are patriotic. Palin says it’s patriotic to say government is not always the answer. Ifill asks about the health care plan, and talks about a tax break for families, and criticizes Obama for wanting the federal government to “take over” health care. Interesting that Obama took so much heat for not including a mandate in the primary, and now is still having his plan called a mandate. Biden says it’s not redistribution, but just fairness. Biden says McCain’s plan will tax health care benefits as income, and calls it “the ultimate bridge to nowhere.” First one liner of the night, from Biden.

8:21: What promises can yo not keep? Biden says you have to slow down foreign assistance. Segues into a discussion of what you cannot slow down: energy jobs, education (which he calls the engine of the economy - he also called the middle class the engine), and a few others. Palin says that McCain is not duplicitous. Palin criticizes Obama for voting for the 05 Energy Bill, and talks about taking on the oil companies in Alaska. Palin makes a joke about not promising much in the five weeks she’s been VP. Biden is stuttering a bit tonight - hopefully not a relapse. Biden says that Palin supported a windfall profits tax in Alaska, but McCain will not. Interesting strategy by Biden.

8:26:Palin talks about “the corruption and greed” on Wall Street, which is a “toxic mess” requiring us to be “ever vigilant.” Is this a Presidential election or a preview of the next Batman movie? Biden dodges questions of a vote, and talks about Obama again being on the vanguard. He talks about bankruptcy courts being able to adjust terms of a mortgage. Biden is now almost always looking at the camera. Palin goes back to the 05 Energy Bill, and talks about energy indepedence, and blames “east coast politicians” for not allowing Alaska to drill; easy retort: even McCain is against drilling in ANWR. The level of irony here is off the charts.

8:30: Climate change question. Palin says she blames man and cyclical forces, but she does not want to argue about causes. Underlines the “all of the above” approach. She’s saying a lot of words, but not either attacking or building a good case. Biden says it’s man made, and if you don’t understand the cause, you can’t find a solution, but says the “cause is man-made; that’s the cause.” Biden talks about renewable energy, clean coal, and nuclear energy, and attacks McCain for not voting for renewable energy, while criticizing McCain for not exporting clean coal technology. Palin corrects Biden on the chant being “drill baby drill” and not “drill, drill, drill.” The rest of her answer is OK, but it drowns in the triteness of that. Biden eventually talks about the problem being carbon emissions.

8:36: Biden supports extending same-sex benefits to couples, and says there will be no distinction. Talks about visitation rights in hospital, joint ownership of property, etc. The property rights are not really that big a problem. Palin says she does not want to redefine marriage, but wants to be tolerant of choices of relationships. Do you support gay marriage? Biden says no, it’s a question of faith. and says that they agree on these civil rights. Palin sort of half-heartedly agrees that they agree.

8:39: Iraq time. Palin talks about the surge, and criticizes Obama for voting to cut off the troops. Mentions Biden criticizing Obama on that vote. Says we are down to pre-surge levels and should put more troops in Afghanistan. This format is going to save her. Biden talks about Obama’s plan being what Bush and Maliki are negotiating. Biden shifts to discussing a timeline, and says McCain also voted to cut off funds. Biden promises to end the war. Palin has a moment of silence, and then “your plan is a white flag of surrender.” Palin says we will know when victory is in sight. Petraeus has said there will not be victory in any conventional sense. Palin mentions Biden’s son, and then hits Biden for saying he’d be honored to run with McCain, and that Biden criticized Obama for not being ready to be C-in-C. Biden says that McCain voted against funding of MRAPS “that protect the governor’s son” and others in Iraq. This is getting a bit personal. Biden then gives a long list of issues on which McCain has been wrong on Iraq.

8:45: Biden talks about the work he’s done in Pakistan, and that any attack in America will come from the hills in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and that competing for the hearts and minds in that region is necessary. Palin says that both Iran and Afghanistan are dangerous, and that Petraeus says Iraq is the central front. She talks at length about how bad it would be if Iran got a nuclear weapon. This would be interesting if all four candidates didn’t agree on it. She then segues into criticizing Obama for willingness to meet with Castro, Ahmadinejad, and Kim Jong Il, who is apparently alive for the purposes of this debate.

8:49: Palin talks about needing to engage in diplomacy, but not at a presidential level, and says diplomacy is doing hard work with allies ready to back up. Biden says the theocracy controls nuclear weapons and security in Iran. Biden says the friends and allies have been the ones saying talk. Biden criticizes McCain for not being willing to talk with the government of Spain, even though they are fighting in Afghanistan.

8:51: Israel! Palin says the two state solution is the solution, and thanks Secy. Rice for working to bring the peace. Says we can never allow a second Holocaust. She then just repeats the talking points. She’s really excited to talk about Israel as a peaceful nation. Biden says that he’s been a friend to Israel and that he would not join the ticket if he thought Obama thought otherwise. He then criticizes the Bush administration policies re: Israel, mentioning Hamas in the west bank and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Biden says the only thing on the march is Iran. Palin is excited to agree that they both love Israel. Who was the last candidate on a major ticket who didn’t? This is ridiculous. Palin says that fingerpointing to the past means you cannot be change. Good lord. There’s no substance. This is purely a rhetorical answer. If you criticize Bush, you can’t be change? Biden is stunned: he wonders how McCain’s policy would be different from that of Bush.

8:56: Palin: Nuclear policy is the “be all end all.” She says using nuclear weapons as a deterrant is a safe usage. For anyone? Good lord. She goes back to Afghanistan, and says that she wants to bring the surge philosophy there, and that is what is different from Bush. Biden says the commanding general in Afghanistan says the surge principles in Iraq will not work in Afghanistan. Well, that settles that. Biden says we spend every three weeks in Iraq what we spend in Afghanistan. His style is undermining him a bit, but he’s way out-fact-checking Palin tonight. He complements Obama for working nuclear proliferation, and says McCain has been opposed. Palin says there are differences, but counter-insurgency principles could work, cites Gen. McClellan, specifically clearing, holding, rebuilding. Uhm, half the country is “clear” already. Biden is thrown off by Palin’s short answer. The General is apparently McKiernan.

9:01: Biden as an interventionist. He says his plan worked in Bosnia. Biden talks about being in camps in Chad, and that rallying the world to act in Darfur. Talks about it being a genocide. She criticizes Biden for being a Washington insider, who was for it before he was against it in Iraq, and that Biden supported McCain and opposed Obama. Palin talks about the importance of divestment in Darfur, but also notes that the legislation she proposed in Alaska has not passed yet. Biden says he never supported McCain’s strategy, and talks about his foresight on being locked down in Iraq. And we’re back into the same discussion. Palin insinuates that Biden is lying, and even refers to the factcheckers, who McCain embraces and ignores depending on their favorability to him. She says McCain will know how to win a war.

9:07: What if you had to become President? Would you follow your wishes or your running mates? Biden says it would be a national tragedy, but he would follow Obama’s wishes. Goes over a laundry list of Obama’s preferences. I’m interested in what Palin will say. Palin says that they are mavericks and will not disagree. Her cheerfulness is odd after Biden’s sobriety. She then tries to be solemn and says she will continue his good work, and talks about bringing reality from Wasilla main street. It’s just a hodge podge of talking points. At least Biden answered the question before he did the same. I still don’t know what her priorities would be if McCain died on issues they disagree on. Biden jumps in to respons and talks about a street in Wilmington, and that Bush and McCain don’t disagree enough. He gives a shout out to other places he used to live. Palin: “Say it ain’t so Joe.” Palin lists Biden’s wife accomplishments (seriously) and then talks about the importance of education. Says her brother is the best teacher, and that kids at his school get extra credit. A flurry of pluck, but nothing else. She says either one of them is top of the line in terms of education. She wants more attention on education. I wonder what she means by that.

9:13: Palin jokes about not knowing what a VP does. She’s happy the Constitution allows a powerful VP. I’m stunned with that line. In reality, though, the history of the Constitution has left a hodge podge of inconsistencies with the VP position. Biden immediately goes back and hits McCain on education. He says he’s going to be giving constant advice on decisions.

9:15: If the VP a member of which branch? Palin says the founding fathers allowed flexibility. Holy crap this is a terrible answer historically. The founding fathers made the LOSING PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE the VP. It was only changed with the amendments, much later. Wow. Terrible, terrible answer. Biden says that Cheney was a terrible VP, and the VP is in the executive branch. He says the only time the VP has authority is a tie in the Senate, and it was a bizarre notion invented by Cheney.

9:18: What good is your experience? Palin says it’s not just her experience, but her connection to the heartland, with a son in the war and a special needs child. This is trite overload. No one that watches a debate for an hour and a half will be convinced by lines like this unless they want to be convinced by it. Talks about Reagan’s city on a hill analogy. Biden talks about writing the crime bill and the violence against women act, and then segues into talking about how his wife died, and other personal problems. He chokes up a bit when mentioning his children maybe not being able to make it. Palin talks about McCain being a maverick, and McCain being in a position of being a maverick, and then lists supporters, like Lieberman, Guiliani, and Romney. Really? Listing supporters, all but one are Republicans? That’s being a maverick? I vet Plouffe smiled at that one. Biden says that McCain is only a maverick on some issues, not the key ones, talking about voting for Bush’s budgets, and opposing health care and education and the war.

9:23: Did you have to change a position based on circumstances? Biden talks about the judicial nomination process. He touts his fight against Bork as showing that ideology matters. Palin says that she “quasi caved” in not vetoing budgets but did not do it because she did not have support. She says they work together up there in Alaska. She looks nervous to finish.

9:26: How do you change the tone in Washington? Biden says he’s worked across the aisle because he never questions the motives of those in the Senate he disagrees with, he just questions the judgment. Palin says that you appoint people regardless of their party affiliation. (Or whether the position is already filled? OK, no more troopergate references…) She talks about reigning in spending and creating jobs.

9:29: Final statement. Palin says that she likes the ability to speak to people without the filter of the mainstream media, as if it’s the filter that’s caused people to be astounded. Making excuses for bungling two interviews in your only debate appearance. She talks about fighting for freedoms, and quotes Reagan as that freedom is always at risk. Biden says this election is the most important election, and the past 8 years have been spent digging a hole. Biden talks about a couple of policy preferences, including protecting the troops.

Grades and thoughts on a podcast to come later tonight. No gaffes for Biden, and only minimally bad for Palin.

Chuck Todd: “You’re may not see this debate have a lot of effect It may just disappear, despite the hype.”

Who said that before hand? That’s right, us. Podcast to come.

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First Presidential Election Debate Liveblog: From The University of Mississippi in Oxford

5:15: All times are Central. Deal with it, you coastal elites!

More on the University of Mississippi here. Fun fact: It was used as a hospital during the Civil War for both Union and Confederate soldiers. So there’s some bipartisanship. There’s no truth to the rumor that John McCain was there at that time, however. A must read about the civil rights history of the college is here. There’s no truth to the rumor that Barack Obama was the … uhm, named person in the headline there. Seriously, John McCain’s grandfather is one of the famous alumni of the college.

The moderator tonight is PBS’ Jim Lehrer. This is Lehrer’s record 11th time moderating a presidential debate, and his wiki page describes him as a bus enthusiast. So he’s got that going for him.

The format: two podiums. Sections of the debate will include introductory statements of two minutes, followed by five minutes of debate between the candidates. It’s a really nice format.

5:36: Mississippi is the state where Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a captured bear, enraging Stephen Colbert but capturing the heart of a nation. Nowadays, killing a moose is a qualification for national office. How times change!

5:53: Mississippi soda/pop fact: Mississippi is the birthplace of the Barq’s Root Beer. And also apparently the home of some very, very crazy ad wizards.

6:04: Ole Miss is in Oxford, in Lafayette County. In the county, Obama beat Clinton 2,849 to 2,171. John McCain won a virtually uncontested primary in the county with 1,953 votes (Huckabee received about 300 votes and Ron Paul less than 100 votes).

6:48: Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is so concerned about the financial crisis that she’s talking on the House floor about Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his denunciations of Israel. I understand that Presidents have to have multiple things in their crossfire, but you would think that wouldn’t apply to the House. Especially in the middle of a crisis.

7:04: In the audience: a lot of students and the Washington elite.

7:11: Nate Silver has a good debate preview up.

7:14: Matt Yglesias asks if the debate itself will be in HD. It’s a good question. Angelo believes it will be. Confirmation: here.

7:17: A C-Span history of debates.

7:18: C-Span’s debate hub is awesome.

7:19: The largest airport in Mississippi, in Jackson, was renamed the Jackson-Evers International Airport to honor assassinated NAACP leader Medgar Evers.

7:23: Marc Ambinder’s preview is also worth reading.

7:27:This week in 1963: JFK becomes the first president to sleep overnight in Duluth. Thanks, PBS.

7:29: Listening to C-Span calls before a debate is excruciating. Supporters of either side are just grating.

7:31: Janet Brown, Executive Director of the Commission on Presidential Debates, starts off the speeches that are very unimportant, and meant only to stoke the egos of those who give them.

7:37: Frank Fahrenkopf chastises the crowd to not applaud or make any noise.

7:42: Should I be concerned that there’s been multiple listings of corporate sponsors? Or is that too 3rd party-sh of me?

7:43: THe University lost power because of an accident with an immigration line earlier today.

7:50: Michelle Obama is in the house.

7:51: Jim Lehrer is on the stage. He talks down to people who “volunteered or participated” in the primary debates. Let’s hope Hillary isn’t watching. He talks about needing “absolute concentration” and asks Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama to take names of whoever makes sound.

8:00: And away we go! Tom Brokaw says the “Reagan Democrat” is the voter both are courting. Jim Lehrer says he has not cleared his questions with anyone. Both candidates arive to the only applause of the night.

