Hotline says:

From left to right: Mike Gravel, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, Dennis Kucinich.

This does not appear random. The wings are manned by the fringe candidates. The two longshot senators are also on the edges. The center has the front-runners.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 06:56:01 PM EST

Blitzer says no bells or strict timing, using "honor system" -- I thought the bell Fox used worked very well.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:02:42 PM EST

Gravel says he is for real.

The others state the obvious.

Kucinich cashes in on LeBron.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:03:51 PM EST

Yesterday, JFK plot -- Bush approach a success?

NO. World is more dangerous because of Iraq. Distraction from AQ in Afghanistan, new network in Iraq, "critical as the next president" (should say "as president I will . . . ).

On follow up, says allies are important.

Edwards, do you believe we are not at war with terrorists.

Says I reject the bumper sticker, will use every tool. Torture, etc.c.c.c.c

Clinton you agree with "bumper sticker"? No, I am from NY, lived with 9/11 . . . . We are safer, not safe enough.

Kucinich, does JFK plot prove need for Patriot Act? He cites Franklin, those who would . . .

Nobody points out that the plot was uncovered with traditional law enf. mechanisms and really was unserious.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:09:15 PM EST

Obama - No. We are less safe because of the war in Iraq. We need more cooperation of other nations. Answer seems a bit rambling.

Edwards - Questioned on bumper sticker not a plan statement. Political slogan is used by Bush to justify everything he does. Solid, clear answer. better image than Obama.

Clinton - From New York. I know that terrorism is real. We are not yet safe enough.

Dennis - We need to reconnect with deeper sense of who we are as Americans???

This question did not get very far.

Alan Coverstone, Debate Coach, Government Teacher, and Academic Dean Montgomery Bell Academy Nashville, TN

by Coverstone on 06/03/2007 07:09:25 PM EST

Second major question attempts to get Biden to attack the others for voting for the troops. Follow up from Blitzer, "Why won't you attack them or say they are wrong?" Biden says I respect these friends. Some serious show of party unity. Hillary follows up with another strong statement of Democratic unity, saying we are all trying in our own way to bring this war to an end.

Obama tries to recast the vote in question, but again he seems to lose his way a bit. He is not as able to play off Hillary's answer as she was able to take the lead from Biden.

Edwards did tke a shot at Hillary and Barak for waiting until the end to vote.

Obama comes back at Edwards for being late to oppose the war. Let's not play politics.

This Edwards attack gave Obama his best chance yet to look concise and clear. Hillary actually follows up in a way that helps Obama by reminding people that the war is Bush's fault.

Interesting round for the three, but Edwards fell shortest.

Alan Coverstone, Debate Coach, Government Teacher, and Academic Dean Montgomery Bell Academy Nashville, TN

by Coverstone on 06/03/2007 07:16:20 PM EST

Points out the veto and Bush does not tell the truth. But says he, Bden is the truth teller, V shaped vehicles. Lives are at stake, characterizes vote as political. Says "these are my friends" (takes passive/aggressive approach to criticizing Clinton and Obama.

Clinton, are you playing politics? Says the president needs the "enough is enough" message. We are all united on this stage at saying we want the war to end.

Obama, same for you. He explains the obvious with, "Wolf, .....

Edwards does his passive/aggressive, "leading vs. following" says he said "all along . . . " and there is a difference . . . Clinton and Obama did not say anything until they voted . . .

Obama responds: I opposed the war from the start, John you are 4.5 years too late . . .

Hillary: I think it is important to point out this is Bush's war. Uses passive/aggreessive back at Edwards to imply it is easy to criticize from the outside.

Edwards: There are differences, making clear vs. standing quiet.

Dodd finally gets to talk. The policy has failed and there is no military solution.  

Richardson: what moral responsibility to prevent genocide in Iraq. His answer starts with his credentials as UN ambassador -- 7 Americans died today. No residual forces. Genocide in Darfur!

