While the candidates must respond in real time, their interactions may have been prerecorded. I say that because I just read an AP Report referring to Obama's remarks as follows:

"The idea that the situation in Iraq is improving because it takes a security detail of 100 soldiers, three Black Hawk helicopters and a couple of Apache gunships to walk through a market in the middle of Baghdad is simply not credible and not reflective of the facts on the ground," Obama said in a taped interview that will air as part of a Democratic presidential forum sponsored by MoveOn.org.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 04/10/2007 07:09:52 PM EST

12 candidates were invited, only Dems accepted.

The other two issues are health care and "global warming" (not energy).

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 04/10/2007 07:19:37 PM EST

Eli Pariser reads a short bio to introduce the candidate.

First question: what is the best and fastest way to get out of Iraq?

Edwards starts with praise of MoveOn and an apology for his vote. Saus need no more debate, just binding requirements. Bush should use "funding authority" to end the war. Cap at 100,000, withdraw immediately 40-50k from north and south. Withdraw all "combat" troops within a year. This is "not a game of chicken" or a time to make friends or make Lieberman happy(passive/aggressive dig at Obama). If vetoed, send another right back at Bush.

2nd question: what would you do about prosecuting war profiteering.

Edwards: I would end it, do everything in our power . . . . All new contracts should have profit cap, like that in WWII. Bar bidders from campaign donations. End revolving door.

Last question: do you support Murtha's certification of readiness provision?
Yes (claims credit for having proposed such a provision before Murtha did).

Closing remarks: political courage versus political calculation. MLK evoked, "silence is betrayal". MoveOn praised for being part of this.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 04/10/2007 07:28:15 PM EST

Bio: elected to Senate at age 29 (not an outsider or fresh face!)

First question: what is your plan to end the war in Iraq?

Biden: all agree there is no military solution, but none of my opponents have an answer to, "Then what," a political solution. The Biden-Gelb plan is mine, a federal, decentralized system, a limited central government, access to oil $ for Sunnis guaranteed in the constitution, increased reconstruction assistance from Gulf states, and international conference of P5, Germany, and the Gulf states. Then we should begin to draw down and have troops out by March 2008.

Q2: position on permanent bases in Iraq?
Biden: I'm against permanent bases, introduced a bill three times. Same provision is in the supplemental. Made it clear we do not control their oil, too, "knock down beliefs" we are there for oil or bases.

Q3: Iraqi police cannot control crime and ethnically cleanse Sunnis.
B: we should stop training the Iraqi national police force. There is no vetting, made up of sectarian thugs, etc. That's why local control is key. Need local control over local police.

Close: False choice: stay course versus leave and hope for the best. Leaving is necessary but is not a plan. Any responsible candidate needs a plan for what we will leave behind. My son in national guard. I'm the only candidate with a political plan. Refers folks to his website, joebiden.com.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 04/10/2007 07:37:23 PM EST

bio: Mayor at age 31. Cabinet level Dept. of Peace advocated.

Q1: what is best and fastest way to end war in Iraq?
K: to adopt HR1234 (my bill). I was the one who stood up in Congress, go to the website and look at the vision and foresight I had. Has the U.N. taking a big role in the end (a follow up asking what the liekelihood of their taking the role is would be useful). Need reparations, too (amount?). Stabilize fod and energy prices, immunize from IMF structural adjustment for loans.

Q2: what diplomatic and humanitarian steps for Iraq?
K: my plan includes that, plus must "reach out to Syria and Iran" and must "help rebuild lives" and social network. It's in HR 1234. Illegal war and occupation. Must reject war as an instrument of politics (period? even if in self-defense?).

Q3: how repair relations with the rest of the world.
K: end the conflict immediately and "reach out" with personal diplomacy, "reaching out" and letting other nations know we will not attack, participate in NPT, BWC, CWC, land mines treaty, small arms treaty, Kyoto, Int'l Criminal Court. I am the only one that has consistently voted aainst funding the war.

Close: Gotta consider wisdom and judgment to have opposed the war in the first place and to have voted against each and every appropriation. It is inconsistent to say you are a peace candidate and to vote to keep the war going.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 04/10/2007 07:48:30 PM EST

Grew up in Mexico City. Plus 4 time Nobel Peace prize nominee in addition to the long record of public service

Q1 (same as to the others).
Richardson: Withdraw by end of this calendar year with no residual force whatsoever, convene two conferences (US led effort to put the three parts of Iraq in a room and have them divide stuff a la Dayton accords, plus an international conference for reconstruction and Iraq's future security, including Syria and Iran, Europe, all regional players). Civil war and surge now when Afghanistan is the graver threat. Need to focus on terror, climate, prolif and loose nukes. My plan is clear, succinct, strong and almost immediate.