8:03: First question: Eisenhower talks about economic strength being the basis for military strength. Where do you stand on the economic recovery plan? Obama goes first. Talks about Main Street, and how his proposals protect the taxpayer. His four point plan: oversight, the possibility of getting the money back (equity), executive pay, and help to homeowners. Segues into a criticism of Republican financial policy, including deregulation, and including the phrase “trickle down.” McCain references Kennedy (who has since been released from the hospital, per Politico). McCain is talking to Lehrer, while Obama was addressing the American people. Odd distinction. He talks at length about the bipartisanship in Congress, and mentions accountability, options for loans, and “a number of other essential elements.” He then seems to try to side with House Republicans, who want something wholly different. He ends up with a reference to foreign oil. Obama mentions that “we haven’t seen the language yet” which is head scratching. Of course, Lehrer is referring to a plan that is being negotiated as we speak. I think he’s pressing a bit in the wrong direction. The key is what they think should be done, not really what they think about some abstract plan that no longer exists. Obama addressed that answer to Lehrer. McCain tells a story about Eisenhower and Normandy, and his willingness to resign if D-Day failed. He implies that Chris Cox should resign because he failed - but doesn’t say why. Obama says there must responsibility not just when there is a crisis, and talks about the problems before the crisis erupted last week. Funny moment: Obama refers to McCain saying the fundamentals of the economy are strong, and Lehrer makes him say it directly to McCain, who jokes that he could hear Obama the first time. McCain’s response: “We have fundamental problems in the system.” It’s pretty ridiculous, given his comments about the fundamentals of the economy. He finishes with an ode to the American worker that Lenin could have written. Time spent talking on this: directly even. To the second.

8:14: Second question: what differences to you have on the economy: McCain wants spending under control. Talks about earmarking as a gateway drug. The joke about bear DNA doesn’t get any laugh. He holds up a pen to veto and says “this one is kinda old.” He’s making the old person jokes himself. Yeesh. McCain criticizes Obama for making earmarks. Obama agrees that earmarks are abused, and often by lobbyists. Obama says earmarks cost 18 billion, but McCain is proposing 300 billion dollars worth of tax cuts to the rich. Obama is working overload to relate to the common man. McCain goes on again about the earmarks and the 18 billion dollars, and criticizes them for corrupting people. He mentions Obama’s 800 billion of new spending. Obama talks about his plans: closing corporate “loopholes,” health care spending, etc. Obama again says earmarks alone will not get the middle class “back on track.” McCain talks about the business tax being the second highest in the world, to get more businesses in America. He goes back to earmarks AGAIN, and he’s getting a little silly on the point. He talks about the tax cuts he wants to give everyone. Fact check: earmarks are only 0.63% of the federal budget. Obama talks about his tax cuts, and criticizes McCain for making health care benefits taxable. McCain jumps in, and criticizes Obama for … his vote on the Energy Bill. McCain only wants to talk about earmarks. I’m at a bit of a loss. Obama mentions the tax breaks, and criticizes mcCain for opposing the Energy Bill right now for the position on eliminating tax breaks for oil company.

8:26: Third question: what would you give up to pay for this recovery plan: Obama says it’s hard to say, but some things will have to be delayed. Talks about needing to get energy indepdence in ten years. That’s very, very optimistic. Also mentions health care, and deductibles going up 30%. Also mentions competing globally, specifically in education. Also mentions infrastructure, including roads and the energy grid. A certain viewer near Albany, NY likes the road shout out. McCain talks about needing to cut spending, criticizing Obama for having the most liberal record. McCain wants to end ethanol spending, and better bids for contracts for the military. McCain talks about knowing how to get defense spending under control. Lehrer wants to know what will delayed specifically. Obama talks about postponing parts of his energy plan, and 15 billion lost through Medicare. Mentions working with Tom Coburn setting up “Google for Government.” McCain wants a spending freeze on everything but Defense, Veterans, and “other important” areas. Obama says you need a scalpel, not a hatchet, mentioning the 79 billion dollar surplus of the Iraqi government. McCain wants 45 nuclear power plants, and gives an awkward climate change shout out to Sen. Clinton. Lehrer doesn’t like these answers, and tries again. Obama segues into a discussion about values, and talks about corporate tax cuts versus health care. McCain does not want health care handed to the federal government, and gives a variation on the Harry and Louise schtick. McCain goes back to spending, and talks about owing China $500 billion. That’s true, but not really the root of the problem as he implies. Obama refers to the “orgy of spending” under Bush and criticizes McCain for voting for Bush’s budgets.

8:38: What are the lessons of Iraq? McCain: You caannot have a failed strategy that causes you to lose. A little broad to me. Bad strategy is as old as warfare itself. McCain hugs the surge as much as he possibly could. Talks about “winning” in Iraq and “coming home with victory and honor.” This is about 100 degrees difference away from what Petraeus describes. HD update: Apparently they both look weird in HD. Obama talks about opposing the war from the start, and tells the same story about taking an unpopular position as McCain. Obama talks about being distracted from Afghanistan and Al Qaeda being resurgent. McCain talks about Obama saying that the surge failed, not going to Iraq, and not holding hearings on his subcommittee. Obama looks amused, and restates Biden saying that those things are held at full committee. Obama gives his own McCain quotes, including greeted as liberators and history between Shia and Sunni, leading it into a question of judgment. McCain says Obama does not understand the difference between a tactic and a strategy. McCain says Obama refuses to believe we are winning. He describes a strategy that sounds a whole lot like a tactic. It’s a strange distinction. McCain talks about Obama not funding the troops. Obama knocks it down quite easily, actually, saying that McCain and him both voted against bills for other reasons, and talks about at length about Afghanistan. McCain talks more about the surge and Petraeus, and says he knew the surge would succeed this much.

8:50: Should more troops be sent to Afghanistan? Obama: Send more troops ASAP, as per the commanders in the ground. Obama goes back to Afghanistan and says it cannot be separated. No mention of Pakistan thus far, except implicitly mentioning Al Qaeda “crossing the border.” Finally mentions Pakistan. Three points: More troops, deal with the poppy trade, and dealing with Pakistan. McCain talks about the Russians leaving and the rise of Al Qaeda and the Taliban. McCain says he is not prepared to cut off aid to Pakistan, and criticizes Obama for launching strikes, or rather, for saying it out loud - effectively admitting he would do the same thing but not say it out loud. He talks about Waziristan. McCain wants the Iraq strategy. But Iraq is urban warfare; Waziristan is remotte tribes. Building walls is pointless when there’s already mountains in between people. a WSJ article a long while ago made this point. (A GOP one I linked to before). Obama says it’s about having intelligence regarding Al Qaeda, and taking them out, and that McCain has made comments regarding extinghuishing AL Qaeda and singing songs about bombing Iran. Obama says that Musharraf was coddled and the policy was anti-democratic. McCain says there was a failed state when Musharraf came to power. McCain tries to defend his temperament, and defends himself by voting against troops going to Lebanon; supporting the Gulf War and going into Bosnia and Kosovo; he wanted the troops in Somalia to apparently do more “peace making force.” But the criticism was regarding his words, both originally from McCain and rebuttal from Obama. This is just a tangent regarding his record. He says if Iraq does not succeed, then lives are wasted; the logical implication is that the deaths in Vietnam and Somalia were in vain. Obama says no soldiers die in vain, and all service should be honored, but the question is regarding how to keep America safe. He criticizes McCain for saying America could “muddle through” Afghanistan. McCain criticizes Obama for not going to Afghanistan and not holding hearings again.

Discipline: McCain has oddly times smiles, as usual, but is otherwise OK. Obama seems pretty OK. No sighs so far. Lehrer says time is even.

8:50: What is the threat from Iran? McCain says there they propose an existential threat to Israel, and that there can never again be a Holocaust. McCain says a League of Democracies could take effective sanctions, mentioning the Germans, French, and British. He also mentions Iran infiltrating Iraq. Obama says the Republican Guard is a terrorist organization (and says he always said that) and said that the war in Iraq has strengthened Iran’s hand. Agrees that a nuclear Iran cannot be tolerated, both for Israel and to prevent an arms race in the Middle East. Obama says cooperation from states like Russia and China will be needed for sanctions to be effective. He talks about diplomacy. He says that efforts at isolation only accelerate efforts to get nuclear weapons. McCain talks about Ahmadinejad wanting to wipe Israel out, and not wanting to give him a propaganda platform. McCain talks about needing preconditions being necessary, citing Reagan and Nixon. Obama says even Kissinger wants America to meet with Iran. He cites Bush sending Bill Burns to talks with Iran, and admitting it may not work. Obama says that after cutting off talks with North Korea, nuclear work was quadrupled, and nuclear secrets were sent to Syria, and through talks progress was made, even if it is on shaky ground. He even mentions McCain not wanting to meet with the President of Spain. McCain says he will not set a visitor’s schedule. McCain says that without precondition, meeting with Ahmadinejad legitimizes comments about Israel. Obama pushes back on Israel, but McCain interrupts, and makes a joke about Obama not denying the words of Ahmadinejad.

9:16: Russia! What do you do, what -DO- you do? Obama says the relationship needs to be reevaluated, but that the actions in Georgia were unwarrented, and that the six point peace plan needs to be implemented. Talks abot needing to be supportive of fledging democracies, and expanding NATO to countries like Georgia. Also talks about expanding cooperation, specifically with loose nukes. McCain tries to hammer home that Obama doesn’t understand foreign relations, saying Obama’s first statement only called for restraint on both sides. McCain says he looked into Putin’s eyes and saw KGB. Not sure about that one. Talks about concern over resurgence of the Russian Empire. Says that Russia is in violation of the cease fire agreement. Obama tries to give a better framing of his position on Georgia, but widely agrees with McCain. Mentions the Georgian economy. He talks about how he warned about Russian peacekeepers in Georgia in April, but nothing was done. Obama says that an energy strategy is necessary to deal with not only Russia but also Venezuela and Iran. Mentions energy, including nuclear, wind, and clean coal. Talks about McCain voting against renewable energy. McCain also talks about Nunn-Lugar. Obama says that he’s just for storing nuclear waste carefully. He wants to make another point, but McCain talks over him and I can’t tell what either said.

9:25: What is the likelihood of another 9/11? McCain says it is much less than it was on 9/12. He mentions that he and Lieberman wanted to start the 9/11 Commission. He seems to be making the Richardson approach: that he personally knows a lot of things and can get things done because he knows how to do it. It’s not what he did in the primary. Obama says America is safer in some ways. He talks about chemical sites, ports, and transit. He circle back to nuclear proliferation and says it is the biggest threat to the United States. Says missile defense is necessary, but it is not more important than nuclear waste. Says Al Qaeda is operating in 60 countries, and the root cause is in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Says America’s standing in the world has been damaged, and work is needed to restore the standing as a city on a hill. McCain cites Reagan and missile defense, for some reason. He goes back to Obama “not understanding” and says if there is failure in Iraq, Al Qaeda will have a base there. Obama goes back to McCain and Bush focusing on Iraq, while Bin Laden is still out there, while seguing to Chin being involved around the world everywhere where America is not, and the ability to project power of America is hurt. Segues into a discussion of veterans, and that a broader strategic vision is necessary. McCain says that Obama does not have the experience of knowledge necessary to be president. He compares Obama’s stubbornness to that of Bush, and says Obama not admitting the surge succeeded is really bad. Obama mentions his father coming from Kenya, and wanting to come to America because of the standing of America in the world, and that this idea is important, and investing ni how ordinary people live out their dreams is important. McCain one ups that by talking about coming home from prison and normalizing relations with Vietnam.

That ends the debate. I’m going to ponder grades, but Lehrer gets an easy A. Well done.

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RNC Live Blog Day 4: John McCain

7:00: We’re going to be light on the liveblog before Cindy McCain speaks, but monitoring it nonetheless.

7:32: Joe Gibbs is going to speak tonight. Because McCain wants to remind everyone of the last time someone in Washington came back when he was supposed to be too old ended up in triumph. Wait, what’s that you say ESPN senior NFL writer Len Pasquarelli?

In that sense, Gibbs failed, and here’s why: Because the same 67 years’ worth of life experience that served him and the Redskins so well at their lowest point this season — and, in the cases of some, the nadir of their professional careers — essentially betrayed him when it came to football.

He was, simply, too old to handle his players, to understand their perspectives, to push their buttons in this era of salary-cap football (remember, Gibbs didn’t have to worry about the salary cap during his first stint). And the wear and tear of a season is hard on any coach, much less one who qualifies for senior citizen discounts at your neighborhood cafeteria.

Asked dozens of times in the last week if he would ever consider hiring himself as the Dolphins’ new head coach, Bill Parcells, who instead accepted the daunting challenge of overseeing the franchise’s renovation, made it clear he would not. His stock reply: “It’s a young man’s game.”

Parcells is nine months younger than Gibbs.

Great call, guys.

7:38: The party of peace? This just seems dysfunctional, as if they’re overcompensating for something.

8:16: Tom Ridge can do something Lindsay Graham: speak without sneering.

8:38: Cindy McCain is speaking, and for a second I thought she was reciting the lyrics to Jackson Browne’s “Stay” when she talked about what she thinks after the events are over and the vans have been packed up. I’m clearly burnt out on speeches, and she’s clearly killing time until the Giants-Redskins game is over, so I’m going to just take it easy for now. Also, I should note that Cindy looks like John got a bit frisky with her backstage. Good for him, I say.

8:59: McCain should thank Joe Gibbs; the disastrous state he left the Redskins offense in is going to allow the football game to end almost exactly on time. Maybe one minute over.

9:03: The convention has taken a page from the Burger King, except instead of crowns some convention goers are wearing cardboard Lincoln top hats. Seward rolls in his grave, his stunning primary defeat finally complete.

9:04: NBC is ready, so the McCain video rolls. It features his mother and obviously his biography. It’s well done, mostly because Roberta has eight timse the charisma of most politicians. And then they immediately suggest that God had future plans for him because he didn’t die in the horrific accident on the aircraft carrier. I can’t really get behind that in a political convention.