But what about Iraq? I would keep troops in Kuwait, but they are a target now.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:19:44 PM EST

Points out Edwards co-authored the resolution to go into Iraq.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:20:26 PM EST

Wow. The poor guy sits on the side of the stage without a chance to answer until Wolf paints him into the corner of linking his moral opposition to genocide in Darfur with the potential for geocide after a US withdrawal. That is a zinger almost impossible to find a good answer to. Will any of the others be asked a question as tricky as that one?

Wolf goes to Gravel next? Now no one other than Richardson will have to address the question since Gravel will change the subject altogether.

Alan Coverstone, Debate Coach, Government Teacher, and Academic Dean Montgomery Bell Academy Nashville, TN

by Coverstone on 06/03/2007 07:20:35 PM EST

Let the "attacks" begin. Wolfe mines for differences, and gets Obama telling Edwards he is four and half year late. Hillary, the centrists brings Bush into the debate, unites the Democrats, but calls Edwards the "outsider." Seems like two on one, with Edwards overmatched.

Allan Louden, Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

by Allan Louden on 06/03/2007 07:20:40 PM EST

Does not allow enough time to answer. Not even a minute many times, in spite of his "honor system" claim at the outset.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:21:43 PM EST

Doesn't Richardson think our troops would be "targets" in Afghanistan or Sudan?

Does he really have no answer to "civil war worse/genocide"?

Just because Vietnam withdrawal didn't produce dominoes doesn't mean Iraq withdrawal  won't cause an escalating civil war.

There are good answers to this argument -- http://www.csis.org/media/c sis/pubs/070502_usstrat_ira qafgh.pdf -- candidates should learn them, especially if they are going to vote for withdrawal.

by Stefan on 06/03/2007 07:27:59 PM EST

The war will not end until we have a new president. The truth. Bush is the only bad guy.

Clinton, do you regret not reading the NIE?
I was thoroughly briefed. Was a sincere vote for inspectors and coercive diplomacy. Maintains fiction that Bush was not expected to ignore this approach and invade anyway.

Edwards says he was on intel committee and met with people. Says he differs with Hillary in that he admitted he was wrong (and gives props to Obama) says we need to reestablish trust and be honest.

Obama says authorization vote not a disqualifier, but adds that Graham cited the NIE. Nice opportunity for him.

Gravel, it's a moral criteria Shrum's book, political decision. "Disqualifies them for president."

Clinton, "if I had known then . . . "

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:29:02 PM EST

Answers are sometimes are so brief that it is impossible to have any discussion. I'm noe who supports short answers rather than say 2 minutes, but this only allows reference to already know information. Each is basically saying they have a record, have conviction, and they oppose the war. Hillary, however, is able to sound informed despite the lack of time.

Allan Louden, Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

by Allan Louden on 06/03/2007 07:30:25 PM EST

I think the comment made about the differenc between leading and following one is a good one.  Hillary and Obama waited until after the vote was lost before even voting and have not led on the issue.  Edwards was right to call them out on this.

by cvlangopne on 06/03/2007 07:32:59 PM EST

Starting with Richardson, softball.
"I am a border governor . . . " Just say it is not amnesty because there are PENALTIES!!!!!!!! He is better than in last debate, but still could have hit the "amnesty" ball -- even Bush objects to that label as the worst kind of demagogic politics.

He gets another chance and still does not mention fines!!!!

Biden . . . Why is Richardson wrong on fence? "Truth to power . . . ." cannot round up 12 million people . . . Says Richardson is not wrong -- being CINC means need to be practical. Says he voted for the fence for drugs (what happened to truth?????

Obama. Asked about fencing Canada. He points out the TB guy.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:35:04 PM EST

Way to go Obama, this is a question designed to divide us . . . .

Plus, "raise your hand" is silly. This is a DEBATE, not a poll, and Blitzer and CNN do no good to ask such absurd and oversimplified questions.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:37:15 PM EST

Wolfe is as bad here as he is on his news show. Guilt by innuendo, loaded questions "Why is he wrong" ----- Wolfe demands the candidates introduce themselves and like a third grade class, "Raise your hand."
Obama is right, he questions the question.  