Q2: for or against cuttin off the funds?
R: it is Congress's perogative. But I would go a step further and de-authorize the war based on the War Powers Act. That's the cleanest and quickest. If March 2008 is needed for Dem votes, ok, but I am for quicker. If Bush refuses to abide, take it to SCOTUS (where there would be a 50/50 chance).

Q3: do you support efforts to stop US cos from accessing Iraqi oil.
R: that's something the reconciliation  conference part of my plan would include. The Iraqis have the right to decide what is best for them.

Close: qualifications and experience. I have them.  Work across party lines. Apollo program for energy. May not be a rock star or have the most money, but . . .

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 04/10/2007 07:57:50 PM EST

bio: nothing we have not known, but serves on Armed Services Committee was included.

Q1: best and fastest way out of Iraq?
H: two ways of thinking about it: what can do while Bush is in office and what I will do when elected. I introduced legislation: been pushing it for two years (really??), begin withdrawal in 90 days, assure they are equipped, real benchmarks for Iraq or quit $ for them immediately, convene an international confernece (and I applaud Pelosi for her visit). Congress passed legislation, Bush threatens veto, I challenged Bush to withdraw veto threat. The reality is we need GOP votes. It is time once and for all . . .

Q2: you said you envision a continuting presence. What are the specifics? what interests, troop numbers, bases, how long,? (good question)
H: my goal (not an answer), vastly reduced, limited time, train, counter-terror, Kurd protection, logistics. Not permanent. No permanent bases. In line with all of the Democratic legislation, there is a continuing mission to support Iraq whom we hope is an ally. "As expeditious as possible" and "survey the situation" then proceed in thoughtful  . . .

Q3: your petition for Bush not to veto . . . would you oppose any bill that does not include a timeline?
H: we should not tell Bush what we will do if he vetoe, just keep pressure on, let Bush and American people know it is Bush that denies funding if he vetos, puts pressure on GOp who are running for office in 2008. I am not prepared to throw in the towel. Go to my website and sign on to the petition. Panders to MoveOn in the 90's.

Close: panders to MoveOn and power of the internet (moreso than anyone else has yet). In dfact, that's all her close includes!

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 04/10/2007 08:18:57 PM EST

bio: Louiville law school.

Q1: your plan to end the war in Iraq?
D: Begin removing troops this evening. Can do so safely. End date of March 2008, Feingold-Reid. Can supply border security and training in Kurdich areas. Some over the horizon in Kuwait or Qutar. Energy independence. Surge in diplomacy.

Q2: Bush pushing idea of oil companies granted exclusive rights to 70% of oil. Who should own and how does this affect the Bush war stance?
Dodd: if it's true (and I'm not saying it is or isn't), it's disgraceful. That's why I support energy independence for the U.S. Ask Americans to be part of something larger than themselves. Laundry list of alts.

Q3: do you support Iran authorization legislation?
Dodd: Congress needs to authorize anything short of emergency. Constitutionally and to have the American public involved. People must be vested so that even good policy can be sustained.

Close: diplomacy and politics, engagement by the US, condemn torture, (some babbling), writ of habeus corpus, etc. Need to reassert positive role of U.S.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 04/10/2007 08:26:35 PM EST

bio: includes community organizer and civil rights lawyer.

Q1: same one as for all
O: As you know, I opposed this war from the start and have stated clearly and unequivocally that that open ended occupation must end. Then dig at McCain's trip and claim that things are better plus facts about recent violence. News today of extending the tours, National Guard callups, puts more in crossfire. I have had specific plan since January: May 1 phased withdrawal, all gone by March next year. Bush threatens veto but will have to ratchet up pressure an re-present constraints to him. Work much more aggressively diplomatically.

Q2: Syria and Iran: how would you include them?
O: I have been saying for a year that we must engage, including dialogue with Syria and Iraq. Neither wants us to succeed, but neither wants a security vaccuum and chaos in Iraq. Talk to them about playing a more constructive role. Reagan talked to Soviets. Power without diplomacy is a prescription for disaster. Those countries will make mischief as long as they think we will keep a lid on the violence.

Q3: You voted for the supplemental. Will you commit only to legislation that includes a tinmeline?
O: I am committed to the votes to overide and conditions on the next version if we can't, or to a shorter leash, 3 month funding while we find more votes for a veto overide. More of a carte blanche than he already received is wrong. I will work with the leadership.

Close: Responsible end to this conflict. Supplemental with timeline due to organizations like MoveOn. Will of American people -- with your help we will bring troops home, fight the real war on terror, and restore America's image.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 04/10/2007 08:36:58 PM EST