9:09: The rebuilt stage that has been touted with much fanfare reminds me of Bush in 2004. Allegedly done to make Bush give a more town hall style, it only pushed the podium twent feet forward. It’s much the same here. It may give the impression McCain is closer to the camera, but otherwise, yawn. And now the disembodied voice of Fred Thompson takes over, describing McCain’s torture. I’m half expecting the Law and Order chime.

9:16: NBC feels compelled to show a protestor trying to show a sign in the hall, and meanwhile McCain is speaking in front of … a green screen, which is actually the grass of some really nice house. Who planned the background, Stephen Colbert? Wow, that’s just awful. Also, he starts of by thanking Bush for actions after 9/11. I’m guessing he’s just getting these out of the way early?

9:19: I’m still stunned at the green screen and the mansion behind him.

9:21: McCain’s convention, live from Dagoba. Maybe he’s trying to come across like Yoda?

9:22: And now the background is all sky blue, which means it looks like McCain is either floating in the sky or in a studio soemwhere. This is just terribly distracting. There’s not been any substance so far, so don’t feel like I’m avoiding it. Oh, and another protestor tries to get involved, quickly drowned out by chants of USA. Just as McCain was about to segue into a discussion on the economy. He’s completely lost control of the crowd. He tries to joke about not being ‘distracted by the ground noise and the static.’

9:25: I think Donald Rumsfeld was in charge of RNC security.

9:30: McCain takes on earmarks. He also looks completely bald against the bright sky blue screen.

9:35: McCain blames both parties for expanding government and helping the oil companies, including hitting Obama for voting for the Energy Bill. He talks about what the party believes, but I think he’s being overly broad. He hits Obama on: taxes, trade, spending, spending cutting jobs, and says his plan will create better health insurance. He skips over it so quickly I can’t even tell what it is. He takes time to insult bureaucrats for deciding health care plans under Obama, though.

9:41: He’s trying to fram Obama as an old-style protectionist.

9:42: He says education is this century’s civil rights. Does he want to overrule San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez? No, he wants vouchers and to fire teachers.

9:44: He wants energy independence! Wonderful, how? New energy at home, but he emphasizes drilling off shore. Also he talks about ‘developing’ clean coal, nuclear, and the usual long list. He again says Obama is against nuclear - which just is not true.

9:48: We’ve reached the foreign policy section of the speech. He talks Al Qaeda, Iran, and Russia re-establishing the “Russian Empire.”

9:49: He’s not afraid of threats! He’s prepared! This is kind of silly, just him saying that he knows a bunch of things that are really vague. I’m just not a fan of this speech.

9:54: He wants to use the best ideas and share credit. This just seems way, way over the top is bipartisan, and not the least bit realistic. If he doesn’t care who gets the credit, why does he care who wins as long as what is done is right?

10:01: He talks at length about his imprisonment and torture, concluding that he will always fight for America. Much better delivered than the frankly underwhelming middle portion of his speech.

10:02: McCain gives a long list of good service possibilities: It’s shocking how many of them apply to community organizing, by the way.

10:03: He ends his speech like Brian Schweitzer ended his, calling on everyone to stand up. Definitely a bit underwhelming. B grade at best, C- at worst, with possible deductions for a terrible background and stage.

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RNC Live Blog - Day 3: Including Gov. Sarah Palin, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney

And we’re off…

[All times are Central]

7:56: Michael Steele takes the stage (no, he’s not the guy that Pierce Brosnon played, he’s the former Lt. Governor of Maryland).  He announces that they are not gathering tonight as Republicans, but as Americans.  It’s statements like this that really frustrate me about politics.  This is a party convention, for the purpose of selecting a party nominee.  This is not an event that’s intended to be inclusive of all Americans, rather, it’s for the Republicans, just like the Democratic Convention was for the Democrats.  Just saying…

8:00: Talks about the importance of putting country first.  Then, he talks about education vouchers.  Huh?  Now, he talks about less taxes and less dependency on foreign oil by promoting oil and gas production at home.  He says what is likely the awkward line of the line, not so much for the statement itself but the tone: “Let me make this clear, drill baby, drill.”  The crowd begins to chant “drill baby, drill.”

8:03: He concludes by saying that in order to put country first, then McCain and Palin need to be elected.  Hmm, it was my understanding that tonight wasn’t about Republicans.  I guess that’s not the case anymore?

8:06: Mitt Romney takes the stage.

8:07: He says that in order to bring change to Washington, Washington is going to have to stop looking to northeast elites like the New York Times editorial board and TV anchors, and instead, needs to look west to McCain and Palin.

8:08: Romney says that Washington is currently liberal and in order to bring a real change, it is necessary to elect a conservative.

8:11: Mentions the need to fight pornography in schools.  I’m not currently aware that this is a major problem.  Oh well.

8:13: Mitt Romney’s suggestion for energy conservation: a cute joke about keeping Al Gore’s private jet on the ground.

8:16: Says, “Just like you, there was never a day when I was not proud to be an American.”  Also says that he believes by the providence of god that the GOP will succeed in the November and that McCain will be elected.

8:19: Refrain from the song currently playing, “If you’re going to hell, keep on going.”  I’m honestly confused.  Why exactly would one want to rush to hell?

8:26: Mike Huckabee takes the stage.

8:27: Thanks the “elite media” for unifying the Republican Party.  Then proceeds to attack the press coverage the past few days.

8:30: So far, Huckabee’s speech is pretty good.  It’s empathic about economic issues and ties it into his personal background (which was impoverished).

8:34: Huckabee says that Palin received more votes runing for the Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska than Joe Biden received during this run for president.  This is patently false (I just fact checked it myself).

9:01: Okay, it’s Rudy time…

9:03: Tells undecided votes to imagine that they are hiring someone to do a very important job.  They have two applications to choose from, no names or party affiliations.  Both applicants are patriotic with intersting backgrounds.  On the one hand, you have one man that dedicated himself to service of the United States and has passed very test that life through at him.  “On the other hand, you have a resume from a gifted man with an Ivy League education, who worked as a community organizer.” (The crowd erupts in laughter at that point).  Then proceeds to hit Obama on voting present 136 times while he was a state senator.  Follows up by attacking his lack of experience.  Says that this is no time for on the job training. I’m confused as to how the GOP is willing to make this argument given Sarah Palin’s lack of experience.

9:15:  Says that McCain will keep us on offense against terorism.

9:16: Says that Democrats don’t like to say the word “Islamic terrorism” because they are afraid - afraid of insulting someone.  Adds that when you say it, you are only insulting the terrorists.  Look, we’re fair, we’re nonpartisan.  This is just an incredibly dumb statement that really has no bearing on the election and has an incredibly weak factual foundation.

9:19: Criticized Obama for not taking public finacing.  Then says that Obama was against wire tapping before he voted against it.  *sigh* At the risk of sounding like some Obama apologist, which I definitely am not (see my scathing critique of Obama over his FISA vote), but Giuliani’s line here about wire tapping is yet again completely misleading.  The issue wasn’t about wiretapping, it was about immunity for telecom companies.  Look, either Giuliani doesn’t understand this or he’s intentionally deceiving listeners.  And since it’s Giuliani, and he’s a tough New Yorker and feels the need to use a little New Yawk speak, I’ll break this down: Either, Giuliani is dumb and doesn’t understand what the FISA issue was or he’s flat out lying.

9:30: Sarah Palin takes the stage…

9:35: Mentions her son’s upcoming departure for Iraq on 9/11.

9:40: She’s still giving shout outs to family members.

9:42: “What’s the difference between a hockey mom and a bull? Lipstick.”

9:43: Just noticed that Pali is wearing a flag pin on her collar, but not an American flag pin … and Israeli flag pin.  Interesting…

9:57: Attacks Obama for being worried that someone won’t read “terrorists who are plotting catostrophic attacks on America” their rights.

9:58: Says that Obama supports plan to raise taxes across the board.  And will increase the tax burden on Americans by hundreds of billions of dollars.

10:04: Says that the presidency is not a venue for personal discovery.  I’m still not sure how she is able to sincerely criticize Obama on the experience issue given her own shortcomings in the department.  It’s truly confusing for me.

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Live Blog Of John McCain On Tonight Show With Jay Leno

Adn we’re

11:02: With McCain’s birthday coming up.  Leno makes an age joke, then they joke about Leno’s age jokes.  Then McCain tells an age joke of his own:

11:03: They talk about Biden and McCain’s relationship.  Then McCain talks about Biden’s past praise of him.  Alright.  I mean, i think this could actually be a decent political argument, but not the way his campaign is doing it.  If they’re going to harp on the past praise, they need to talk about why it’s significant, otherwise it just seems silly.

11:10: This is a very long commercial.

11:11: Leno makes the “you don’t know how many houses you own” joke.  McCain responds by talking about not having a kitchen table while he was a pow, then gives the bio of Cindy McCain’s father.

11:13: While discussing the perceived negativity in the campaign, McCain hits Obama on not participating in the joint town halls and appearances noting that if they were able to participate in events together, they would be forced to be more collegial.

11:14: McCain praises Hillary Clinton.

11:15: McCain talks about the approval ratings of congress, which are at 9%.  Makes a quip about how that it can’t get any lower because “it’s already down to paid staffers and blood relatives.”  They’re making this argument, but again I don’t understand why they also aren’t reminding people that congress is in currently in control of Democrats.

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Live Blog of Clinton-Obama Campaign Event

11:25 EDT: We’ll be blogging the Clinton-Obama event today. MSNBC has been nice to point out the following critically important facts: 1) Obama’s tie matches Clinton’s pantsuit (both robust Democratic blue); 2) Obama and Clinton greeted each other warmly on the plane; and 3) Obama’s campaign plane used to be Clinton’s campaign plane. Is Obama just rubbing salt into the wound?

Last night Obama and Clinton met with Clinton donors. Reviews are mixed. Some Clinton supporters called the event a “dud”; others were more optimistic.

12:05: The New York Times has this picture:

This whole thing feels just ridiculous to me, like something out of a bad sitcom.

12:43: Former NH Gov. and current Sen. candidate Jeanne Shaheen is addressing the crowd. Streaming video with terrible, terrible audio quality available at cnn.com. Democrats are committed to health carem lower costs, a better economiy, independence from foreign oil, and ending the war in Iraq. Shocking, I know. Whatever would the world do without someone liveblogging this.

12:54: Brooks and Dunn’s Only in America is playing now. Apparently “Only in America” can a close election winner reconcile with a close election winner.

12:56: Oh my. Shades of Ghostbusters Two, as Jackie Wilson’s Higher and Higher is booming out. If they arrive at the rally in a walking Statue of Liberty, I’m going to have to abruptly cut off this live blog. On the bright side, that’s probably the only way that absolutely everyone is going to get on the same page. I can see it now - both Obamas and both Clintons riding high.

1:05: They’re fashionably late, like any star couple to any big party.

1:08: I’ve just spotted Huma Abedin on MSNBC, so clearly the candidates have arrived. The “honorary” Mayor of Unity, Ken Hall is introducing the candidates. Imagine Tom Carvel if he lived in rural New Hampshire. In introducing Clinton and Obama, Hall manages to not even say the word Obama, saying just “the next President of the United States, Senator Barack [mumbles].” Clinton and Obama work the rope line together.

1:20: Anne Kornblut points out that “the only person” who worked the crowd with Hillary like Obama just did was Bill Clinton. The whole point of working a crowd as a candidate is that no one but your spouse ever also does it unless someone is endorsing you. It seems that Kornblut is pointing out just a truism. Someone on MSNBC just tried to work the word pusillanimous into the discussion. Uhm, mute.

1:21: I can hear their microphone talk before the speech starts. Obama says he is not talking that long. Clinton speaks first. She starts by thanking the NH Dem pols, saying Obama will need Democratic Senators “when he is President.” She twice refers to the primary being “hard fought” but says that they now stand shoulder to shoulder, even though he’s sitting on a stool. (Cheap line, I know). Everyone’s goal is the same: to elected Obama. She comically refers to the primary as a “spirited dialogue” and admits its the nicest way she could think to put it. Calls the Democratic party “an unstoppable force.” I’m waiting for her to say “we’re the juggernaut, bitch!” She complements Obama’s life and campaign and goals. Talks at a lower tone about “old fashioned” values and listening to even the quiet Americans. Chants for both Obama and Clinton break out. Clinton says that it’s problematic that Democrats rarely have won the White House recently. Clinton leads up to the vote totals of the town, and talks about those votes signifying Democratic values. Key line “Sen. McCain and President Bush are like two side of the same coin that oesn’t add up to a whole lot of change.” Finishes with call to vote for Obama. Except she’s not finished - she talks about a number of people she spoke to on the trail, and that Obama will fight for those people in the White House. This is like Return of the King - it’s felt like it’s about to end about 5 times. She talks about a Medal of Honor recipient who gave her a medal encouraging her to keep fighting. She could really have made history by fighting if she turned around and punched Obama in the face. June surprise! She talks about how important this election is. She quotes Churchill on America doing the right thing after it tries everything else. He also regularly insulted women he thought were ugly. And she - I think - finally finishes by again praising Obama. And there it is.

1:43: Obama thanks the NH pols as well, including the local Kiwanis Club (’the hot dog truck is right behind the massive sign that symbolizes america’s hopes and dreams’), then thanking Clinton at length for her commitment. He praises Clinton’s devotion to causes even in the face of attacks. (from whom remains nameless). Obama says that the country and the party need Bill and Hillary, and praises their long record. Obama uses the Jay-Z dust off the shoulder motion to describe Clinton’s “grace and aplomb.” He concludes an uplifting series about women being able to do anything with jokes about women doing it “in heels.” I’m not sure what to make of that - as someone describes it to me “an awkward throwback to the Ginger Rogers line about Fred Astaire” that’s actually a putdown to him. Obama segues into a juxtaposition of policies with McCain - essentially a staple stump speech. All of his rhetorical flourishes end up with Obama hunched over the podium. Obama pledges a unilateral invasion of school rooms with an army of new teachers. Not in such words, of course. But he is very angry today when talking about the issues. He’s much lighter talking about Clinton. It’s just a weird effect. Obama attacks cable news for “point scoring”- clearly learning some Republican tricks in attacking the press. Wraps up with a call for change.