Allan Louden, Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

by Allan Louden on 06/03/2007 07:39:06 PM EST

After being ignored on the Iraq debate they finally let him talk on immigration. He actually made an argument about the nature of what would be a policy, but doesn't match his presence with the format. Actually saying something is not what Wolfe seeks. He does look much better tonight.

Allan Louden, Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

by Allan Louden on 06/03/2007 07:39:50 PM EST

Starting with Edwards, honest to say you can fund it without raising taxes? Edwards starts by saying he was first! And Obama not completely universal, (as I predicted in preview thread). Praises Obama plan for including costs.

Obama, Edwards says not universal . . .  Obama says John has goods elements, there will be overlap. My belief is people want health care but cannot afford it. If we do the things that save money . . .

Clinton, what you think of Obama's plan? She gets to chuckle about her experience. Says the most important thing is not the plan (she is right) but the political will is what is crucial . . .

Can you do that without raising taxes? I have found $120 billion in savings which is in the ballpark of cost. Then the question is other priorities.

Richardson: as governor . . . .

Blitzer is an ass to Richardson, does not give him 30 seconds to wind up for his pitch. Then cuts him off again.

Dodd: stats. I ama bringer togetherer.

Edwards: New Republic says Obama leaves 15 million uncovered. Clinton's savings are in my plan.

Obama: need up front cost investment, but people do not try to avoid buying health care coverage. I will fill in gaps. Corrects Edwards on children!!

Kucinich: SINGLE PAYER

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:46:51 PM EST

Hillary, was DADT a mistake?
She says it was a transition policy. It is not the best way, implemented in discriminatory manner. Used and abused. Arabic linguists.

Wolf lets her go on and on with this easy question.
Then reiterates and she restates the answer: POLITICAL PROCESS . . . (she sounds "serious").

Biden, Gen. Pace says . . .
Pace is dead wrong.

Show of hands (of course all agree).

Richardson: governor . . . .

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:52:03 PM EST

Dodd, 1:30 so far.

Hillary, 8:30

Yikes!!!!

Blitzer and CNN are terrible.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:52:52 PM EST

As I predicted,

1. civil unions.

2. Edwards trying to claim he is more of a leader.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:53:44 PM EST

Asks ridiculous question  on what to do with Bill Clinton of Gravel. Why not announce a time out for pee break since there are no commercials???

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 07:55:05 PM EST

He asked Hillary twice essentially the same question, "Your husband as president was wrong with Don't Ask, Don't tell."  Did he not listen, she answered it the first time.
Blitzer has his "gotcha" point and won't be deterred.
He also interrupts almost everyone, "we have to move on . . ." On to what?" Why not discuss something other than seeking the "headline" for tomorrow, "Democrats Beat up on each other."  They actually are agreeing more than not.  Wolfe, get a clue. The pace is like the Situation Room, and equally vacuous.  

Allan Louden, Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

by Allan Louden on 06/03/2007 07:58:17 PM EST

Dodd: was in last place on time going into this question, never answers it directly, until finally gets to carbon tax and CAFE standards. Blitzer, what to do right now to reduce price?

He says something about rebates . . .  and restates the problem.

Gravel: grow up: nothing to do to reduce price of gasoline right now.

Edwards: need to investigate the companies. Vertical integration. Price manipulation. Enforce clean air law against refineries??? That would INCREASE price.

Richardson, is there price gauging.
In my state we . . .
Are they gauging? No.
We need an Apollo program. I have the most aggresive plan acc. to LOCV.

Biden. What to do to reduce price? Take away subsidy???????? That RAISES price!!!!!!!!

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:03:06 PM EST

Three minute break for Anderson Cooper to "tell us what just happened" while they set up for the town hall style format.

Might as well have a few minutes of commercials.

Larry King? "presentation." He talks about strong presentations. What? Larry is gushing.