And that’s it. In brief: He’s fired up, she’s ready to go offstage.

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Live Blog Of Obama Nomination Rally, From Inside the Xcel Center, St. Paul, MN

All times are central time.

And YES - this means we’re relaunching in general election mode starting TODAY. So that’s nice.

6:17: I’m inside. While waiting to get in, I saw a certain female Democratic Senator enter the building. Of course, I’m referring to Senator Klobuchar. I last saw the lines outside around 4:30 - nearly two hours ago - and they were massive. Going around the building, across parks; no one knew where the line ended, It looked like some people slept outside to get first in line. There were three separate conversations about Obama on the bus ride in that I overheard.

6:20: MSNBC on the big screen, and the VP talk makes me really annoyed. Who cares? McCain and Obama will make their decisions in good time. It was slightly funny to see Stephanie Tubbs Jones forget Lyndon Johnson’s name for a minute though.

6:30: Senator Klobuchar in the press area! Her handler is trying to look worried, but Klobuchar doesn’t seem to care who she talks to or what she talks about.

6:33: I haven’t slept for 21 hours now. And I have only slept for 7 hours out of the past 53 hours. So there’s no telling what I’m going to write tonight. Luckily, it’s as cold as hell in here so the chances of me falling asleep before the crowd gets going are remote. And if I make analogies or references to the Federal Rules of Evidence, that’s just my inner law student talking. Feel free to ignore it.

6:46: Drudge posts what apparently is Obama’s entire speech tonight. That cannot be intentionally leaked.

6:51: There’s few things I am annoyed by as much as biographical talk. I think its drastically overblown and focused on. That said, it’s hardly surprising that the last three nominees of parties (Obama, McCain, Kerry) have fantastic biographical stories. That said, I think those stories end up swallowing the policy discussion.

7:32: Yes, I am still here. Nothing much is going on - just more and more people filing in. The Minnesota Congressional delegation just walked by, though.

7:34: Howard Fineman is talking over Bobby Jindal on the big screen. He’s really not adding much that I’m really dying to hear. Switch to Jindal, please. Yes, it’s a Democratic rally, but no one cares about the Obama-Clinton dynamic today. That’s for tomorrow.

7:35: I’m reminding myself that it’s a historic moment tonight. It’s easy for me to be a cynical passive-agressive person, but tonight means something. And it doesn’t just mean that McCain is co-opting Obama’s “Change we can believe in” and turning it into “a leader we can believe in.”

7:37: As Chris Matthews talks about the power of the VP, I think back to me Con Law final - is the Vice President a member of the executive or legislative branch? Yes, it was a quirky final, to say the least.

7:38: McCain is on the big screen, and he’s still terrible when he uses a teleprompter for a speech. He gets booed, and then promptly ignored by the crowd.

7:40: The first few minutes of McCain’s speech contain so many cliches, I felt like I’m watching the end of Bull Durham. Some changes in lives have distressed Americans? I mean, seriously. There’s no policy goals, there’s just nothing. Now that the Democratic race is over, McCain has ot start playing with the big boys. He’s trying to smile a lot and use optimistic tones, but mixing absolutely nothing of substance other than some vague references to Democrats being wrong. And I want to emphasize vague.

7:43: It’s like McCain is giving a parody of a political speech. He’s using a tone like he’s talking to five year olds.

7:44: He’s saying that bad change is like the federal response to Katrina? And now he’s criticizing Obama for being a young man buying into failed ideas? This is not a winning strategy. McCain needs to get real. Clinton tried the “I’m a politician” schtick for a while, and it doomed her.

7:46: He says he’s not Bush. He has a point. He also philosophically overlaps with Bush a lot in terms of a general election. (Obama does with Clinton too, and he ran against her in the primary for the 90s).

7:48: If Obama really ran his campaign against Bill Clinton, then John McCain is really running his campaign against Donald Rumsfeld. They may as well tape a cardboard cutout of Rummy underneath the Straight Talk Express.

7:50: I wonder if running against Obama on Iraq is really a good idea. I think Obama wants that fight.

7:53: Ambinder points out the strange green background for McCain. It is weird. Also, McCain is less a parody of himself now, so he’s got that going for him.

7:56: The control booth is having fun with the crowd, by cuttin back and forth from Obama’s podium to McCain speaking. They’ve now cut the McCain feed permanently, it seems.

7:58: They’re playing that Will.i.am video. I can’t stand it, myself, so I’ll spare you a longer blog entry :about it. Kareem Abdul jabbar actually looks like he joined a cult in the video though.

8:06: They’ve turned MSNBC off inside. All I have is the internet and Richard Wolffe looking a bit confused and walking around. And is that ever enough?

8:08: Like a Roman General returning to Rome triumphantly from war, David Axelrod enters the press area.

8:17: Obama is in the building, but persuant to the advice of a certain Jack Sparrow, will wait for the opportune moment to speak.

8:19: They just opened up the obstructed seating (everything around the press area behind the main riser) and people are literally sprinting to get to it. Is this in any way meaningful? No. But I have precious little else to blog about. I could blog about the intricacies of the lyrics of the All-American Rejects, if you wish. (Not the ideal band title, but yet one that really fits the Democratic Party like a glove.)

8:25: I just talked to a few people in the crowd in the obstructed seats - actual reporting, sort of!!! - and there’s apparently still a line of people “around the block” waiting to get in. The upper deck is mostly full all the way around. The area behind the riser is full to the extent that people have any line of sight to the stage, and empty where they don’t.

8:40: I don’t have any thoughts on Hillary’s speech because they decided not to play it here. After playing the McCain speech - or at least most of it.

8:42: People are still filing in.

8:51: David Axelrod has a giant smile on his doing media interviews on the riser. Maybe he’ll end his interviews by jumping into the crowd to go body surfing. Somehow, I doubt it.

8:58: I hope you all got coverage of Clinton’s speech somewhere else. Finally, some introductory speakers are taking the stage here, and the crowd responds to mere mentions of Obama’s name by going nuts. The content thus far is really, really tame. It seems that every word has been vetted twice or more.

9:02: Big cheers for the son of the speaker serving in Iraq, on his second tour.

9:05: It turns out the speaker (a professor at the U of M) is also an Obamacan.

9:09: The crowd reaction for Obama is - in a word - overwhelming. I was slightly underwhelmed at the enthusiasm of the crowd in Minneapolis before Feb. 5. The arena was full, but they seemed to be listening. This crowd is incredibly loud. Wow.

9:11: He starts by thanking everyone on his team, singling out the unlikely duo of David Plouffe and his grandmother. All the times Plouffe got thrown under the bus, finally he gets credit once.

9:14: The crowd can taste the general election. People are literally jumping up and down in the crowd when he claims victory. I’ve been to sporting events my entire life and I’ve never seen a crowd like this, ever. Wow.

9:16: The initial applause for the “other field of candidates” is very strong, too. Big applause for the first explicit mention of Hillary Clinton too. Not jumping in the aisles, but still, big.

9:18: The crowd goes nuts again when he says he wants to fight for universal health care.

9:19: Every ovation is a standing ovation: no one wants to sit down. Except the people behind him, apparently.

9:22: The crowd politely listens to the attacks on McCain. They’re already convinced.

9:24: The 100 years charge is back? Ugh. That’s about as baseless as it comes. The care for veterans applause line is astoundingly large in compared ot other applause lines.

9:27: There’s one super enthusiastic Obama supporter behnd him, and a bunch that looks like they couldn’t care less. How the Obama people found all the quiet ones to put in the shot - I have no idea.

9:28: Challenging McCain to go to visit economically hit people is a loud applause line.

9:29: Hey look, it’s Populist Obama. And the people certainly are cheering.

9:31: The crowd is going absolutely nuts.

9:32: Obama tries to somehow distinguish an honest debate from one based on wedge attacks, to large applause. I don’t know about HRC’s speech, but this is like NFL football compared to Pop Warner of McCain.

9:35: The slow crescendo of Obama’s walk through history slowly builds tension in the room - they’re waiting for the final applause line.

9:37: This finish somehow actually is getting the crowd more excited.

9:38: And that’s all. Richard Wolffe signals the end by walking out of the press area, looking at the crowd.

Please send comments to jw . I promise I’ll read them.

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Live Blog Of ABC News Clinton-Obama “Debate” In Pennsylvania

Tonight, ABC News will be hosting a debate in Pennsylvania between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. We’ll be liveblogging the debate, as usual, so stay tuned…

8:00: Introductory statements. Obama talks about hope, Clinton talks about the founding fathers and concern. Also that government is not standing up for people across America; almost that they’re bitter or something. Also plugs detailed plans on her website.

And … a commercial break already? Umm, ok.

8:08: Gibson talks about each of them appealing to different constituencies. Asks about the Cuomo plan to take the other as the Vice President and the other should agree. Obama demurs first, and says that the party will come together by the convention. Gibson is not happy with that answer, and presses Clinton, who says that she will do everything possible to make sure one of them is elected. What a silly question. I’m not sure if it’s good or bad that they got the stupid question out of the way early.

8:12: Obama is asked about the bitter/cling comments. Obama says it’s not the first time or last he “mangled up what he meant.” He’s talking in a really apologetic tone. Says promises have been broken, and wedge issues take precedence over real issues that can be fixed. Doesn’t really talk about the anti-trade or immigrant comments.

8:15: Clinton talks about her grandfather from Pennsylvania. Says she does not agree that people cling to religion when Washington is ignoring them, and says the same about guns. But she agrees that people are frustrated with the government. Talks about understanding and listening to one another. Read more

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Live Blog Of MSNBC Democratic Debate In Cleveland, Ohio (February 26, 2008)

8:19: Underlying themes aplenty. Will Hillary Clinton continue her harsh attacks from the weekend on Barack Obama? Will Obama maintain his cool presence he’s worked hard to maintain in these debates? Will Tim Russert admit he attended law school at Cleveland State on national television? Will Clinton fight back against MSNBC, or have those battles passed? Will Obama keep up his attacks on Clinton? Will Brian Williams ask more or fewer than 4 pointless questions?

We have the answers for you, here, tonight. Live!

8:40: And, we’re up. As you can see, the site has a new layout. It’ll take a few days for us to get everything in order, but if you notice a problem, please let us know. Read more

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Live Blog Of CNN Democratic Debate In Austin, Texas (February 21, 2008)

7:00 PM: Greetings! The debate kicks off an hour from now, live on CNN and CNN.com. It’s being broadcast from the LBJ Presidential Library at the University of Texas. Clinton will continue her assault on Obama being all speeches and no solutions. Obama will probably respond not with attacks but by continuing to play calm and emphasize his own plans.

Campbell Brown is the moderator; somewhere, Katie Couric is sad. She couldn’t get to moderate a debate but her stand in when she was at the Today Show does.

7:06: CNN photos from the debate. The Texas marching band is going to be in the room? Great, that’s exactly what’s needed to finally get the CNN debate over that pesky shark they’ve been trying to jump.

7:20: I’m choosing the pre-debate feed with no audio over the CNN coverage of John McCain having a friend. The band is playing, and people sitting directly in front of it have a look on their face that ranks a solid 9.8 on the ironic scale.

7:27: A very old man with a long beard and a top hat just walked by me. I’m assuming that’s an omen for what is going to happen tonight. Either that, or it’s an omen that the school forgot to lock the doors at 6 pm.

7:30: A reminder of what is on the line: Someone might have their head added to this.

7:35: Johnson would be 100 years old this year. I’m not sure what to make out of that. He did teach high school debate at one point though. I hope is was not policy, because he talks way too slowly for that. (kidding!)

7:40: Texas Democrats are parading after each other on stage. I fear they’re going to run out of them before the debate begins.

7:54: Goodness, the set is awkward. It’s sort of a half S. Apparently Wolf roaming free last time was unacceptable; Brown will be seated.

7:58: Here’s pollster.com chart of polls.

8:00: And away we go. Campbell Brown looks happy to be there. Jorge Ramos from Univision and John King from CNN emerge to no applause … until they are forced to applaud.

8:02: Clinton is introduced first, and then Obama. No noticeable difference in applause levels. The pack of photographers does their job while a handler demand they back up. Meanwhile, 5 feet away they discuss what candidates need to do. That just sounds awkward. Meanwhile, Ramos talks about how no one can win without the Hispanic community. Brown points out that Clinton wants more debates.

8:05: Brown announces the candidates have sat down. Gee, thanks.

8:06: NO RULES!

8:07: Clinton gives an opening statement about working in Texas 36 years ago. She name drops Barbara Jordan and Ann Richards. Talks up starting S-CHIP, and what she did to give health care to reservists. Says that discrimination against sick people ought be unconstitutional, and that veteran care needs to be improved. Finishes by talking about her “lifetime of experience.” And apparently her campaign is now “your campaign.”

8:09: Obama again references being friends with Clinton. Talks about the economy, using a personal example. Make that multiple personal examples - this is a new wrinkle. Segues into a discussion of Iraq. Talks about how they both have offered proposals to deal with the issues, but good ideas are not the problem. Says good ideas go to Washington to die. That’s a pretty good tag line. He blames lobbyists. Obama co-ops Barbara Jordan, but quotes her to one up Clinton.

8:12: This audience is going to kill me with applause. There’s lengthy applause after every answer.
8:13: Tancredo turns off the debate when Ramos starts the debate in Spanish. Will Clinton sit with Raul Castro to get a measure of him? She “hopes so”. What does that mean? She says she is going to look for signs of openness, and will reach out once she sees progress, citing democracy and progress. When pressed, she clarifies no, until change happens. Apparently, she’s looking for change she can believe in.

8:16: Obama says that he’s willing to meet with Raul Castro, and sees an opportunity to change. Distinguishes preparation from precondition, but it sounds really, really similar. Like, really similar. He cites freeing political prisoners. Talks about opening change here with remittances and visiting.

8:18: Obama is asked about a statement about policy being a failure. He says it has been a failure, with no progress over his lifetime, and that changes should happen in steps.

8:19: Clinton says she agrees that willing to negotiate is good, but distinguishes presidential negotiations from low level negotiations.Says that the Bush standard for negotiation is too narrow, and bipartisan negotiation is better.

This applause is still killing me. It ads nothing.

8:21: Obama says that both of them are different from Bush, but that the President has to take an active role because of what Bush has done, because the air of arrogance has to be eliminated.

8:22: On to the economy. What differences are there on the economy?

8:23: Obama starts by again recalling economic problems. Talks about fairness and balance and tax breaks for companies here, and ending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy while cutting more taxes for people making $75k or less. Talks about labor and environmental standards in trade. Segues into a green economy. Says they agree on many of these issues, as did other candidates. Says what is needed is a working majority to make these changes happen to overcome the special interests.

8:26: Clinton is asked about being ready on Day 1, and implying that Obama is not. Clinton starts by saying that she agrees with a lot of what he said, and gives a lot of the same stuff. Talks about her trade timeout and getting a trade prosecutor, and getting new safety standards in place. Talks about the foreclosure crisis, and instituting a moratorium on them. Apparently, millions will be homeless because they were “hoodwinked.” Talks green jobs. Talks about ending “Bush’s war on science” … Brown cuts her off … and Clinton continues about “innovation nation” … and Brown cuts her off again. Pausing to feel the applause was a bad idea.

ASC’s comment: “Does the path to the innovation nation require use to cut through consumption junction by any chance?”

8:30: Clinton talks about supporting comprehensive immigration, including “supporting the first one in 2004.” That was a Democrat only bill that had no chance of passing. But, it was before Obama got to the Senate. Gives the normal Dem schtick about immigration; it could have just as easily been said by Obama.

8:32: Obama generally agrees. Touts getting the bill out of the Senate but it was used as a “political football” in the House. Says that toning down the rhetoric is necessary, and hate crimes have “skyrocketed.” He then gives the same stuff as Clinton. Broad agreement here.

Since they agree, CNN naturally wants another question.

8:36: John King wants to know if you want a border fence, and want it built faster, or not at all. Clinton notes they both voted for it. Says that part of a college campus would be cut off by the border fence, and that you should not do it the dumb way. (Credit to a certain KR). Says that she would listen to people who live along the border. Brown tries to cut King off (uhm, why?), but King asks about people moving and crossing in Arizona instead of near San Diego. Clinton talks about using technology. More talk about not doing it the dumb way.

8:40: Obama says they agree. Says consulting with local communities is the key, and that listening is important. Moves on to saying justice is important, and deporting everyone is absurd, but order is important. Says everything is linked, and that is why comprehensive reform is important. Says passing the DREAM act is important for allowing children who have broken no laws on their own access to citizenship.

More immigration, and more Spanish.

8:43: By 2050, there’s going to be a lot of Spanish people here. Is there a downside for a bilingual country? (Good thing Tancredo already turned off). Clinton says that there are benefits to learning a second language, but English ties everyone together. Distinguished English not being the official language from English being the main language.

8:44: Obama gives an answer that’s mostly the same, and says every student should learn a second language. Talks about leadership in a smaller world and communicating. Talks about No Child Left Behind pushing out other learning, and foreign languages have been neglected.

Campbell Brown throws to a break, and so do I.

We’re back.

8:50: Why is the tone different in campaign appearances than it is in a debate? Clinton asked about her “speeches versus solutions” line. Starts by criticizing Bush. Says they both have a lot in common. Says they both try to let voters know how they see the world differently, and that she offers solutions. Says that there are differences between their records, citing directly the Watson interview. Says actions speak louder than words.

8:53: Obama says that actions do speak louder, and gives a records of his accomplishments. Clinton starts giving a wide smile at one point. Says Clinton has a fine record. Obama says that it’s a difference of opinion on how change comes about, citing “Let’s Get Real” and that it implies people and newspapers who support him are delusional. Says that these people understand that it’s about a problem in Washington and ending bickering and fighting special interests. Says that it’s more than policy positions, but inspiring people to get involved in government, and that without it, there will be gridlock in Washington. Lengthy applause.

8:57: Brown asks about the common elements to Deval Patrick’s speech and the Clinton argument that it is plagiarism. Obama mentions Patrick giving him the line and that the accusations are silly. Goes back to the “Silly Season” line that he last brought up in the kindergarten paper kerfuffle. Says some of his speeches are pretty good. Blatant egoism? Yeesh. That’s not going to play well everywhere. Talks about what he says in speeches, mentioning education and his position on Iraq.

9:00: Clinton is asked about it being “Silly Season.” Says that if your candidacy is going to be about speech, it should be your own words. Says it’s not change you can believe in, it’s change you can Xerox. Audience boos. Talks about watching the speeches on “the YouTube.” Says Obama “chose” not to include everyone on health care. Clinton says that even Bush agrees with her on a moratorium. Clinton says she took on universal health care against special interests in 1993 and 1994, and health insurance companies are deciding who should live and die is wrong.

9:03: Obama says he will debate the issues. Cites Clinton calling his plan universal health care earlier in the campaign. Says their plans are 95% the same, citing precisely how that is the case. Talks about the philosophical difference over mandates, and cites Robert Reich. Says that they agree on goals but differ on how to get there. He then moves into criticizing how Clinton tried to get health care passed behind closed doors instead of with people behind it.

Time for a second break.

Plants email CNN.com on why they agree with their candidate.

9:11: Clinton is asked about her statement that “one of us is ready to be commander in chief.” She says she is. She goes back to health care, and says mandates are necessary to prevent a “hidden tax” and quotes Edwards on Social Security and ads LBJ on Medicare.

9:13: Obama wants to respond briefly. Says it is a mandate on individuals to purchase, and talks about extensive problems in Massachusetts with mandates. Says that a stiff penalty is needed to incentivize everyone to buy health care.

9:14: Clinton now jumps in, and talks about mandates for children. She again talks about Medicare and Social Security.

9:15: Obama says that mothers can get health care for children, and it is available and affordable right now. Says that penalties for gaming the system are appropriate, but that he does not want to leave anyone out.

9:16: What about being ready as commander in chief? She talks about what she did as first lady, and serving on the Armed Service Community, and leading on Homeland Security. Mentions Kosovo, Serbia, Pakistan, and Cuba testing Presidential Leadership.

9:18: Obama says he would not be running if he did not think he was ready, and that his first job is to keep America safe. Says that families are burdened by tours, and using correct judgment. Cites Clinton’s judgments on Iraq. Cites Pakistan and other decisions.

9:21: John King asks about supporting the surge, and Clinton’s comments about a willing suspension of disbelief. Clinton says the rationale of the surge was to give the Iraqi government space to make key decisions, and that no one doubts sending more troops would be a better idea. Says the purpose of the surge has not been fulfilled. Says that withdrawing slowly would force the Iraqi government to stand up.

9:25: Obama says that it is indisputable that violence is down and cites a local brigade. Says a tactical victory is imposed upon a strategic blunder, and that having a debate on the wisdom of that decision is preferable to a debate about tactics of the decision. Says that America has been diverted from paying attention from Latin America because of Iraq, and talks about how Hugo Chavez and Iran have benefited. Talks about improving treatments for veterans, and that spending on the Iraq war prevents general improvements. Criticizes McCain on the economy.

Break time. CNN’s focus group gives Clinton’s Xerox remark low marks.

9:31: The debate goes on! Anderson Cooper is ready with the “Best Political Team on Television.” Obama is asked about not providing where his earmarks went. He points out he did. We linked to it. Obama talks about how he opened up the process, and that some earmarks are worthy projects.

9:34: Clinton is asked about pork barrel spending. Says McCain supported the Iraq war and Bush tax cuts (well, he does now, but don’t look for McCain to clarify that). Says that borrowing money from the Chinese is bad, and some of the Bush tax cuts need to be repealed. Criticizes Bush on spending. It seems that Clinton is criticizing Bush more, and Obama McCain, but that is just a random observation.

9:36: Superdelegates. Quoting Pelosi who said it would be a problem if the people are overruled. Clinton says she is not worried, and these are the rules. Obama says that the primaries and caucuses count and should determine the next nominee. Says that the people want government that listens to them. I’d like to know what he means exactly by politicians scoring points. For whom, exactly?

9:39: Last question, finally. What was a moment that tested each the most? Obama says he would not point to a single moment, but his entire life. Says learning to take responsibility for his own actions and how he could bring people together. Cites his cumulative experience as a reason he is qualified to provide a better government. Clinton says everyone knows she’s lived through crises. Says she does not know how she keeps going, but challenges of everyday Americans are far more difficult. Talks about speaking at the opening of a facility for injured troops in San Antonio, and how the problems they deal with are so serious, and she has vowed to improve people’s lives from a young age. Says she and Obama will be fine, and she hopes she can say the same thing about the American people.

And that’s about it.

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Live Blog Of Obama Rally In Madison, Wisconsin (February 12, 2007)

Today (02/12/08), Barack Obama is having a rally in Madison, Wisconsin. Doors opened at 6:15 CST and Obama is scheduled to speak at 8:15 CST (just in time to opine on the results of the primaries in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.).

5:55: Walking up to the Kohl center, where the event will take place.

6:15: All settled in. Unlike other events that I’ve been to, getting through security here was relatively painless (outside of the surly doorman). About 1/6 of the venue is filled, but judging from the long line outside, I don’t think they’ll have much trouble filling this place up.

6:17: The crowd cheers after they see the CNN projection that Obama will win Virginia. I cheer because their cheers temporarily drown out the ska band that’s playing.

6:28: The band is now singing “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours.” Somewhere, Stevie Wonder weeps.

6:40: This place really filled up fast. It’s more than halfway filled already. What are these people going to do for an hour?

6:59: The good news: the band has stopped playing. The bad news: Wolf Blitzer on a jumbotron. The crowd cheers every time someone mentions Obama’s name (it doesn’t matter what the context is).

7:24: The venue’s now full. They’ve been playing some ‘get to know Barack’ videos for the past 15 minutes - one biographical, one about his judgment on the Iraq war and one featuring Michelle Obama talking about Barack’s “good old Midwestern values” and herself.

7:31: The crowd does the wave for a few minutes.

7:35: A new video. This one starts with a brief discussion of the civil rights movement and the role that young people played in bring about change in that arena. Then, turns to Obama’s call for youth to get involved in this campaign and a “behind the scenes” look at some of his young volunteers. Now, the video turns to the Iraq war. The message: it’s cool to volunteer for Obama, so go do it.

7:47: CNN just flashed the latest delegate tally (Obama: 1170, Clinton 1168) and the crowd goes wild.

7:48: I overhear some jackass in the press corps says to a friend of his, “Hillary must be saying to herself, ‘I stayed with him all those years for this’”

7:49: The program starts. A student from Wisconsin talks about why Obama connects to youth. He also tells the crowd not to believe “the rumors” and that students (including out of state students) can register to vote the day of the primary and he encouraged all of them to do so. He neglects of course to remind people that if they’ve already voted in their home state, they aren’t allowed to vote in Wisconsin too.

8:12: “Aint no stopping us now” is blaring on the speakers. And based upon Obama’s massive margin of victory in Virgina displayed on the screen, the crowd probably believes this.

8:19: David Axelrod, right here, right next to me…

8:20: Video montage on jumbotron of some famous singers and actors doing their rendition of Obama’s “yes we can” speech.

8:31: Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle takes to the stage. His microphone is not working, but he fixed it himself pretty quickly. Doyle announces that Obama has won the Maryland and the crowd goes absolutely wild.

8:34: Doyle is very excited about the prospects of a “leader that will bring us together” and not divide us. He encourages everyone to get out and help Obama as best as possible.

8:40: Obama takes the stage after a very enthusiastic crowd loudly received him. Obama thanks some local leaders, including mentioning the fact that Madison’s mayor endorsed him today. Now, the speech…

8:42: Obama announces the fact that he’s won Virgnia, Maryland and DC, finishes by saying that the movement will not stop until there is change in D.C.

8:43: Acknowledges that there is a long way to go before change can be achieved. States that the cynics cannot claim that hope is false, because he’s now won all over the country.

8:45: States that this is what change looks like, from the bottom up. He certainly has a point. His campaign so effective because it is a bottom up campaign. Goes on to say “We cannot play the same Washington game, with the same Washington players and somehow hope for a different result.” Aside from being a very effective, subtle criticism of his rival, Hillary Clinton, I wonder about this statement. Won’t most congressmen and senators still be the same regardless of who gets elected president in 2008?

8:48: Talks about ending the war, but more importantly ending the mindset that got us into war. This is why Obama is so very effective, because he appeals to notions that are larger than simple politics.

8:50: Obama begins talking about McCain. Notes his service, the audience claps. References McCain’s statement that we could be in Iraq another 100 years, and says that it’s reason alone for McCain not to get 4 years in the White House.

8:54: Obama talks about restoring the American Dream.  To support this, he refers to tax cuts for the working class and elderly.  Of course, this came just a few minutes after he blasted McCain for supporting Bush’s tax cuts because they focused on the rich and constituted irresponsible spending because we couldn’t afford them.

8:56: Talks about his 4,000 tax credit for education.  The crowd goes wild when he says that students won’t get it for free, they’ll have to do some type of community service - like joining the foreign service, peace corps or volunteering in a local homeless shelter.

8:57: I can see some 9/11 truth people being escorted out of the arena.  Apparently, they made it to the front row.