Crowley: polls show Edwards third so he is trying to draw blood.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:07:57 PM EST

Here is the link to the always updated "Talk Clock" courtesy of the tech people at Dodd'd shop: http://chrisdodd.com/node/1 377

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:09:20 PM EST

It is hard to believe that they have to have a three minute break to set up again. What a mes. Actually it is to allow Anderson to remind listeners that we should be looking for gaffes, John King characterizing the debate as pandering to the left wing of the party, Larry King saying Edwards was good, Crowley with a bit of actual analysis (or at least she reports what they said) but still all they say is a response to a poll, then Larry King again saying it had substance, surprisingly, Yeah, really surprising given Wolfe's questions and lack of time.
Basically the break is to promote CNN programming and Talent. . . Makes FOX look real good.

Allan Louden, Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

by Allan Louden on 06/03/2007 08:10:31 PM EST

Good, not just Dems, also independents likely to vote Dem which is allowed in NH.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:11:00 PM EST

Huge, complicated question. Obama has an article in Foreign Affairs, and many have made major addresses to answer it and  . .. .

Wolfe throws it to Kucinich!!!!!

Then Wolfe acts surprised Kucinich did not answer??

The question was what is plan to end major military operations and to rebuild military.

Obama. Pentagon budget is not same as size of military.

Dodd: are there cold war relic weapon systems? He gets applause thanking troops. Says we need to reassess.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:15:20 PM EST

Why not get treatment at hospital of choice.

Obama gets to answer because on Vet Affairs committee.

Says VA system has good efficiencies like prescription drug prices. Says if rural, should be an option.

Richardson: I disagree. Under my health care plan, a "Hero's Health Card."

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:18:38 PM EST

Who will stand up and walk toward the voter/questioner?? That's the way to show you "feel" them a la Bill Clinton. Will Hillary?

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:19:46 PM EST

Sub-Scripts are like "American Held Hostage"
PAIN AT THE PUMP underwrites Richardson's comments as former Secretary of Energy. Wolfe actually asked a decent question here, but never lets it happen. Of course, Richardson's answer didn't help the focus.

Allan Louden, Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

by Allan Louden on 06/03/2007 08:21:53 PM EST

Finally. Iran is a major question. But the questioner asks false choice of force vs. diplomacy.

Hillary gets to answer (does Wolfe annoint her as the foreign policy expert by choosing her?).

Then Wolfe changes the person's question by asking what to do if diplomacy fails?

Hillary has great line, extemporaneous, about Cheney not being diplomacy.

Edwards: gets good coverage by showing woman smiling and agreeing. Carrot/stick. Edwards says no option off the table.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:25:26 PM EST

Silly scenario like the lousy end of the SC GOP debate, what if Iran on verge . . . .

Good job by Biden to deny the premise.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:26:36 PM EST

Pakistan is not Democratic but need ally for security.

Clinton gets the question AGAIN??????????

Why her?

She does a great job of establishing her credntials having spoken to the people there.

Then Wolfe goes 24 scenario to Kucinich. Kucinich says he would not strike Osama!!

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:29:30 PM EST

Way to go candidates!!!!!!!!!

Tell Wolfe it matters how many innocent civilians . ..

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:31:33 PM EST

Answering the professor's question which Wolfe rudely diverted from.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:32:20 PM EST

Biden gets to jump in, "I just was there." We need to stop talking. Sudan has forfeited their sovereignty.

Raise your hand????????????//

Candidates refuse again without more details. No fly zone?

Hillary: we will not engage in these hypotheticals.

Richardson: I would not use force. More U.N. peace keepers, China, care about Africa.

Dodd, boycott Olympics? That goes too far. Need leadership.

Edwards: use whatever tools. Gets to use his "moral authority to lead in the world" line.

Obama: two things: Guantanamo, habeus corpus, undermines our moral claim.

Raise hand on Olympics????????

Biden. VERY good that 50,000 more will die unless we ACT.

Back to Richardson on Olympics. Says he disagrees with Biden but says he is for no-fly zone.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:39:48 PM EST

Gravel gets the question. Voluntary public service rewarded by free school is his idea.

Kucinich, mandatory? Inspire like JFK. High falutin' rhetoric. Too bad his meta image is uninspiring.

Dodd: I served as a Peace Crops volunteer. Don't need a draft. Need $$ for ed.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:42:36 PM EST

A now fly zone is going to stop the Janjaweed?