8:59: Obama begins discussing, what I shall refer to as “the politics of hope.”  Teases those that refer to him as a “hope mongerer.”  Discusses that hes not naive, says he realizes how hard it’s going to be.

9:03: Says, what better place to start this cause of ‘yes we can’ than in Wisconsin where the progressive movement was born 100 years ago.  I guess, Obama is not aware of the fact that the Republican Party was born in Wisconsin too.

9:05: ‘Yes we can, Yes we can, Yes we can’

9:06: And we’re done.

It was pretty much his standard stump speech with a few local tweaks.

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Live Blog of the CNN / LA Times / Politico Clinton - Obama Debate In Hollywood, California (January 31, 2007)

6:36: Tonight, it’s not about hope, it’s about hype.

The final scheduled debate of primary season is here. Finally. After 19 Republican debates and what will be tonight be the 21 debates for Democrats, it will finally be over. Aside from any debates that get scheduled on Meet the Press or some other show (please, no more Tim Russert.) We’re glad you stuck with us through all of this.

Of course, this will be the first of any of these debates to include only two people, making it either exceptionally theatrical or exceptionally meaningful. Frankly, it’s too soon to tell.

And with this much on the line, you want as much information as possible. That’s why CNN was kind enough to give us the best information they had available: a time lapsed video of the set being constructed. (We’re going to be in for a LONG night, folks).

Clinton! Obama! Blitzer! NO RULES!

Tonight, 8 ET. Live online on the CNN and LA Times webpages.

6:56: The Washington Post’s “Fact Checker” has the headline: “Democratic Debate, Jan. 30, 2008.” You cannot make this stuff up. It’s even in the URL!

7:31: Let me be quick on goals for tonight. Obama needs to make sure he maintains likability, especially after the whole (stupid) snub thing from the State of the Union. Clinton needs to distinguish herself from Obama as much as she can while maintaining the look of a frontrunner. And Blitzer needs to somehow regain his dignity.

Meanwhile, Bill Schneider on CNN invokes Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure in comparison to this debate. You know, the movie where Keanu Reeves was the good actor.

7:51: Leo Dicaprio, Steven Spielberg, Rob Reiner, and more are apparently in the house.

7:54: CNN notes that there’s signs against the war and signs for Ron Paul. Has such a large movement ever been worse than the Paul people at convincing people to even listen to their position? Even the 9/11 Truthers get more people to take them seriously.

7:56: CNN’s British comparison notes that it’s “almost a certainty” that the Democrats will nominate a woman or a black President. At an economic class, the top issue is apparently … the economy. Thanks, CNN!

7:58: Melissa Long points out how expensive the Kodak Theater was to build, and then runs the stupid time lapse video I referenced above. She then stresses that she walked by Brandy earlier. Uhm, wow.

8:00: Blitzer says we’re in the midst of glamour. Thanks, Wolf.

8:02: It’s the first time a woman and an African-American will be vying for the Democratic nomination, says Wolf. Really? Are you sure? Wolf moves on to introducing the press pool. Then, Clinton and Obama come out together, all smiles.

8:03: Three symbolic white folks come out to remind people others consider them important.

8:04: Blitzer demands that the press pool leave, and he says this “will be a debate in a traditional sense.” Oh yeah? Who’s on government and who is on opposition? Oh wait, they don’t mean that.

8:05: NO RULES! Opening statements.

8:06: Obama starts by thanking John Edwards. PANDER ALERT! Then says that either he or Hillary will be the next President, and that they are and will be friends. (FIX THE SNUB!). The segues into a few sentences from his stump speech. Says its not about demographics, but looking backwards or the future. Says it’s more than change from George Bush.

8:08: Clinton says its about 1/20/09, and it will be Barack or her, and who can deal with the problems sitting on the desk that date. Cites Iraq, Afghanistan, the economy, health insurance, energy, global warming, and other problems that will emerge. Goes over her Day 1 schtick, before citing the Edwardses (Obama cited Elizabeth too). Cites those living in poverty. Says that a problem solver who rolls up their sleeves is important.

8:11: First question is what Clinton considers the most important policy difference? She says he’s not a Republican at first. Well, thanks. Goes over health care, saying hers is like Edwards’. PANDER ALERT. She wants a moratorium on foreclosures for 90 days and to freeze interest rates for 5 years. She wants to be realistic and optimistic on foreign affairs. She does not want the prestige of the Presidency on the line to meet with dictators in the first year. She tries to link Republicans with the status quo and both of them with change.

8:14: Obama says those are generally differences. Cites health care being 95% the same, citing how both would help people like his mother. Says the problem is reducing costs of health care and making it affordable. Says Clinton would force people to buy it, and it requires an enforcement mechanism (applause). He says that they agree to keep people in their home. Says that he does not want an interest rates freeze as that would cause other rates to go way up. Blames it on Bush and a lack of oversight, and links it lobbyists, and says that it’s a real difference on influence. Cites Edwards (JE PANDER ALERT). Cites differing judgment on Iraq looking forward to show how they would differ. Cites the NIE on Iran.

Great start, mainly with no Wolf.

8:19: Question on Obama’s plan being voluntary. Why would his plan be superior if 15 million are left out. Obama says anyone who wants it can get it. Obama says that means there are 15 million who do not want it, and he disputes that. Mandatory for children, and people up to 25 will be covered under parents. Obama cites Massachusetts plan that has problems with mandates. Says what do you do with people who cannot afford it, citing garnishing wages.

8:21: Wolf says it’s a difference. Gee, thanks. Clinton is passionate about it, citing in passing ‘tackling it during my husband’s administration.’ Clinton says that her plan is to help the uninsured and underinsured. Says her plan is “aggressive” and provides “subsidies.” How is that different? I’m not sure. Mentions health care tax credits. Is that the ghost of Giuliani? Says that single-payer, mandate employers, or shared responsibility are the only three options. Clinton says Obama does nto think it would be politically feasible for mandates for adults, as Obama cooly shakes his head and indicates he wants a response. Cites Edwards on “biting the bullet.” (JE PANDER ALERT)

8:24: Wolf jumps in about those that do not buy in getting sick. Obama says that paying back premiums for those gaming the system. Obama says some subsidies on Clinton’s plan are insufficient. He says he wants to lower premiums, not cap them. Cites Ted Kennedy saying that Obama can pass health care. Says that you need to bring Republicans and Democrats together and not negotiate behind close doors, and instead broadcast negotiations on CSPAN. That’s a bit naive. Wolf asks if the CSPAN thing is a swipe at Clinton, Obama says transparency offsets the power of lobbyists. CNN cuts to Rob Reiner.

8:28: Blitzer cites the health care plan being formed in secret in 1993. Clinton says it was the beginning of a “conversation.” Uh, dodge. Cites S-CHIP. She wants to regulate the health care industry to covering everyone. Really? Under what authority can you make a private company do that, exactly? I’m genuinely curious. Clinton says too much is spent on the clinical studies and experimentation and Medicare needs to be able to negotiate. Finishes where she started, with calling for universal health care. Cites the attack ads in 1994 about what people want and will accept. Talks about persuading Congress to air meetings on CSPAN being hard. Sigh. What a dumb area to have a disagreement over. Talks about building a pro-health coalition.

8:31: Why are you raising taxes to pay for health care? Obama says the GOP lost fiscal responsibility, and suddenly Obama rips into McCain way more than Romney did by saying that the Straight Talk Express lost its wheels after he stopped criticizing the Bush tax cuts. Moves into what his tax plan, been there done that. Buffet paying too little, and middle class too much, etc. And George Costanza is in the building. Someone needs to knee-cap the director here.

8:35: Clinton would allow tax cuts of those earning over $250k to expire. Talks about how bad US health care is for what they spend. Cites infant mortality rate. Cites other ideas, like electronic medical records and the Rand Corporation. Wolf wants to be precise!

8:37: Will there be an effective tax hike? They both start answering, and Clinton defers before Obama does, and he jokes about the rich crowd there being able to pay a bit more. Clinton wants to underscore that they are the tax rates of pre-Bush.

8:38: Immigration, now. What about the negative impact of immigration on the African American community? Obama first. He cites his work as an organizer and that the insecurity is beyond any one race. Says that it is scapegoating to just blame immigrants. Says that getting control of the borders is important, as it cracking down on employers. Cites a pathway to citizenship for illegals already here. Cites the problem being a problem of a bad economy, infrastructure and education.

8:42: Drivers license for illegals for Clinton. She says that employers exploit undocumented workers and there are job losses. Cites a black man telling her that he cannot get construction jobs anymore. Talks about helping “friends to the south” create more jobs as well. Goes over what the standards for citizenship would be. Says drivers license would be a ‘privilege’ that you can only address down the line.

8:46: Obama is asked about when he stood up for immigration. Cites who he worked with, again getting a dig on McCain. Says it does not poll well but it is the right thing to do. Blitzer thinks he was insulting Clinton. Obama says you have to stand up when its tough, not on the campaign. Wolf does not understand! He says that if you pass comprehensive immigration reform, you won’t have to deal with drivers licenses.

8:48: Wolf asks if she was MIA. Clinton says she cosponsored a bill before Obama came to the Senate. Do people understand how easy it is to cosponsor something? I just cosponsored 5 things. Done. She segues into discussing her endorsement of the Farm Workers. People out there are nervous about immigration and people are looking for some immigration. Clinton says she asks people what they would do about it, and they then understand. Wolf says what about drivers licenses. Clinton says it is a diversion from building a coalition.

8:51: Obama says she gave numerous answers before. Obama says it is a difficult political issue, and he agrees with Richardson (PANDER) on the issue. Says they agree more between themselves.

8:52: Clinton says they agree on that, and that she was supporting her governor but did not agree and Obama did not answer a question a week later. Says fair minded Republicans will join them on the issue.

Garkbit … err, I mean … Wolf Blitzer throws us to a break.

8:57: Question for Obama on Clinton being more experienced. Obama says a lot of Americans disagree as well. Says that he spent his life trying to bring about change. Organizer, civil rights attorney, legislator, and Senator. Says that bringing people, ethical reform, and talking straight is important. Says he respects Clinton’s experience but the skills he needs are important.

9:00: Wolf asks what of her experience in the White House means. She says it goes back 35 years to the Children’s Defense Fund. She worked for the Legal Services Corporation and grew it. Aide to prisoners and reform in Arkansas. Says she had responsibility in the White House, and if she was not successful, she got SCHIP through. Drug reform and adoption from foster care reform as well. Talks about negotiating with the Macedonian government and talking about women’s rights in Beijing. Said she worked with people who did not think they would work with her.

9:02: An ONLINE question! Ooooooohhhh! What about a running a government like a business like Romney? Clinton says government is not a business, and George W. Bush is a CEO type.

9:04: Obama says that his management style over the past year compares well, and Romney did not get a good return on his investment. Obama’s pretty funny tonight.

9:05: Clinton is asked about the endorsement of Ted Kennedy, she says she has her own Kennedys and that being the first woman president is a big change. I think actually making that argument is pretty bad; it’s about what the President does, not what race or gender they are. If George Bush turned out to be a woman, would that change anything for anyone? Aside from Laura Bush, probably not. Clinton then segues into a long discussion of whom you vote for based no the person themselves.

9:07: For Obama, how should you remember the Clinton administration? Obama says they look good, especially compared to the Bush Administration. Agrees you have to decide on whom they are. Obama says that he is bringing in a whole new generation of voters. Says part of being President is not settling and is reaching out to people. Obama talks up the high level of support he brings in (being careful to not take total credit).

9:10: Another online question: How can you have change when there is the Bush / Clinton thing. Pierce Brosnan in the house! I wonder if he pretended to kill some old guy in the bathroom with Greg Kinnear. She says she is proud of Bill’s administration. Talks up the change under Bill of jobs and surpluses. gives the line about takinga Clinton to clean up after a Bush to some insane applause for a line that’s been around for 9 months.

Wolf throws to a break! Just remember: “The purpose of the office of the president is not to wield power, but to draw attention away from it.”

9:16: Wolf tells us people are outside. Sucks for them. Iraq! Both called for gradual withdrawal; why should people not worry about an open ended commitment. Talks about how she got into an argument with the Pentagon. Says it is more than bringing troops home, and is about protecting the embassy and what to do about Iraqis that helped Americans. Wants to confront the Iraqi government on taking action. Says they were both ‘pressed’ by some of their opponents in debates on the matter. Anti-pander? She hopes that 16 months is appropriate.

9:20: Obama doesn’t distinguish himself from Clinton on the matter, rather taking on McCain. Then talks about Pakistan and China, and how the war is undermining long term security. Obama says setting a date is important to send a message about how serious we are. Obama says that the approach to Iran within Iraq is a real difference between them, and that because of the difference he would offer the most clear contrast. Talks of ending the mindset that began the war.

9:23: Blitzer says it is a “clear swipe” at Clinton. Both of them disagree. Clinton cites Maxine Waters as someone that wants to get out of Iraq, and the CNN celebrocam 5000 actually finds her on cue. Clinton goes over some of the same territory. Clinton then says Iran and Syria will be drawn into divisiveness in the area and that you have to bring Iran and Syria to the table. Didn’t they just have the question on whom they will negotiate with? Clinton goes off on the ‘no permanent bases without approval of the Senate’ thing again.

9:25: Question on judgment on Iraq. Why did Clinton not vote for the Levin amendment? She said she believed in inspectors, and respects Levin, but that amendment was drafted in a way to subordinate judgment to the UN Security Council. Says she voted with Byrd on the value of a pocket constitution, err, I mean authority limited to one year. She blames Bush for waging the war and waging it poorly. Says that the issue is Republicans v. Democrats, citing McCain attacking her. Says the nominee has to have credentials and gravitas for commander in chief. (Uhm, that’s a swipe). She’s calling out Obama for being perceived as inexperienced.

9:29: Wolf jumps in with Petraeus’s comments on stability. Obama says he welcomes the progress and he wants the mission completed honorably. But says that calling it success means the bar is set below the sand. Says we are back to where we were 2 years ago, while Afghanistan is worse than it was before Iraq. Obama says consistency on the matter is an issue, and that it is beyond a problem of execution. Says it was a conceptually flawed mission from the start. Gives the standards for what he would do as C-in-C.

9:32: Wolf wants Clinton to just say the vote was a mistake. Clinton says sending inspectors was a good idea, and she believes in ‘coercive diplomacy.’ Says no one could anticipate how obsessed Bush would be. Says that she would not have done that if she was President. Talks about her visit to Afghanistan. Says you have to be as strong or better than Republicans on national security to “join issues of the future.” What does that mean? Wolf wants to know is she was naive for trusting Bush, and the crowd gets all over him for the bad question. Clinton answer by talking about how her and Obama were the same once he came to the Senate on the issue. Clinton says she was told by the White House that it was just about inspectors. Cites “we” bombing them in 1998 to get inspectors back in.

9:37: Obama cites the title to use force in Iraq, and it was potentially a vote to go to war, and the headlines reflect that. Obama says its about being right on day 1, and his judgment is relevant to how we make judgments in the future in a dangerous world. Cites the danger of terrorism and having finite resources. Says you need clear intelligence and a good rationale.

Blitz throws to a break. As for Wolf, “Charming man. I wish I had a daughter so I could forbid her to marry him…”

9:43: Back. Question for Obama on whether there is too much sex and violence out of Hollywood. Says he looks at it as a parent, and the primary responsibility if from parents, and not of censorship. Says parents need to have tools to deal with TV and the internet. Stevie Wonder! Rob Reiner! Obama wants concern on whom the more violent things are being marketed to, and you need to work with the industry on that.

9:45: Question on Bill for how he has criticized Obama. If you cannot control him now, what will it be like in the White House? Clinton says it is her campaign and should be focused on issues. Anyone care to bring up the NYT Kazakhstan article tonight? Anyone? Hillary is happy Chelsea is here, apparently.

9:47: People see them as a dream ticket, says Wolf! Jokes aside, Obama says that there is more road to travel and is premature and presumptuous to say anything. Obama says that he wants great people who can disagree with him in the White House. He says people want to know that government is on their side.  Wolf wants an answer!? He says Clinton would be on anyone’s short list.

9:50: Clinton agrees with Obama. Why is Wolf pushing for a hard answer to such a meaningless question that they have an obligation to not answer? Clinton says there will be a unified Democratic party.  Clinton segues into an awkward plug for her national townhall meeting on Monday. That was really, really, really weird.

That wraps up the debate. And one last line of our last live blog for the time being.

OR IS IT?? Wolf says there will be debates on Feb. 27 and 28 if there is no resolution by then.

As for post debate coverage on CNN, remember: “For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen. “

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Live Blog Of CNN / LA Times / Politico Republican Debate In California (January 30, 2008)

[NOTE: If you're looking for coverage of the CNN/LA Times/Politico Democratic Debate in California between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, you can find our live blog of that debate here]

Tonight is the CNN/Los Angeles/Politico Republican Debate at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. It will begin at 8pm est and will air on CNN and will stream live at both CNN and LA Times‘ websites. The participating candidates will be Mitt Romney, John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul.

7:45: 15 minutes to go. I’m not sure what the seating locations will be yet, but I do know that McCain’s staffer won the first pick for location on the stage and had to call back to headquarters to confirm the location.

7:49: Format: No rules, No time limits. I guess ever since Wolf Blitzer threw out the rules at the last debate, CNN’s just decided to really go wild.

7:58: Lou Dobbs is expressing outrage (not necessarily about anything specific…just outrage…he wants you to know that he’s very disturbed).

8:00: And here we go! Anderson Cooper begins with a history lesson about the room they’re in. Usually, I’m opposed to these kind of explanatory intros, but given the fact that the debate is being held under the old Air Force One, I can understand the need to explain what the deal with the plane is.

8:03: First question, are Americans better off now than they were 8 years ago? Mitt Romney says that that’s a question for President Bush, then launches into defense of his record in Mass. Anderson Cooper gets indignant and wants an answer, Romney shows viewers that he’s able to stand up to Anderson Cooper, but does offer some discussion of the problems he sees in America now.

8:06: McCain says he’ll bring some straight talk, offers a bit of gloom and then talks about making the Bush tax cuts permanent. McCain states that he believes Americans are better off now than they were 8 years ago, if you look at everything.

8:07: Huckabee plainly states that he doesn’t think we’re better off now than we were 8 years ago, states that the President isn’t solely responsible, so is the congress. Huckabee says that Americans want someone that is honest and straight with them. I wonder if he’s aware that McCain already has that catchphrase locked up?

8:09: Paul states the problems are caused by foreign policy and we must acknowledge that those policies need to come to an end.

8:12: Romney takes a shot at McCain’s conservatism by noting McCain’s NY Times endorsement. McCain reminds Romney that both of Romney’s hometown papers, which know him best, endorsed him over Romney. Ouch. McCain continues to talk up his conservatism by mentioning some people that support him.

8:15: Romney defends his record on job growth by noting that some of the negative data on job growth included a time period under the former Governor. He also explains the fee increases under his administration. Romney also touts the work he did on health care and notes that when he left there was a balanced budget and a small surplus.

8:18: Huckabee talks conservatism: lower taxes, streamlining the government, amendment banning gay marriage and a life amendment. Something about these, “who is more conservative” questions seem sort of pointless at some point.

8:21: McCain is asked about Gov. Schwarzenegger’s environmental law proposals, which are much different than the steps that the Bush Administration would take towards combating climate change. Given the impending endorsement for Arnold, obviously McCain needs to tread lightly and he does. He responds by noting that he believes in federalism, which has really turned into code for “I won’t force you to do something. Please don’t shy away from me because of this issue.” McCain then gives his oft used version of Pascal’s Wager for support of green technology.

8:25: Romney says that he supports states’ rights to control and regulate their own emissions. Huckabee then tries to explain why Federalism is good, he then goes on to state that Alexander Hamilton was wrong. Uhhhh….he’s having a difficult enough time staying in this race against Romney, McCain and Paul…I’m pretty sure injecting Hamilton into this race would only make it worse for him. *sigh*

8:29: Paul asks for some time to discuss and issue and Cooper denies him. For a debate that wasn’t really supposed to have rules, Anderson Cooper seems awfully indignant.

8:33: Talk turns to the economy…excuse me while I relocate to the top floor of my building, preferably a seat near the edge…

8:35: On the economic stimulus: McCain says that we will probably need more. Wow! This is like saying that we need more puppies, fluffier pillows or locations that have Coke Zero available from the fountain.

8:36: McCain is challenged on his initial opposition to Bush’s tax cuts on the grounds that they favored the rich too much. McCain states that he was a foot soldier in the Reagan revolution…then proceeds with obfuscation.

8:40: The topic changes to immigration. Huckabee thinks we need to secure the border. He says that two things need to happen in order to do that: 1) build border fence and 2) all current illegal immigrants will need to go back to their home countries and wait in line. Ultimately, Huckabee thinks this is the most compassionate and kind thing…

8:41: Romney is asked about his statement that most illegal immigrants could be deported within 90 days. He didn’t initially recall saying it, and the questioner offered him the quote. Romney talks about being courteous deportation. For example, if the family has a child in school, you let the child finish that school year first. Romney reemphasizes he would not allow illegal immigrants to remain here permanently, then suggests that McCain’s legislation would have allowed for such a thing.

8:44: McCain is asked if his legislation were to come to the floor of the Senate today, and he states that it won’t happen. After being pressed, he states that he would not vote for it because it’s clear that people want the borders to be secured first. It seems somewhat inconsistent for McCain to tout sticking to his principles and ignoring the majority on Iraq…yet, so freely acknowledging deference to the will of the American people on the immigration issue.

8:47: Huckabee is asked if Reagan’s appointment of O’Connor was the right call. He won’t answer the question, but then launches into a discussion of why it’s important to support life and how he would want judges that were pro-life. Ron Paul is given a chance to respond, he says he wouldn’t have nominated her because of her view towards the constitution. Both McCain and Romney dodge the question and instead state the types of judges they would appoint. In a bold move, McCain cites Alito and Roberts as examples of the kinds of conservative judges he’d support. Romny ups the ante and cites Alito, Roberts, Thomas and Scalia as the type of conservative judges he would nominate (Yea, that’s right, take that John McCain). Then, stupidly, Romney takes a shot at O’Connor for apparently not following the Constitution enough and for legislating from the bench. I don’t care if you’re a Republican, Democrat, hardcore liberal or conservative, if you think Justice O’Connor was a bad Justice, then you’re either completely uninformed or completely incapable of making evaluations. Sheesh, and I thought Huckabee was going to take home the award for baseless attacks on historical figures (yes, I know O’Connor’s still alive, but she’s done enough to be part of history).

8:57: And we’re back. Maybe, they’ll finally include Ron Paul in this last half hour.

8:58: Romney is asked about Peggy Noonan’s contention that George W. Bush destroyed the Republican party. Romney states that George W. Bush showed everyone that when America is attacked, we’ll respond. Uhhhh….is that really the best defense he could give?

9:00: Romney promises success in Iraq, which he defines as no safe havens for terrorists in Iraq. He strongly stated that he does not have a date for withdrawal and does not support a timetable. He accuses McCain of being un-Reagan like by raising the issue before the Florida primary and indicates that it may explain the results of Florida.

9:03: McCain reiterates his argument by reading the quote to Romney. Romney asks him what it means. Romney continues to try and defend himself. The audience seems to be on Romney’s side on this issue. Romney and McCain bicker. McCain’s tone during this exchange, reminds me of my grandfather’s tone when we were having an argument about cathode ray tubes once (he used to be an engineer).

9:06: Anderson Cooper regains control, unfortunately, it required his blue steel look in order to calm things down. Cooper asks Romney why he wouldn’t comment explicitly on the surge back in 2006 as he was preparing to announce his run. Romney is mad and accuses McCain of “Washington style” politics.

9:08: McCain responds to the Washington style politics line, by reminding Romney of the negative ads he used against him and Huckabee. He also reminded everyone that Romney used millions of his own dollars in his campaign so far.

9:10: Paul is asked about McCain’s line that we could be fighting in Iraq for the next 100 years. So let me get this straight, the rare chance they include Paul, it’s to ask him a question about John McCain? Paul states that both Romney and McCain are parsing over minor details of the same general policy - both supported going in and both support continuing the war. Paul’s gotten the loudest cheers so far.

9:12: Anderson Cooper asks Huckabee the same question given to Paul. Huckabee complains about not getting time and questions. Then casually says in regards to the 100 year fighting line, “oh it doesn’t take that long.” Then goes on to say that he’ll stay however long it takes to win.

9:13: Huckabee is asked what he sees when he looks int Putin’s eyes. Huckabee states that Putin has taken actions that lead to concern and that we need to have a foreign policy that emphasizes strength. Advocates a stronger military, you know, for deterrence. Is he actually arguing that a return to mutually assured destruction is the only viable foreign policy vis-a-vis Russia at this point? *sigh*

9:17: Romney explains geopolitics: Russia using energy to control policy, China “the wild west of energy” using energy and giving nuclear power to influence policy, Al Qaeda using terrorism to influence policy and the USA, which stands for free enterprise and freedom of the individual. I don’t even know how to respond to this painfully oversimplified explanation of geopolitics. However, would Romney’s analogy make Chris Patten the Wyatt Earp of China? I think so. But aside from that, Romney didn’t even discuss the topic (that he himself said he’d address), which was how he’d deal with Russia.

9:21: Romney’s argument: people ultimately look to Governors and not Senators to lead this country. He was a governor, ipso facto, he should be the next leader. Aside from that, he worked in the private sector, and then goes on his economic argument rant…

9:23: Romney is asked why he’s more qualified to be Commander-in-Chief than McCain. Romney doesn’t believe you need military experience to be Commander-in-Chief. Romney says that he prefers chess to checkers (I’m serious).

9:24: McCain responds, takes an irrelevant shot at Romney for having led corporations that fired people. Another ouch. McCain mentions Tom Ridge for the second time this evening.

9:25: Ron Paul states that these people don’t understand that the President isn’t supposed to run the economy and reminds everyone of that fact. Paul then discusses the monetary system. Paul’s discussion of substance causes Andersoon Cooper to become impatient.

9:28: Huckabee complains more about time. Then talks about less government and why it’s important. He states that governors are good presidents because they understand that no issue is isolated..that everything is connected. Metakuya Oyasin.

9:30: Anderson Cooper graciously gives all of the candidates 1 minute to explain why Ronald Reagan would endorse them. This is an appalling question for several reasons, none the least of which is Nancy Reagan’s presence in the first row.

9:31: Mitt Romney says Ronald Reagan would support him because he’d lower taxes. McCain says that Reagan wouldn’t support someone that changes positions and that Regan would support him because he held firm on Iraq and because he was a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution.

9:32: Ron Paul talked about how he supported Reagan in 1976, when only 4 other members of congress did and how Reagan campaigned with him. He states that Reagan was very sympathetic to the gold standard (an issue that Ron Paul is very much in favor of).

9:33: Huckabee doesn’t presume to know who Reagan would endorse. Then speaks to the goodness of Reagan and how it’s important to recapture that can do spirit.

9:34: And we’re done.

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Live Blog Of MSNBC Republican Debate In Florida (January 24, 2007)

7:30: Time Russert and Brian Williams (henceforth, Bri-Wi) are moderating this debate, and participating are John McCain, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, and Ron Paul. I’m looking for Huckabee and Giuliani to be particularly aggressive, as a bad finish in Florida could really hurt them.

As an aside, today is the one year anniversary of this little site. So for those of you who have stuck around for all 1,053 posts now, I’m sure you realize how damned lucky you are to have us. But enough about us, you’re here to see two old white men question five other old white men about who should replace another old white man. How thrilling!