50,000 are going to die by the end of the debate and 2,500 NATO troops (including any of ours?) are going to stop it?   Sudan is as big as Texas.

Some intuitive tension between some passion for military intervention to stop genocide in Darfur but no support to stay in Iraq to stave it off.  Seems we are at least more responsible for Iraq than Sudan.

by Stefan on 06/03/2007 08:42:41 PM EST

At least 42 minutes of largely (national service and military health care related to foreign policy questions) foreign policy questions.  Maybe more.

by Stefan on 06/03/2007 08:45:19 PM EST

Obama never gives a deatil on anything. he is 100% rhetoric...

by cvlangopne on 06/03/2007 08:45:33 PM EST

In context of tax cut repeal.

Obama, over $250,000 per year. Go back to when Clinton was in office. Good transition into feeling people's pain and stressing "restoring fairness."

Wolfe asks like Obama did not answer the orininal question. LISTEN, Wolfe. He already answered, the number is $250,000.

Edwards, $200,000. I want to talk about "college for everyone." He has "simple" idea to pay all tuition for those who work 10 hours per week. Hoe to pay for that??? He does it in one tiny town.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:47:01 PM EST

Richardson. I am a governor . . . . for con amendment, line item veto . . .  (GOP?) then lists more stuff. Grow the economy.

Kucinich, GOP talking points are . . .  your answer?
Kucinich: Chinese imports????? NAFTA??? Gets applause but has nothing to do with the federal budget except that we need the balance of payments to FINANCE it.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:50:27 PM EST

The second half of the debate was less engaging in the "Situation Room" sense, but more substantive. Trends I noticed:
(1) Answers get longer
(2) questions are hijacked to talk about what the candidates wanted to get in before time run out
(3) jabs at the others diminished (still there, but) and more about self-acclaims
(4) Debate shifts domestic, even the foreign policy issues become moral choices and hardships for citizens and
(5) Kucinich still sounds nuts.

Allan Louden, Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

by Allan Louden on 06/03/2007 08:52:56 PM EST

Veto all? (CNN Woman translates the question with most prejudicial interpretation of "earmarks" calling them pork).

Dodd? Good deflection to paygo.

Gravel? It is abominable. President needs line item veto. Comptroller General invited candidates for a briefing. Only two went. $50 trillion gap.

Clinton. Remember, 6 years ago we had a surplus. Deal with burden on the middle class.

Kucinich. Interest groups grabbing oil, NAFTA (whatever).

Biden. Publicly finance elections (easy to say now, Joe, when you can't get anyone to contribute to you). His senate seat is paid for by insurance, chemicals, and pharma.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:56:14 PM EST

Edwards: travel the world.

Clinton: end the war.

Obama: end the war, and health care quickly.

Richardson: upgrade schools, preschools, min wage for teachers . . . (first????)

Biden: end war, defuse Iran, defuse Korea. Better be smareter than your advisors.

Kucinich: disarm and cancel WTO!!!!!!!!!

Gravel: tell the people in Congress now to end war.

Dodd: restore constitutional rights the first day (good answer).

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/03/2007 08:59:58 PM EST

I am edwards fan, but he bungled this question by not talking about poverty which is his key issue that none else gives a damn about.

richardsons answer does not reflect the fact that he does not seem to realize fed govt has very little ability to influence education policy.

by cvlangopne on 06/03/2007 09:01:31 PM EST

Clinton wins, poised, informed, articulate, measured, and she is as known simply by her first name - Hillary

Edwards looks good, too bad some voters look for substance

Obama, pretty much invisible, both in comment and participation.

Richardson, better than before, had lots to say about how wonderful New Mexico is, but stayed in his tier

Kucinich, "Still Crazy After All These Years," there is some kind of Beatles anniversary right?

Dodd, Old school, or just old

Biden, give passion to affair. He has positions that have substance, yet . . . he was treated like a sideshow, which is therefore what happened

Allan Louden, Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

by Allan Louden on 06/03/2007 09:02:18 PM EST

Between the kids running and out of the house and the crying, you filled in the blanks nicely.

by fabooj on 06/03/2007 09:07:18 PM EST