8:46: MSNBC says the debate is “DO OR DIE.” in large all-cap font. Note this, because your children will want to know about the time that four presidential candidates were all killed on stage by a major news company. In other words, don’t expect this debate to be a subtle discussion of minor differences.

8:59: Want to skip us as middlemen and watch it yourself but don’t have cable? Screw you! Seriously, though, watch here. Brian Williams just told people not to cheer to give people at home misleading impressions. And now he’s thanking military people in the audience.

9:01: Lyndon Johnson was at the university when it opened. Hillary Clinton just issued a press release that it takes a president to open a school.

9:02: Candidates are tired; apparently, they requested the debate only goes 90 minutes instead of 2 hours at their request. Tim Russert looks angry.

9:03: Romney is asked about the stimulus plan, and contrasts it with Bush’s. Is he disappointed? Romney says it is effective, he just wishes it went further. Romney somehow says that a permanent tax cut is equivalent to a rebate or no taxes on capital gains. Talks about creating jobs and the mortgage crisis. He sounds like he’s somewhat competant, but pandering at the same time.

9:05: McCain says he will vote for the plan, and is disappointed it does not make the Bush tax cuts permanent. McCain talks about people having uncertainty in their budget for 2010, and it sounds like a punch line. Segues into pork barrel talk. Talks up the rate cuts by Bernanke and the need for tax cuts. He’s completely trying to erase any doubts of him on the tax issue.

9:07: Giuliani says the package is OK, but does not go far enough. Talks up his surrogates introducing legislation (Dreier and Bond). Says there is no difference between temporary and permanent. Says that if America over taxes, spends, sues, or regulates that America loses. Specifically excludes military spending. Said he is worried about London overtaking NYC as financial center.

9:09: McCain is asked about a quote that said he did not know the economy well enough. He flatly denies the quote and says he is well versed. Cites support of Jack Kemp and Phil Gramm and his experience in the Senate on the “Congress committee.” I’m not sure about any of the credentials he’s mentioning here.

9:11: Does Huckabee trust Romney on taxes or fees? What an awfulo question. Huckabee demurs, and says its about voters. He talks up him balancing the budget. Huckabee says that we’ll borrow money for the package from China and buy Chinese packages (Did Duncan Hunter take over as speech writer?) Huckabee says that a bigger priority ought be building infrastructure, and says 95 should be widened. I’d love to know his plan for widening the Cross Bronx.

9:13: Does Romney trust McCain and Giuliani on taxes? He says he respects them despite differences but share a common goal. Cites his bipartisanship in solving problems without raising taxes. Talks about the surplus. Criticizes McCain for not voting for the Bush tax cuts the first time, and says that the POTUS needs to understand the private sector like he does.

9:15: McCain says that the people who had fees raised by Romney thought they were a tax increase. Flat joke. Talks at length about needing to cut spending to cut taxes at first. Talks at length about pork barrel spending.

9:17: Paul is brought in and asked about government intervention. Says the fed cutting interest rates and printing money is the problem. Says less regulations and taxes is the problem. The dollar is crashing and it’s hurting foreign policy, and we’re spending money on an empire, etc. Criticizes no one cutting money overseas.

9:18: This is very antiseptic, with almost no interaction between candidates. Bri-Wi asks Giuliani about banks borrowing money from overseas. Giuliani first talks about his trip to Ground Zero with a Saudi prince, when he found out that the prince criticized American foreign policy. Says that is fundamentally different from investments where there is no other reasons behind it, and a mutuality of interest. Moves in Japan buying into America that brough Japan and America closer together. Wants America to sell something to the world. Not sure what, exactly.

9:21: A poll showed Democrats with an 18 point lead of trust on the economy. Russert lkists a bunch of stats that showed problems with the economy over the past 6 years. McCain says Democrats will increase government and raise spending, calling that ’straight talk.’ He just mentioned 10 minutes ago that the Bush administration was the worst at increasing the size of government since LBJ, and now that? He concludes by talking about taxes and Democrats like he’s a 5 year old.

9:24: Huckabee takes credit for not being in Washington. Then says it’s not all on Bush as he kept us safe. Huckabee takes credit for being the only one to say the economy was doing bad at the CNBC economic debate a few months ago. Huckabee says that trickle down may be true, but trickle-up is a sign of a bad economy coming. Funny, but conservatives probably won’t buy it.

9:25: Romney takes the bold stance of running on his record. Attacks Washington and says promises are never met. Cites spending, Social Security, immigration, and foreign oil. Blames both parties, and says Republicans are the party of change.

9:27: Giuliani says he is the only one to turn around an economy. And yes, Huckabee and Romney both took credit for a turnaround earlier. Cites his stimulus plan being touted by the Club for Growth.

9:28: Paul says he cannot be identified with a high spending crowd, but Republicans need to fix their goals. Says America is moving into a new era. Sure, I guess.

9:29: Local question for McCain, about the military being on the verge of breaking and the economy being on the edge of breaking. How will McCain manage staying in Iraq militarily and economically? He says no one in the military says we cannot stay. Attacks Clinton for wanting to withdraw. Says no one complains about troops around the world a mere ten minutes after Paul complained. Dodges the economic issue completely.

9:31: Barry McCaffrey says the army is too small and needs to be doubled. How do you do that without a draft. Romney says that he wants to add 100k. He says he incentivized it in Ma, and the GI Bill needs to be better funded. Segues into attacking Democrats for prioritizing getting out over winning in Iraq. Worried about Al Qaeda taking over Iraq, then says safe haven. Says Clinton is arrogant for taking credit of the surge, that it is the blood of troops and Petraeus, not “Gen. Hillary Clinton.” Apparently Florida is Clinton bashing territory.

9:34: Will you go to the country and say the war was worth it? McCain says it was worth getting rid of Hussein, and mishandling the war was the problem. Russert presses him on it being a good idea, and McCain repeats the answer and says yes (stupid Russert question). Giuliani attacks answers on polls. Giuliani attacks Clinton for going with the polls. Wow, Hillary bashing gone overtime. Talks about polls not pushing you around.

9:36: Paul says it was a bad idea to a smattering of applause (clearly NOT a majority). Cites the 1998 resolution. Does not want America to start wars.

9:37: Huckabee says he and “the Democrats” supported Bush; talked about the ‘potential’ of WMD and compares them somehow to damn easter eggs. Says you cannot second guess.

9:38: Romney steals McCain’s talking points on the issue. MSNBC thankfully shows McCain nearly laughing. He’s worried about Al Qaeda being a ’superpower.’ Says now is more important than ‘the beginning.’

Bri-Wi scolds the audience for applauding, and we go to a break.

They accidentally leave the mic on, and Russert tells Williams that he finds something unbelievable. Probably the drollness of the questioning.

9:43: Williams is angry candidates went off stage during the break. Candidates question each other! Romney talks about the rise of China and Asia and being a tougher competition. To Giuliani: How do we protect American industry in this light; how do we compete economically. Giuliani jokes that he won’t answer. Giuliani talks about getting to know a country through trade. I’m waiting for him to talk about getting to second base. Instead he talks about the ability to sue in China. Says people coming out of poverty are potential customers. Again with the used car salesman technique. Says China needs to buy what we have. What is that? Who knows! Segues to the military, and attacks Bill Clinton for the peace dividend of cutting the military. Really all out on Clinton tonight. That’s almost verbatim from Romney’s stump speech at the end.

9:46: McCain goes for the jugular on the Fair Tax. He asks Huckabee about a sales tax costing more of the lower class burdens and what accounts for the resonance. Huckabee says it ends nonsense of the IRS. Huckabee says the prebate in the FairTax solves those regressive problems. Poor choice for McCain; you cannot criticize the FairTax in this forum. Says that pimps and drug dealers will now pay taxes, and jokes they are non-Republicans. I’m not sure about those though. They’re businessman at heart!

9:50: Russert asks about those paying 15% or less compared to 30% in the flat tax. Huckabee talks about a hidden corporate tax in every products. He’s not an economist.

9:51: Paul to McCain, and he’s thrilled. Paul is asked about a Presidential Group on Economics and if we will know what they are doing. McCain jokes that everyone wants to see more sunshine. Again goes back to Kemp and Gramm. He’s looking worse and worse on the economy by the second by having to answer a second question. He goes back to Phil Gramm AGAIN for a 1982 tax cut. Says he would rely on him.

9:53: Huckabee says that Romney supported the 2nd Amendment and the ban on assault weapon ban and Brady. Romney says the ban at hand was from the lobbies coming together, and compares himself to Bush on the issue. He now says we need no new legislation. He supported a ban that did not pass and now says that we need no new legislation? I’m confused.

9:55: Giuliani asks Romney about a national catastrophic fund, attacking McCain two or three times for not supporting it. McCain interjects about who the question is for. Romney says that he does support some sort of effort to provide insurance against disasters. Talks about people who live in both Florida and Massachusetts. Ah, now we’re in a Republican debate. Says no subsidization should be involved. Compares the unworkable economics to what he did in health insurance. Giuliani asks about mandates and Romney says that’s different. He either sounds like he doesn’t know anything or he is a master, depending on your perspective.

9:58: McCain for some reason gets only 30 seconds. Says there are other ways to solve and the bill being passed is just a handout. Says he’ll get everyone together. 1,000 people together is going to make something MORE workable?

9:59: Giuliani is asked about global warming and not accepting a cap on greenhouse gases. He says that you need new technology, citing nuclear power, that new and exciting technology. And clean coal. Talks incentives for new industries. Gives a laundry list of other programs. Compares to the man on the moon, in what may have been taken from the line in Clinton’s stump speech. In reality, it just shows when they both grew up.

10:01: McCain says he’s in favor of cap and trade. Says a global agreement has to include India and China. He says global warming is real and could affect Florida. Says it’s a win even if there is no climate change.

The last break, this time without mics left on.

10:06: Bri-Wi laughs in Giuliani’s face about his doubt in polls, and asks Giuliani about falling polls and terrible results. Compares himself to the NY Giants lulling people into a false sense of superiority. I find it amusing he deems how he has been crushed as “close” but, you know, more power to you, Rudy.

10:08: McCain is asked about the GOP getting behind him when a lot of people do not like him, citing a quote by his mother. Says he got Alito and Roberts through and he won Republicans in NH and SC. Mentions climate change and Israel. Says that he is proud to be a conservative but there are times to stand up, citing Rummy, the bridge to nowhere, and Abramoff. Says his country comes before his country.

10:10: Romney is asked about Bill Clinton and says he is scared of Bill in the White House with nothing to do. Yikes. Russert asks him what it means, and Romney demurs and says America does not want a team. Talks Hillary raising taxes and that the Clintons are Washington and what is Washington is wrong. Compares himself to Reagan.

10:13: Russert asks about how much of his own money he spent. He says that he spent less than Corzine, Forbes, or Bloomberg. He refuses to answer. Says that he owes no one anything. Tries to turn it into an advantage. Russert pushes again about buying an election; Romney says he’s concerned about America. He cares!

10:14: Bri-Wi asks about 44% say a Mormon president would have problems uniting the country. Romney says it’s absurd, and he’s probably right, so I’m not going to write about it. Finishes with another attack on Clinton, comparing her to ‘the Europe of old.’ You heard it here, she wants to fund the Medicis!

10:17: Does Paul want to abolish Social Security? Yes, he says, but not overnight. He’d use military savings to fund it as long as it is needed and let the young people get out.

10:18: Huckabee is asked about saving Social Security. Huckabee wants to get off a joke about Romney’s sons that seems really out of place and seems beneath him, something I didn’t even think was possible 5 minutes ago. Huckabee says that the Fair Tax will save social security. When Russert points out its unlikely, Huckabee compares it to going to the moon. This is borderline delusional and Russert gives up.

10:20: Russert asks about Reagan raising the cap on the payroll tax. Romney says he won’t do that because it is a ‘double whammy’ in that hurts people and slows the economy. WHAMMY. Talks up personal account and a different calculation for wealthier Americans, and pushing the retirement age up. Says it will not change for anyone on or near retirement.

10:23: Why is Giuliani airing a campaign in Spanish? He says that he’s comfortable reaching out if a group of people speak another primary language. Segues as quickly as possible to illegal immigration to not embarrass himself further. Somehow adds that speaking other languages in a global economy is a good idea.

10:24: Giuliani is asked about wet foot dry foot law, and asks why there is a different policy than Iran or Venezuela. Giuliani says there is a presumption for Cuba that anyone fleeing is presumed to flee persecution. Does not really address wet foot dry foot.

10:26: Does Huckabee agree with what Norris said of McCain being too old? Huckabee jokes about Norris beating too old. Says that age is not a problem with McCain, and it is not an issue for him. Again, just a little too silly.

10:28: McCain jokes that he’s going to send Stallone to attack Norris. Now that’s appropriate.

10:29: The New York Times is endorsing McCain and Clinton; says that Giuliani’s arrogance is breathtaking. Giuliani attacks the New York Times to a smattering of applause and touts his record. Apparently forgetting the NYT defended him on those trips to see his now third wife.

10:30: Romney is asked about attacks on his flip flopping. He says he is not worried, and says he can point to his record.

10:32: McCain says his temper is not an issue. He takes time to say Giuliani is an American hero and that everyone is a good person.

10:33: Huckabee is asked about a quote that his faith giving a ‘queasy feeling.” Says that is not his problem, and in America you have to respect different opinions, even no faith; then says faith is really, really important.

10:34: Will Paul hurt the party with a 3rd party candidacy? He says he is more worried about Republicans keeping to their issues, and maybe people should be more worried. Says Republicans used to fight the Dept. of Education and used to fight to stop wars. Says being strict on the Constitution is important. He’s getting really ignored tonight, not one cheap shot. The Paulites again break the agreement and cheer; it’s clear its about 15 people in the entire audience.

Bri-Wi wraps up by thanking everyone. And we’re out. Hope you enjoyed it.

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